Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

 

Players of Savory OR Unsavory Character & Plucky Nature Pay Heed:

 

Come one, come all and gather ’round the Boar’s Head Tavern in East Cheap for Master Shakespeare’s classic coming of age tale for our own Prince Hal- Henry IV, Part I. That kinda fun play you read your Senior year, but now with 100% more bawdy jokes, and the raucous humors you always wanted and suspected it to have — lakeside on a thrust stage under torchlight.

 

Including interludes of the rotund knight himself, Sir John Falstaff; interspersed with historic bits, courtly intrigue, and that guy they based Black Fish Tully on in Game of Thrones. To further pique your interest: thievery of a most unsavory character, a musical number in Welsh, a rebellion against the crown so big it includes Welsh and the Scots, dick jokes aplenty, and the battle of Shrewsbury where our Young Prince Hal finally takes on the mantle of a warlike Harry that could assume the port of Mars. Oh, and prostitutes. 

 

This veritable feast of motley crews will be raucously stumbling onto Richard Garriott’s The Curtain Theatre this fall for the entertainment of all paying tavern guests.

We seek plucky and adventurous players for our merry band to help erect our production.

 

 

 

Be forewarned, the pay is generously non-existent, but for you will be fed, clothed in all the period finery bearing your station, perform in the most magnificent venue in Austin, educated by some of Austin’s finest, get random freebies throughout, and will leave well-lubricated in your love of the Willy Shakes having been part of a well-played and enjoyable production.

 

Because the world of Shakespeare is filled with many colorful characters, we highly encourage players of all colors, ages, orientations, denominations, abilities, and of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us for this production in an inclusive and friendly artistic family. Players who are not inclusive or friendly will be ferreted out and need not apply. All players are eligible for all roles, cross-gendering will be embraced in both directions. 

 

Those wishing to join need be available for the last half of July, August, September, and October for table reads, rehearsals, workshops, and the run of the show. Check all calendars now. 

 

Do note kindly that we are a theatrical family, players will be expected to help with move in, strike, and will be assigned nightly show duties in addition to learning lines and blocking. Players will also have opportunities to learn sewing, prop-making, painting, diction, scansion, character work, and cross-gendered movement. 

 

Those noble souls and miscreants continuing to read need heed what follows:

Auditions will take place in two rounds.

 

ALL those planning to audition need visit the following google docs folder, which contains all useful materials for auditions (including the audition form, a list of the characters and what we are looking for in each one, a copy of the script, instructions on how to post your audition video, and the much coveted rolling callbacks list). Everyone auditioning need fill out the audition form, regardless of if you are a Sharer, player, or Baron’s friend.

 

Those not pre-assigned to callbacks or wishing to audition for roles not on your callbacks list MUST send a video containing a 3-5 minute Early Modern theatre (Elizabethan/Shakespeare and his contemporaries) in VERSE to auditions@thebaronsmen.org or to the google docs folder following the instructions sheet no later than midnight on June 8, 2018. 

 

Those unable to record and email a video may attend our open house recording session, details of which will be emailed shortly, there is also a handy dandy instructions sheet and FAQ available in the Google Docs auditions folder for your convenience. 

 

For transparency, a current callbacks list is available in the Google Docs auditions folder and will be updated as first-round auditions continue to come in. The earlier your first round audition comes in, the earlier you know about your call back.

 

All actors will be formally notified of callback opportunities (if any) via email with constructive feedback no later than June 9th, 2018.

 

Callbacks will be held on June 10th, 2018 at a 9am at a place which will be announced to those called back and will be a general call by group (nobles, baddies, and bawdies). Sides, cast list, and descriptions are currently available in the Google Docs auditions folder.

 

The expectation is that actors arrive prepared. Prospective players will read against other prospective players for chemistry.

 

All called back will be notified via email of casting decisions with constructive feedback. It is anticipated that casting announcement will take place within one week. 

 

We, the bawdy crew of this fine production do look forward to seeing your grimy faces, new and old, at your auditions and look forward to creating theatrical magic with you. For questions/comments/concerns/feedback don’t hesitate to email halstaff@thebaronsmen.org

 

 

 

Most Cordially Yours,

 

The Crew of Henry IV-Part I

 

Cast of Characters:

Who The Hell Are These People?

