Cymbeline is a wild tale of heroic princesses, jealous men, stolen infants, and scheming Queens. This is one of Shakespeare’s greatest but most under-performed plays, featuring riveting scenes filled with exquisite verse.
For the first time, the YSP will be presenting an ‘original practices’ production in Renaissance dress, in a limited engagement 1-3 March at one of York’s hidden gems, the medieval Merchant Taylors’ Hall. In a modern twist on Shakespeare’s all-male company, all roles will be open to actors of all genders, and the audience will see the actors get ‘into role’ on stage, much like Mark Rylance’s production of Twelfth Night. A mix of traditional and non-traditional gender casting will illuminate numerous themes in the play, and actors will be supported throughout the rehearsal process on how to perform their characters’ gender roles.
Auditions will be the evenings of 5th and 6th December (6.30.-9.30.), with recalls and additional auditions on the afternoon of the 9th (2.00.-5.00). Please prepare a short monologue in verse by Shakespeare or one of his contemporaries, preferably memorised. Singing, musical ability, and stage combat are a plus! All actors must be 18 or older by the start of rehearsals in January.
Email yorkshakespeareproject@gmail.com to secure a time, or to arrange a video audition if none of these times suit. We look forward to hearing from you!