SURREY — I am not a fan of wintery things like snow and ice, sleet and cold. C’mon Mother Nature, it is almost spring, followed by summer.
One of the best things about summer is outdoor theatre, like Bard on the Beach, Theatre Under the Stars and Bard in the Valley.
Bard in the Valley offers Shakespeare to audiences south of the Fraser. It seems that everyone who pursues acting has a moment or two when they want to be part of a production written by William Shakespeare. Odd how enduring and popular this playwright is. Bard in the Valley is your opportunity as an amateur actor to “do” Shakespeare – outdoors, in the summer. Rain is always possible but, according to producer Diane Gendron, this has rarely happened.
Auditions for Bard in the Valley’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing” are being held this Sunday, March 12 starting at 12:30 p.m., and on Monday, March 13 starting at 7:30 p.m. Actors wishing to audition should report to Douglas Park Recreation Centre (20550 Douglas Cres., Langley) to hear an outline of the production, performance expectations, rehearsal commitments and to complete the audition form.
CLICK HERE for audition details, including the form.
Everyone auditioning will be asked to do a cold read from the script, and some will be asked to read for specific roles. Do not send digital headshots or resumes. Bring a printed hardcopy headshot and resume to the audition to be turned in with the audition form. So yes, this doesn’t give you much time to prepare, but cold reads can really give the director, Dylan Coulter, a good idea of what talent you have.
And Coulter does know his Shakespeare. He had major roles with BIV’s productions of “Julius Caesar” and “The Taming of the Shrew,” and this is Dylan’s first directorial experience with BIV. Dylan graduated from Langley Fine Arts High School, studied at Vancouver Film School and has a degree in theatre and English from the University of the Fraser Valley. He has a background in stage combat and a passion for Shakespeare.
If you decide to audition and you have musical talent, bring an instrument to play, and to prepare a short song to sing (no longer than one minute). If your instrument happens to be a piano or full-sized harp, I don’t know what to tell you. Think mandolin and small guitar. Auditioners may also be asked to follow a few dance steps. It won’t hurt.
This is a non-equity show, meaning no one gets paid, and no professional actors. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Gendron at info@bardinthevalley.com.
Rehearsals begin on Sunday, April 2 at noon, and performance dates are Thursday, June 29, Friday, June 30 and, as part of Fort Langley’s Canada Day celebrations, on Saturday, July 1, on the lawn in front of the fort’s historic community hall. In July, performances are at the Township 7 Winery in Langley, and more dates follow on the outdoor Spirit Square Stage in Douglas Park.
In all, 14 actors are required, and some actors will play multiple roles. Four of the roles will be men, and four will be women. The other characters can be played by either men or women.
Get a copy of the play and read it, so you have some idea of the action and characters. Coulter is looking for the best actor to play the role, not necessarily a particular gender. Actors of all backgrounds are encouraged to audition.
