Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, NY will be holding auditions for its upcoming production of The Book Of Will, written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Lisa Spielman. The Book Of Will is the story of friendship and loss, art and legacy, against the backdrop of Shakespeare’s first published work.
AUDITIONS: Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00pm and Wednesday, November 19th at 7:00pm
CALLBACKS: Thursday, November 20th at 7:00pm (by invitation only)
PERFORMANCES: Friday, March 13th through Saturday, April 11th 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with possible Wednesdays and Thursdays) NOTE: There will be NO performances over Easter weekend (April 3rd, 4th, and 5th 2026)
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
The Book of Will is about Shakespeare’s work, but it is not Shakespeare. No arcane language, no rhyming couplets. The characters mostly speak in contemporary language, but in dialogue written with the same love of language and story.
CAST REQUIREMENTS: (see below)
From the playwright: “Casting should be diverse. Shakespeare is for everyone.”
We are looking for a troupe of 10-15 actors. All genders, all ethnicities, all abilities are welcome. Female-presenting actors may play male roles and vice versa (as in Shakespeare’s day).
Principal and large supporting roles are listed below. Many smaller roles may be doubled by supporting actors or by expanding the cast. Ages are rough estimates for reference.
HENRY CONDELL (40s): feisty, hopeful friend and actor in the King’s Men.
JOHN HEMINGES (50s): reasonable friend and financial manager of the King’s Men; owner of the Globe Tap House; a good man, a gentleman, if serious.
RICHARD BURBAGE (60s): seasoned lion of the stage, famous across England, loud and proud.
ALICE HEMINGES (35ish): John’s daughter and alewife, knows everyone and hangs with the boys.
BEN JONSON: Poet laureate of England, friend/rival of Shakespeare. Amazing drunk. A bear of a man. Surprisingly weepy.
ELIZABETH CONDELL (40s): Henry’s wife, savvy and fun.
REBECCA HEMINGES (50s): John’s wife, a good wife. Strong, busy with their grocery business, a woman who has weathered much but loves her husband and sons and God.
RALPH CRANE: Humble scrivener of the King’s Men. Quick, sure, quiet.
WILLIAM JAGGARD (60s): Successful if shady publisher of books, plays, and playbills. He is confident in his ability to get what he wants. Very experienced, very connected, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. An ass.
ISAAC JAGGARD (35ish): William’s son, will inherit the business. Sensitive, an artist at heart.
EMILIA BASSANO LANIER (50s): fiery Italian feminist and poet, independent woman, lover of life (and of Shakespeare).
ANNE HATHAWAY SHAKESPEARE (60s): Shakespeare’s now ailing wife. Strong-willed, a classy lady, a survivor.
SUSANNAH SHAKESPEARE (30s): good girl and daughter of Shakespeare.
Sides will be provided at the audition. Callbacks by invitation only. More audition dates may be added. Any questions, email Lisa Spielman at spielman.lisa@gmail.com
Sides from the script will be made available at the audition. All roles are available. Casting is open to all ethnicities and races. Newcomers are especially welcome. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for the event. For more information or directions, call 845-353-1313 or visit https://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/auditions
