Flashback Theater Co. (FbTC) is preparing to present the 2023 SomerStage production, As You Like It, and seeks performers for the main and junior casts. FbTC’s production of As You Like It by William Shakespeare has been adapted by local playwright Steve Cleberg. Local theater artists and theater lovers interested in participating in Flashback’s outdoor stage event are invited to audition or interview the week of April 18th. In addition to adult performers, this production will include a junior cast opportunity with a condensed script for students from 12 to 18 years of age. Sign up for your audition slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094AADAF2DA1FC1-audition1
As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters that change their points of view.
Much like “Shakespeare in the Park” programs in Louisville, Nashville and even New York City, the SomerStage series at FbTC offers accessible theater in the Lake Cumberland region. Likewise, SomerStage provides an opportunity for young actors who have gone off to college to study their craft to come back during the summer, develop their acting chops, and get a key credit on their resume even when out of classes — and that will only help them once school is back in session.
A perusal script will be available at Flashback Theater for those wishing to review the show before auditioning. Performers and parents of possible junior cast members are encouraged to read this script before auditions.
Important Dates
Auditions (by appointment only):
Tuesday, April 18th, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 20th, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cattle Call Auditions
Saturday, April 22nd, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Callbacks
Sunday, April 23rd, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.. *Additional callbacks may be scheduled to accommodate special circumstances, at the discretion of the production team.
Performances: July 20 – 22, 2023 (Junior Cast performance: July 22 & 29, 2023)
Mandatory Tech Rehearsals: July 16 – 19, 2023
Table Work: June 5 – 9, 2023
Staging Rehearsals begin June 12, 2023
Production Information
As You Like It will rehearse in the Black Box at Flashback Theater, 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 will be double cast, meaning one actor will play them both.
Oliver, The eldest son of Sir Rowland De Boys
Orlando, his younger brother
Rosalind, daughter of the deposed Duke
Celia, daughter of the deposing Duke Frederick
Touchstone, Duke Frederick’s jester
Le Beau, servant to Duke Frederick
Duke Frederick, the deposing Duke
Duke Senior, the rightful Duke
Sylvius, a young shepherd
Jacques, a melancholy courtier
Audrey, a simple country girl
Phebe, a shepherdess
Additional Roles available for adult cast members
About Junior Cast
The Junior cast will gain practical production experience through observation of the main cast review session each week, followed by a dedicated rehearsal. Junior cast will have limited rehearsal time and MUST be present for all scheduled Junior cast rehearsals, including a technical rehearsal on Thursday, July 18. The Junior cast will perform in a “tour” style July 22 and July 29, 2023, visiting area parks, as well as their performance at Rocky Hollow Park.
What to Prepare
You should prepare a 1-2 minute monologue that showcases your stage presence and acting range.
Please bring a headshot and acting resume if available. You will fill out a contact form at your audition time. Email is our primary way of contacting actors for call backs, so please be sure you provide an email that you check regularly.
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
As You Like It is supported by our title sponsor, Don Franklin Family of Dealerships and our artist sponsors, Pulaski County Government, LC Tourism, EHA CPAs, and Mindsight Behavioral Group.
FbTC is thankful for all sponsors and would like to recognize 2022-23 Spotlight Sponsors: Applied Behavioral Advancements, City of Somerset, M&W Printing, Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and Footlight Sponsors: David Daring Rentals, Kinetic by Windstream, United Cumberland Bank, T. Ronald Kidd Trust, Fireborn Energy, and HealthMarkets for their continued support of FbTC’s production of theater that speaks to the soul.