What’s this play about anyway?
Pandemonium ensues when two sets of twins, separated in a shipwreck when babies, meet up twenty years later in the town of Ephesus. Mistaken identities create confusion in one of Shakespeare's most hysterical comedies. Comedy of Errors is Shakespeare's first comedy, and definitely one of his funniest. It's a very physical show, and is much different from Shakespeare's other plays because of its farcical structure.
How many roles are available?
Approximately 25 including a small ensemble.
Do I have to have a twin?
Uh, no. But it can’t hurt!
Okay, Mr. Strickland. We know you. What strange things are you up to this time?
Well, no stilts or sauna suits. I am planning to reset the play in a different time period – you probably figured that out from the logo. The current plan is to set the play in a New York style city in the late 1920s or early 1930s. I’m considering a gangster motif as part of that reset.
Do I have to do anything special or have something prepared to audition?
Yes, prepare a short monologue from a Shakespearean comedy. It only needs to be 30-60 seconds long. Don’t worry about memorizing it, but prepare it for both meaning and delivery. We will warm up together, do several activities, hear the monologues, and read from the script.
Do I have to know how to sing or dance?
No, The Comedy of Errors is not a musical.
When will the cast list be posted?
Monday, September 11, before school.
Where will the cast list be posted?
In four places: on the FPD Theatre callboard, in the window of the Fine Arts Building lobby, on Mr. Strickland’s office door, and on the internet at http://fpdtheatre.homestead.com/errorscast.html The cast list may go up on the internet Sunday night if it’s ready – check and see!
When will the first rehearsal be?
Tuesday, September 12, from 6:00-8:00 PM in the auditorium.
If I’m not cast can I work backstage?
Yes! Just come to the first rehearsal to sign up or let me know you are interested.
If I’m not cast does it mean that I’m horrible?
No! I often have many more talented actors than I am able to use. If you are not cast PLEASE audition again. Nothing makes me more miserable than not having a role for an interested student! Come back for our other shows this season!
Can you tell me all those dates and things that were on the form I filled out?
Sure…
The Comedy of Errors will be performed for District One-Act competition. The date has not been finalized yet, but it is expected to be on or near November 2. If the play qualifies for State Competition, there will be another performance November 9. Both of these performances are during school hours. One public night performance will be held either on October 30, 31 or November 1 at 7:00 PM depending on the date set for the competition. The Comedy of Errors will also be performed during Chapel time – date still to come. To audition for this play you MUST be available for all performances.
Rehearsals for The Comedy of Errors will generally be held three evenings a week from 5:30-8:30 PM for the month of September (due to The Hobbit rehearsals after school). In October we will rehearse more often and alternate between afternoon and evening rehearsals based on the schedules of the cast. You will receive a detailed rehearsal schedule listing each rehearsal you need to attend within the first week.