King Henry IV: (Bolingbroke from Richard II) he led an army against Richard II and notoriously broke with the Great Chain of Being against the lamentations of John of Gaunt, totally screwing up the English line to the throne. All he wants to do is go to the Holy Land and die there on Crusade. However, his heir apparent isn’t quite living up to expectations. He laments that Hal is a rounder, making himself very publicly known, and wishes that his son had more mettle like Hotspur. He tells Hal to be more careful about what he lets people know about him. He’s also a bit of a diva/jerk in court.

What are we looking for: Stern but noble bearing, kinda a persnickety jerk, his seriousness offsets Hal’s lack of it. That said, his seriousness in his scenes becomes funny when he does things like wave people away. See the timing of Jeremy Irons in The Hollow Crown for an idea of what makes him comedic.

Prince Hal: (Will later be the Henry V from Henry V, but right now he’s just Prince Hal) at this point in his life, Hal is in his 20’s and a bit of a party boy, much to his dad’s chagrin. Hal hangs out with lowly characters in East Cheap at The Boar’s Head and is besties with Sir John Falstaff despite all his flaws. In this play Hal is pulled between the kingly aspects of his father and the unseemly aspects of Falstaff who is a caricature of what power can do to people not ready or prepared for it. The main action of this play is Hal attempting at first to shirk some of his responsibilities, then to try to balance his fun with his royal duties, and finally through Shrewsbury Hal starts to realize what being a King is really all about. This is huge because he’s going to take that seed and with it grow into one of the titans of the British monarchy. By the time he’s Henry V, Chorus is apologizing for how no actor can be as awesome as he was or do him justice.

Fun Fact: This is so informal, we’re starting the show with his father’s rant about how he wishes Hal were Hotspur so he could not have to worry about succession. While that’s happening, we’re wheeling out a bed with Hal, Falstaff, and some ladies in it to really show what Hal is all about at the time.

What we are looking for: Young and roguish with a sense of humor and a wry smile. He doesn’t want to grow up because it’s going to be hard, but he’s going to have a series of reveals throughout the play that will little by little expose his kingly side. Like early James Bond (think Sean Connery) he’s slick but also a little awkward and out of his depth.

Harry “Hotspur” Percy: Even Henry IV thinks Hotspur is exactly what a King needs to be. He’s brash, he’s seriously well-heeled, and his family has ties to the crown so he very well could repeat what Henry IV just did and take the crown. His family was so powerful they pretty much autonomously ran the North.

Fun Fact: Shakespeare makes Hotspur and Hal similarly aged for the dramatic character foil, but the real Hotspur was much older. The Black Fish Tully was based on the real historic version of this character.

What we are looking for: Hotspur has 2 roles to play here: he is first and foremost a foil for the current Hal and will be the biggest challenge the young prince has faced; Hotspur is also in some ways an echo of what Hal becomes as he takes on being King in Henry V. That said, he’s also moody, rash, and angry. He can also be a little vain. His childish contest with Glyndwr shows this side. Depending on who plays Kate, their relationship can be cold and distant or hot.

Sir John Falstaff: “Sir John, God save you…” Falstaff is perhaps one of the most well-known and endearing of all of Shakespeare’s characters. A Dionysian knight whose casting of all the gartered virtues are so calloused and off-base that he becomes a caricature. Falstaff represents everything that is both fun and a distraction for both Hal and the audience. However, Shakespeare has a soft spot for Sir John and though he’s a downright lousy rascal, we come to love him anyway.

What we are looking for: The fat knight is so ubiquitous in popular culture, owing not only to his portrayal by many famous leading men, but also the use of his likeness in ads for the vintage beer that bears his name that he is typecast. Falstaff is rotund, actors who wish to play him need to have enough girth that padding will not look ridiculous. This character is bombastic, over the top, and above all else, the funniest character in all of Shakespeare. Period. Fight me. Anyone auditioning for this role need bring everything they’ve got to fill in Falstaff’s massive ego. Importantly, we must also think of Falstaff as kind and gentle when he’s not in full-on fish tale mode so that we feel a certain endearment to his character and his deep feelings for  Hal as both a friend and a useful ally. When caught in a lie (which he often is by wily Hal) Falstaff quickly becomes cantankerous. Sir John wants to walk the fine line between being a noble knight and a beloved scamp, but mainly he’s not very good at either and we love him for it. Facial hair is a must. We are looking for real-life Casey Weed in this role: exciting Fluvogs are not included but would help you get in character because you’ve got massive shoes to fill. Sir John makes or breaks this play, so bring your absolute A-game. As with all roles, gender fluidity is fine.

