Bards of Birmingham is holding auditions on January 19th for actors, ages 5-25, for William Shakespeare’s Henry V.
All actors ages 5-25 are invited to audition for a production of “Henry the Fifth” like no other. Set in a dystopian future, Shakespeare’s classic tells the story of two warring kingdoms, and a young ruler who seeks the exceptional. Fierce, involved, and passionate, and drawing upon some of the most transcendent language in all of Shakespeare’s work, this will be an experience not to be forgotten.
As always, this production will be cast both race and gender blind. The only changes to Shakespeare’s original words will be length-based edits and alterations of gendered pronouns, if necessary. This play is likely to include an ensemble cast, in which single actors play several of the play’s many roles.
This production will also include live music, so if you sing or play an instrument, please come prepared to perform a short piece so you can be considered for one of the live musical pieces.
PARENTAL CAUTION: This is a violent play, which includes betrayal, battle, and graphic descriptions. These themes will be discussed openly with our young actors. This is not G-rated theatre, although actors under the age of 10 will not be included in the more intensive workshop portions. As with some of the Bards’ more realistic plays, parents of our youngest actors can elect to not have their children view the entire play to avoid depictions of death.
2019/01/19 - 2019/01/19
Additional time info:
When: January 19, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00 pm. If necessary, callbacks will be held immediately following initial auditions.
Where: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, 4300 Hampton Heights Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209.
What to bring: A resume and headshot, and a monologue no shorter than one minute, no longer than four minutes in length. If you are interested in performing as musician, you should also come prepared to sing and/or play an instrument.
All Bards productions are cast race-blind. Interracial relationships have been regularly and positively represented since the inception of Bards of Birmingham.
Most Bards productions have also been cast gender blind, except where the script called for specific romantic combinations.
Bards of Birmingham has always been, and will continue to be, a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community; LGBTQ actors are welcome!
Bring the following items with you to auditions:
Actors will be called back one at a time to perform for audition judge(s). If casting decisions can’t be concluded with an initial round of auditions, actors may be asked to come back for a callback audition round which will include cold readings from the script.
For every actor under 18, at least one parent must be present for a mandatory parent meeting on Saturday, February 2, at 9:30 am.
Rehearsals will take place on Monday nights, some Wednesday nights, and Saturday afternoons from February – May. The play will be performed the first two weekends of May 2019.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham
4300 Hampton Heights Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209