Synopsis
Jealousy. Betrayal. Retribution. Fate. Forgiveness?
Convinced that his wife Hermoine, the Queen of Sicilia, is pregnant by his closest friend Polixenes, the King of Bohemia, Leontes, King of Sicilia enacts a plot to destroy everyone he believes has caused him harm. But will it cost him all he holds dear? Has he chosen to ignore fate and instead destroy himself and his kingdom?
One of Shakespeare’s last plays, The Winter’s Tale is a powerful exploration of the consequences of jealousy. Combing elements of tragedy and comedy, and spanning over sixteen years, this epic play is magical.
This production is set in the lavish court of Sicilia during the jazz age of the 1920s and travels to the Great Depression era court of Bohemia. With music by Cole Porter, and some bawdy physical comedy, The Winter’s Tale is sure to dazzle and amaze.
Characters (Ages are suggested playing ages—not fixed in most cases).
Characters
Acting Roles:
Leontes: 30+. King of Sicilia. Hot headed; jealous.
Genders: Male
Ages: 30-40
Polixenes: 30+ King of Bohemia; gentle, caring, wise.
Genders: Male
Ages: 30-40
Camillo: 30+ Lord of Sicilia, loyal, but cautious.
Genders: Male
Ages: 30-40
Antigonus: 30+. Caring, gentle. Meets an horrific fate.
Genders: Male
Ages: 30-40
Mamillus: Under 10. Very wise. Small role
Genders: Male
Ages: Under 15
Florizel: 18+. Prince of Bohemia. Carefree…a classic lover
Genders: Male
Ages: 16-20
Shepherd: 40+. Bohemia. Kind father, but wary of those in power.
Genders: Male
Ages: 40-55
Autolycus: 20+. Very bawdy, physical comedy. Confident singer preferred.
Genders: Male
Ages: 20-30
Hermione: 25+. Queen of Sicilia. Beautiful, loyal, caring.
Genders: Female
Ages: 20-30
Paulina: 25+. Highly intelligent and crafty. Resolves the plot of the play.
Genders: Female
Ages: 20-30
Perdita + others: 16+: Believes she is of low status, innocent, kind.
Genders: Female
Ages: 16-20
Mopsa + others: 20+.: Low in status and morals.
Genders: Female
Ages: 20-30
Dorca + others:: 20+: Low in status and morals.
Genders: Female
Ages: 20-30
Clown: 20+: Comical, physical. Kind, but cautious.
Genders: Male, Female
Ages: 20-30
Cleomenes: 20+: Lord of Sicilia. Cautious.
Genders: Male, Female
Ages: 20-30
Dion: 20+: Lord of Sicilia. Cautious
Genders: Male, Female
Ages: 20-30
Backstage Roles: Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Set Design, Lighting Operating, Sound Operating, Set Build Set Crew, Costumes, Front of House
Precast Characters:
None
Audition Venue & Dates
Audition Dates and Times:
11:00am on:
7:00pm on:
Audition Venue Name: Strathmore Community Hall
Audition Venue Address:
50 Loeman Street
STRATHMORE VIC
Audition Enquiries Contact: Drew Mason - drew.mason@optusnet.com.au or call 93826284
Performances
Season Dates: 29 May 2025 - 7 Jun 2025
Showtimes:
8:00pm on:
- Thu 29th May 2025
- Fri 30th May 2025
- Sat 31st May 2025
- Sun 1st Jun 2025
- Wed 4th Jun 2025
- Thu 5th Jun 2025
- Fri 6th Jun 2025
- Sat 7th Jun 2025
Other Information
Other Information:
Any of the above characters will be able to sing and /or play instruments, should the actors wish.
Some doubling of roles will be essential.
Open call audition, no appointments - all auditionees at the same time:
Audition will consist of presenting one short, prepared sonnet or speech from Shakespeare as well as presenting selected scenes from the play with other auditionees. Please be prepared to spend some time at the audition. Also looking for actors who are confident with singing.
Further Audition information
For the audition, please come with a prepared short Shakespearean soliloquy, monologue or sonnet (not from the play) and be ready to also read from the script with your fellow auditionees. Auditioners for Autolycus, or to be part of the singing ensemble, should also prepare a short Cole Porter song.
You do not need to come both days, just one.
As the auditions will be open call, please plan on spending at least an hour with us.
Rehearsal period: most likely will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings and either Saturdays or Sundays at a time to suit cast and director. There will be some early text workshops before commencing rehearsals on the stage; as such, this will be a slightly longer rehearsal period than some shows. Time will also be allocated to music rehearsals should the need arise.
For more information or to book an audition, please contact:
Drew Mason, director drew.mason@optusnet.com.au or Ph. 9382 6284.
Performances
May 29 to June 7 (will be 8 shows over two weekends-Thu to Sun; Weds to Sat)
Audition and Performance location: STAG, Strathmore Community Hall, corner of Loeman and Napier streets, Strathmore
Please note: The director is particularly looking for actors who are confident with singing and physical humour (for some of the roles). Actors who can also play instruments would be amazing, as I wish to provide the music live on stage. If interested in being part of the musical aspect of the show, please prepare a song from Cole Porter of your choice should you wish to be a singer.