Earl of Westmorland: I’m not going to lie, this guy is basically “generic noble guy number 1” but he’s also the straight man for many of Henry IV’s comedic moments.

What are we looking for: Someone who can at least pretend to be noble, or in the least earnest. At times a touch of Kif from Futurama to the over the top Zap Brannigan moments of Henry IV when he gets a little too much.

Lord John of Lancaster: (Hal’s younger brother, next in line for the throne… spoiler alert he never gets there) He’s been the steadfast and dutiful son while Hal has partied it up with Falstaff. He’s young, but turns out to be adept at battle.

What are we looking for: Are you young and kinda boyscout-y. Fantastic, we have a role for you and you get to bring what you want to it.

Sir Walter Blunt: Commands Henry’s forces at the battle of Schrewsbury, serves as a special emmisary for Prince Hal.

What are we looking for: A little gruff, but otherwise you can do what you want with this role.

Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester: (Hotspur’s Uncle) The Percy family (like the Neville family) is a large family of ultra-rich nobles from the North that are close enough in lineage to the Crown to be dangerous. Which is precisely why they’re plotting against Henry IV because after they helped him get his crown, he’s quickly forgotten their patronage. Thomas is the master of the rebellion against Henry IV.

What are we looking for: The great schemer, you’re kinda sorta using Hotspur to get the cool toys and titles you want. You are the Kingmaker. Kinda Lord Baelish from Game of Thrones where you’re super ambitious and also a wee bit scary. Chaos is a ladder.

Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland: (Hotspur’s Dad) The Percy family (like the Neville family) is a large family of ultra-rich nobles from the North that are close enough in lineage to the Crown to be dangerous. Which is precisely why they’re plotting against Henry IV because after they helped him get his crown, he’s quickly forgotten their patronage. Henry ultimately is “sick” the day of Shrewsbury and doesn’t actually send his men to fight.

What are we looking for: You’re a noble guy who gets his feelings hurt when Henry forgets all you did to get him there and then you find yourself in a rebellion you’re not so sure about. Did your brother manage to pull the wool over your eyes or are you more “they might saaaaay I’m a schemer, but I’m not the only one…”? Play it one way or the other and see which you like better on this role.

Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March: (Glyndwr/Glendower’s Son-in-law) Mortimer had a very strong claim to the throne before Henry IV overthrew Richard II. He seeks to follow the same path Bolingbrooke/Henry IV did when he took on Richard II and is hoping for similar results. His wife speaks only Welsh and he married her to get her father, a powerful Welsh rebel) on his side for this whole overthrow thing. Spoiler Alert: it doesn’t work out well.

Fun Fact: This character was created by Shakespeare by combining 2 historic figures, both Edmund Mortimer and the Earl of March. Hence the two names.

What are we looking for: So, Henry totes didn’t pay your ransom because he went all Trumpian “I don’t want to help out losers” and that’s not something you’re happy about. That said, you’re not exactly a literal embodiment of brash anger like Hotspur. What is it that makes you different/better than Hotspur again? Find it and show us.

Owain Glyndwr: (Lady Mortimer’s dad, may also be written as Owen Glendower) Glendower is a key military leader of the Welsh rebels. His daughter married Mortimer. He quickly picks up with the Percy’s in their plot. Glendower is known as a very keep battle tactician and is very capable in a fight. That said, he is also superstitious and believes he controls deep and mysterious magic and is prone to believe in prophecies.

What are we looking for? This role should be fun on a bun, imagine if a Tolkein dwarf hung out with men for a bit. You’re better than everyone at everything, your castle has the biggest walls, you have magical powers because you were born under a comet, the whole 9 yards, and damn you’re proud of it.

Archibald, Earl of Douglas: The leader of the Scottish contingent of Rebels in the usurper plot. I can’t even make this up, but he goes by “The Douglas” which isn’t actually like a period “The Donald” because putting “the” just traditionally means he’s a Scottish Clan chieftain, here of the Douglas clan. If your name was Archibald, you’d go with “The Douglas” too. The Douglas, like Glendower is a force to be reckoned with, and is fearless to a fault.

