CASTING NOTICE
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
by Tom Stoppard
Presented by: Lewisville Playhouse
Directed by: Chris-James Cognetta
Location: Lewisville Playhouse, 160 W Main St. Lewisville, TX 75057
Performance Dates: April 10-26
Rehearsals Begin: February 25th
This production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead will be a stylized, physically expressive, and inclusive interpretation of Stoppard’s absurdist masterpiece. The production emphasizes minimalist staging, strong physical presence, and fluid doubling between court and player worlds.
We are committed to inclusive, non-traditional casting and strongly encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities to audition.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Initial Auditions
Wednesday, January 14 | 6:30–9:30 PM
Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Lewisville Playhouse
What to Prepare:
One contemporary or classical monologue (1–2 minutes)
Movement or physical skills welcome
Be prepared for cold readings
Callbacks will be by invitation.
Schedule auditions here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044FA5AB28A4FBC61-61331317-rosencrantz
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/7M5HC9ndj5pq8M5Z7
CASTING BREAKDOWN (12-ACTOR CAST)
PRINCIPAL ROLES
ROSENCRANTZ
20s–30s, male-presenting
Athletic build
Open, affable, instinctual, and charming
Strong comedic timing and physical expressiveness required
Not doubled
GUILDENSTERN
20s–30s, male-presenting
Athletic build
Analytical, verbal, philosophical, and intense
Strong command of language and physical stillness
Not doubled
PLAYER / TROUPE ROLES
THE PLAYER
30s–60s, any ethnicity, any gender
Charismatic leader of the Tragedians
Commanding stage presence; theatrical and slightly dangerous
May double with minimal ensemble appearances
ALFRED
20s–50s, male-presenting
Muscular / physically imposing build, partially costumed as script requires
Primarily physical, largely non-verbal role
Comfort with stillness, vulnerability, and embodiment
Doubles as Lucianus / Tragedian
THE TRAGEDIANS (ENSEMBLE)
20s–60s, all genders, all ethnicities
Seeking performers with acrobatics, gymnastics, dance, clowning, or physical theatre experience
Members of the troupe will also double as Hamlet Players
Physical storytelling is essential
HAMLET WORLD ROLES (DOUBLED)
HAMLET
30s, male-presenting
Any ethnicity
Intense, sharp, emotionally volatile
Doubles as a Tragedian / Player King
CLAUDIUS
30s–60s, any gender
Authoritative, controlled
Doubles as Player Queen
GERTRUDE
30s–60s, any gender
Regal, emotionally layered
Doubles as Tragedian
POLONIUS
40s–70s, any gender
Comic, verbose, political
Doubles as Tragedian
OPHELIA
20s–40s, any gender
Quiet strength and presence
Doubles as Tragedian
HORATIO
20s–50s, any gender
Grounded, observant
Doubles as Tragedian / Servant
AMBASSADOR / COURT ATTENDANT
30s–70s, any gender
Ensemble-driven role
Doubles as Tragedian / Attendant
NOTES ON DOUBLING & PHYSICALITY
Most actors (except Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) will play multiple roles
Quick costume shifts and stylized transitions will be used
Strong ensemble awareness and physical control are essential
TO SUBMIT (IF APPLICABLE)
If unable to attend in person, please submit headshot, resume, and video audition to: cjcognetta@gmail.com
