Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Audition Announcement:
Othello
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Ken Tirado
Othello is a Moorish military commander who was serving as a general of the Venetian army in defence of Cyprus. He has recently married Desdemona, a beautiful and wealthy Venetian lady much younger than himself, against the wishes of her father. Iago is Othello’s malevolent ensign, who maliciously stokes his master’s jealousy until the usually stoic Moor kills his beloved wife in a fit of blind rage. Due to its enduring themes of passion, jealousy, and race, Othello is still topical and popular and is widely performed, with numerous adaptations.
This production’s concept will place OTHELLO in the world of the modern multi-cultural Navy, stationed in the Mediterranean during the time of conflict with Cyprus. It will focus on the play’s depiction of toxic masculinity and misogyny. Racism is still there but jealousy is the chief motivator in this view.
Auditions will take place on Monday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 14 from 5:00 to 10:00pm in The Harbor Room, Building G, at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301.
To make an audition appointment email Stage Manager Kat Sciortino at [email protected] with a preferable time slot and we will accommodate as best as possible.
All actors MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED and provide proof upon entering the audition.
Performances will take place in the Theatre at Empire Outlets on Staten Island, right next to the ferry terminal on the following dates:
Friday, May 12 – 8:00pm
Saturday, May 13 – 8:00pm
Sunday, May – 2:00pm
Friday, May 19 – 8:00pm
Saturday, May 20 – 8:00pm
Sunday, May – 2:00pm
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN. There will be a small stipend provided to actors
Please prepare a monologue from the play, or similar works. Memorized is preferred, but rather have you on book than not there if interested.
This production is interested in having a diverse cast and actors of color and Latinx descent are encouraged to audition.
CHARACTERS
Cast Breakdown:
OTHELLO, Navy Commander, a person of color
IAGO, Othello’s top aide, could be of any gender or ethnicity.
DESDEMONA, Othello’s wife, daughter of Brabantio, white
EMILIA, Iago’s wife, could be of any gender or ethnicity.
BRABANTIO, Big Senator, parent to Desdemona, could be male or female
CASSIO, Othello’s lieutenant, handsome young white guy
BIANCO. Cassio’s mistress
RODERIGO, former love-struck boyfriend of Desdemona.
THE DUKE, important politician – any gender or ethnicity
FIRST SENATOR
SECOND SENATOR
LODOVICO, Desdemona’s cousin
MONTANO, Othello’s predecessor
GRATIANO, Brabantio’s brother
ALSO:
Sailors, messengers, officers, gentlemen, attendants, musicians
