Masquers Playhouse proudly announces auditions for:
William Shakespeare’s Tragical History of FRANKENSTEIN
by Ian Doescher
Directed by Angelina LaBarre
To be released as a 5-part audio drama, prerecorded, and featuring a full sound design.
About the production
From New York Times best-selling author, Ian Doescher, best known for William Shakespeare’s Star Wars and the Pop Shakespeare Series, comes Mary Shelley’s classic tale retold in the style of the Bard.
William Shakespeare’s Tragical History of Frankenstein tells the familiar story of Victor Frankenstein, his creation, and their tragic downfall. In five acts—with Shakespearean soliloquies and asides, literary conventions, and more—you’ll revel in the Gothic tale given the Elizabethan treatment. Forsooth—’tis alive!
Rehearsals will start mid-December and recording will be completed by mid-January. Episodes will be released weekly starting January 29. All parts are open to anyone regardless of age, gender expression, ethnic or racial background.
Audition Instructions
Auditionees are asked to prepare a home audio recording of their choice of the sides from the script (linked below). If you are new to self-recording, click here to review a brief tutorial.
Choose a side, prepare a self-recording (audio only), and email to info@masquers.org. No accents, please. Along with your recording, please include your full name, phone number, email address, and time zone. You may include a resume if you wish, but headshots are not necessary.
Audition recordings are due November 30th.
After reviewing initial audition recordings, the director will host invited callbacks via Zoom. There will be two opportunities for callbacks – Saturday, December 5 (morning) and Sunday, December 6 (late afternoon/early evening).
CHARACTERS
Leads – major presence in each episode
-Robert Walton, explorer and Chorus
-Victor Frankenstein, a scientist
-The monster, Victor’s creation
-Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s adopted cousin and paramour
-Henry Clerval, Victor’s closest friend
-Alphonse Frankenstein, Victor’s father
Supporting roles – major presence in some episodes
-Ernest Frankenstein, Victor’s younger brother
-Justine Moritz, an unfortunate young woman
-Professor Waldman, Ingolstadt professor of chemistry
-Professor Krempe, Ingolstadt professor of philosophy
Cameo roles – major presence in one episode
-Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein, Victor’s mother
-Kirwin, a magistrate
-Michael, a villager
-Helga – a villager
Extras – smaller presence in multiple episodes, plays multiple characters
-William Frankenstein, Victor’s youngest brother
-De Lacey, a blind peasant
-Agatha, De Lacey’s daughter
-Felix, De Lacey’s son
-Safie, Felix’s paramour
Citizens, officers, villagers, and crew members
No AEA opportunities are available for this project. For questions or to get support, please email info@masquers.org.
Sides
For your self-record audition, you only need to choose one side, record yourself performing, and submit it to info@masquers.org along with your full name, phone number, email address, time zone, and resume (optional). You may choose any side you like. The director is looking for the performer’s ability to handle verse and express emotion and depth through only their voice. No accents, please.
Elizabeth is the adopted cousin and fiancée to Victor Frankenstein. In this side, Elizabeth has just lost her adoptive mother and Victor is about to leave for college. She considers her unknown future. Download
Victor Frankenstein is the promising young student who creates the Monster. In this side, Victor is formulating how he’s going to become a master of understanding the human body and we see the beginning of his plan to build the Monster. Download