The Cast of As You Like It, Somerstage 2023
Flashback Theater Co. (FbTC) is seeking actors of all ages and experience levels for its upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, directed by Amber Frangos. Auditions will take place at the new FbTC office downtown, located at 209A East Mount Vernon St. Somerset, KY, on Thursday, May 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 25th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The SomerStage production will run July 25-27th at the Joe Ford Amphitheatre in Rocky Hollow Park.
The Comedy of Errors is Shakespeare’s most farcical comedy, taking a slapstick view on love, family, and the hilarity of coincidence. Madness ensues when Antipholus and his servant Dromio (both of Syracuse), arrive in Ephesus to find their nearly identical twins of the same names: Antipholus and Dromio (of Ephesus). When the friends and family of the Ephesus pair meet the pair from Antipholus, they mistake them for them for the twin they know, setting off a series of madcap events!
This SomerStage production of The Comedy of Errors will take on a new genre for Flashback Theater: Physical Theater. Examples of physical theater range from classical examples like Commedia dell’arte or Japanese Kabuki theater, to contemporary British companies like DV8 or Frantic Assembly. For this production, performers will record their lines in advance of the rehearsals & performances, allowing them to focus on a physically embodied portrayal of the emotions and story. As a reference to classical forms of physical theater, actors will wear half faced masks. Director Frangos’ vision is to use elements of movement and sound to create one cohesive symphonic action. Though physical, this movement style is not dance, think balletic, but not ballet. Since this type of work might be new to many of our performers, those cast in the production will be provided with Movement workshops to help prepare them for the process.
A perusal script will be available at Flashback Theater for those wishing to review the show before auditioning.
Important Dates
Auditions (by appointment only):
Thursday, May 23rd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 25th, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sign up online now:
Performances: July 25 – 27, 2024
First Read: May 29 OR May 30,2024
Table Work: June 3-7, 2024
Recording: June 10-21, 2024
Movement Workshop: Week of June 24th
Mandatory Tech Rehearsals: July 21-24, 2024
Production Information
The Comedy of Errors will rehearse at Flashback’s new office space at 209A East Mount Vernon St, generally on weeknights. Performances will be held at the Joe Ford Amphitheater in Rocky Hollow Park, and are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions.
Available Roles
Some roles may be double cast, meaning one actor will play them both.
Antipholus of Syracuse, the twin brother of Antipholus of Ephesus and the son of Egeon. Traveling the world anxiously in search of his lost family.
Antipholus of Ephesus, the twin brother of Antipholus of Syracuse and the son of Egeon. Married to Adriana and established as the head of a bustling, successful household.
Dromio of Syracuse, nearly identical twin of Dromio of Ephesus. Endlessly put-upon but witty and good natured nonetheless.
Dromio of Ephesus, nearly identical twin of Dromio of Syracuse. Endlessly put-upon but witty and good natured nonetheless.
Adriana, wife of Antipholus of Ephesus. Fiercely jealous with a sneaking suspicion her husband might be cheating on her.
Luciana, patient sister to Adriana. The object of Antipholus of Syracuse’s affections.
Egeon, an elderly merchant sentenced to death for his violation of travel law. Father to the twins Antipholus.
Abbess, The head of a religious order in Ephesus, and, secretly, Egeon’s long lost wife Emilia.
Duke Solinus, the ruler of Ephesus
Balthasar, a merchant in Ephesus
Angelo, a friendly goldsmith
Merchant, an Ephesian friend of Antipholus of Syracuse
Second Merchant, a tradesman
Doctor Pinch, a schoolteacher, doctor, and would-be exorcist
Luce, a maid to Antipholus of Ephesus
Courtesan, a friend of Antipholus of Ephesus and a proprietress of the Porpentine Inn
What to Prepare
Actors will be asked to read sides from the play as part of auditions. Sides are available for perusal at the button below:
Auditions will include a physical component. Actors will be asked to move with intention to portray what is narrated.
Please bring a headshot and resume of theatrical experiences if available.
New to Flashback Theater?
By auditioning for the SomerStage production, you are indicating interest in being considered for a summer production, which will require commitment throughout June and July. You will be able to indicate on your audition form if you are unavailable for particular rehearsals. The director will be calling back individuals from this pool of talent based on your type, experience, and availability. For this reason, it is helpful if you bring a photo of yourself and a theater resume or list of previous theater experience for later reference.
You will fill out a contact form at your appointment. Email is our primary way of contact, so please be sure you provide an email that you check regularly. Our artists are typically paid a stipend to offset the costs of attending rehearsals. We are a semi-professional company, and we operate in a professional atmosphere. Our artists are treated with respect and we expect you to return that respect by showing up on time to all rehearsals and performances, and collaborating in a positive manner. Your audition or interview is the first opportunity to show your respect for the theater process and thus your ability to work well with us; so arrive early, be prepared, and always say “Thank you!”
Season Sponsors & Supporters
The Comedy of Errors is supported by our title sponsor, SPEDA, and our artist sponsors, First & Southern National Bank, Greg & Peggy Sherry, and Huffman & Huffman. Additional support is provided by design sponsors Dairy Queen & Forcht Bank.
Flashback Theater is grateful to our 2023-24 Spotlight Sponsors: Applied Behavioral Advancements, M&W Printing, Kentucky Tourism Arts & Heritage Cabinet, The Shubert Foundation, The City of Somerset, David Daring Rentals, and Fenix Digital; as well as our Footlight Sponsors: Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital & Lake Cumberland Residency Programs, First & Farmer’s National Bank, The Weigel Family, United Cumberland Bank, T. Ronald Kidd Trust, Kinetic by Windstream, Somerset Community College, Toyotetsu America, Inc. (TTAI), Brad Bigelow of Century 21 Advantage Realty, and Buffalo Wings & Rings.