King Lear

Audition Notice
King Lear by William Shakespeare

Directed by Paul Kay and Joy Hellyer

Auditions: 7-8 April 2018
Production Dates: 27 June - 7 July 2018
Rehearsal Period: rehearsals start 15 April 2018

Among Shakespeare’s many great works, King Lear is often seen as the greatest – and the most challenging. The story of the man who divides up his wealth and his powers among his three daughters, essentially putting himself at the mercy of the two who love him not, while banishing the one who does, is at the same time an epic tale and an intriguing family drama.

Our Lear will have a New Zealand aesthetic and we’re looking for a pool of actors committed to bringing our favourite Shakespeare to life. We are not particular about accents, but we’ll be keen to have some Kiwi voices in the mix and would be delighted to have Māori actors audition for us.

Note: auditions have already been held for the roles of Lear and Gloucester and these have been cast.

We are looking for male actors for Edgar and Edmund, and female actors for Goneril, Regan and Cordelia, but are willing to consider cross-casting options for any of the other roles:

Goneril (female, 30s-40s): Eldest daughter of King Lear, regal, entitled and ambitious
Regan (female, 30s-40s): Middle daughter of King Lear, self-serving, sexual and cruel
Cordelia (female, 20s-30s): Youngest daughter of King Lear, kind, principled and strong
Edgar (male, 20s-30s): Elder son of the Earl of Gloucester – needs to be disguised as a mad beggar for large chunks of the play – loyal, empathetic and courageous
Edmund (male, 20s-30s): Second, illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, visceral, opportunistic and cruel
Kent (40s+): Loyal servant to Lear – has to be disguised as a servant for the bulk of the play – devoted and principled
Fool (any age): Engaging, witty, some musical ability may be an advantage
Albany (30s-40s): Goneril's spouse, principled, detached
Cornwall (30s-40s): Regan's spouse, greedy, violent and vicious
Oswald (any age): Goneril's servant
France and Burgundy (20s-30s): Suitors of Cordelia

There are a variety of other speaking roles and some of the roles will be doubled.

To sign up for an audition, or if you have any queries, please contact the Production Manager Sarah Wood at auditions@stagecraft.co.nz.