What we are looking for: Someone unafraid to take their shirt off, get painted with some blue paint, and run across stage with a cudgel screaming. No, seriously, if this isn’t you; this isn’t the role you want. Bonus points if you’re hilariously big or alternatively hilariously small. The Douglas will be expected to affect either a hilariously good or a hilariously bad Scottish accent, so start practicing now and be ready to read your callback sides with it. He’s a bit full of himself, so if you want to somehow create a Scottish rendition of The Donald and are willing to do some hair dye, you could easily seal the deal on this role.

Sir Richard Vernon: Special emissary for the rebel forces, he’s not a historical figure.

What are we looking for: Don’t kill the messenger, but we’re going to need you to play around and find something fun to do with this role. You need a schtick. What’s your schtick?

The Archbishop of York: (AKA Richard Scrope) he’s also not happy with the way Henry IV has been running things, all liking the Archbishop of Canterbury over the Archbishop of York. Naturally, he conspires with the Percy conspiratorial ring.

What are we looking for: Overly pious and self-righteous, channel your inner TV evangelist.

Ned Poins: Ned is a close friend and confidant of Prince Hal in the first half of this play. For reasons we don’t understand he literally disappears in Act II, so if you’re cast as Poins, don’t despair, you’ll get a 2nd role. That said, Ned is the smartest one in what we’re calling “The Bawdy Five” bunch (Falstaff, Poins, Bardoll, Peto, and Quickly) that hang out at The Boar’s Head. Ned helps Hal plan several tricks for Falstaff much to everyone’s amusement. Ned and Hal also make fun of other characters together with a bit of a Statler and Waldorf (the old hecklers from the Muppets) vibe.

What we are looking for: You are far cleverer than the rest of the Bawdies, save Hal. You love to plan and execute practical jokes, have all manner of fun intel, and are early seasons Tyrion Lannister.

Bardoll: (AKA Bardolf/Bardolph) Another proud member of “The Bawdy Five.” Bardolph has a bulbous red nose that is commented on in each of the plays he’s in (That’s 4 by the time he gets hanged for stealing in Henry V). He’s a bit of a lush and one of Falstaff’s wing men. He’s not very bright, but he is still a highwayman and thief before he heads off to war.

What are we looking for: Someone with a bulbous schnoz or that is willing to deal with nose prosthesis and makeup. You would be and could be smart, but you’re mainly just drunk all the time. Can you burp on command or otherwise swagger like a far more awkward and clumsy Jack Sparrow?

Peto: The quietest member of “The Bawdy Five”, Peto is a highwayman with Falstaff’s crew.

What are we looking for: Shorter/smaller in stature. Not the sharpest knife in the mark’s back.

Gadshill: Gadshill is also a highwayman but can only wish to be one of “The Bawdy Five” but he is an accomplished thief.

Fun Fact: This character is nicknamed after famous Gad’s Hill, an actual location on the London Road, likely where he planned some of his robberies.

What are we looking for: You’re sly but an outsider. Constantly looking over your shoulder to the point of almost paranoia. Wait, what was that?

Mistress Quickly: Quickly is the Hostess of The Boar’s Head Tavern in Eastcheap. Hostess here has a double meaning if you know what I mean.

What are we looking for:

Eastcheap is in Cheapside and that means Mistress Quickly will sport a Cockney accent, so practice and be ready for your sides at callbacks. You’re a madam, so you’re more sophisticated than your girls, but it’s not exactly like you run a classy house, so not by much. You do have a keen business mind, though.

Kate Percy: I’ll be honest, this role is small. But it’s not the size of the role, it’s how you use it. Kate when played correctly is a very strong female character that comes off wanting to be part of the action instead of whiny.

What we are looking for:

You’re Hotspur’s wife and can match him in wits. All you want is in on this crazy scheme and he doesn’t want to tell you about it, so you’re willing to do whatever it takes to try to get the intel.

Lady Mortimer: Again, honesty time, you don’t even get a first name and you’re in 2 scenes. BUT you get to sing in Welsh and that’s pretty balla.

What we are looking for:

Are you either really good or really bad at singing? Do you know Welsh or want to learn? Fantastic.