Auditions: Romeo & Juliet

Director: Stephen Hayward

Performances: 3 - 7 Jun 2025

First Rehearsal: 16 Mar 2025

Characters:

Romeo: Male, aged 15-35, any ethnicity. I see Romeo as somewhat alternative/edgy - maybe whatever the 1930s version of a goth or hippy is. He’s passionate, impulsive, artistic, emotional and follows his heart, and he’s often scribbling ideas or images down in a notebook. He may have ended up in the Verona institute for any/all of these reasons. Large role.

Montague: Male, aged 40-70, any ethnicity. May or may not be Romeo’s real father - either way, sees him as someone he wants to take care of in some way. He’s quite gentle with a real heart, though may not always understand what’s going on. Quite a small role.

Mercutio: Male or non-binary, aged 17-40, any ethnicity. Intelligent, witty, agile, with a brain that has the ability to confound others, which is probably why he has been placed in the institute. Loves life and seizes the day wherever he can. Gets killed at the end of the first half because he maybe should have shut his mouth in the face of danger rather than talking. Will also double as the Apothecary in the second half. Medium-sized role.

Abram: Male or non-binary, aged 17-40, any ethnicity. Quiet, loyal, and while nowhere near as quick-witted as Romeo or Mercutio, he’s a solid friend to them and enjoys going along with the fun. Often more of an observer than a talker, with a childlike air, Abram does have a few important moments. I would very much consider someone with a disability for this role. Small/medium role.

Juliet: Female, aged 15-35, any ethnicity. A big ball of contradictions, you never quite know which version of Juliet is going to turn up on any given day - the witty carefree girl, the daring mischievous girl, the emotional and unsure girl? This is probably why she’s in the institute - no one knows what to make of her. Goes on probably the biggest journey of anyone in the play and will need to drive every scene she’s in. But where does this all come from? What’s happened to her before that leads her to behave this way now? Large role.

Paris: Female or non-binary, aged 20-40, any ethnicity. Talks a good game, but may not always be able to see it through. Confident and up for anything, even if their ideas confuse themselves at times. Doesn’t back away from a fight. Small/medium role. They are quite possibly gender non-confirming or androgynous in appearance, which is probably why they are in the institute. Small/medium role.

Lady Capulet: Female, aged 40-70, any ethnicity. Perhaps the most ‘away with the fairies’ of all the characters, Lady Capulet clings to what she knows and uses it to comfort her. Think Mrs Bennet in Pride & Prejudice. She’s been in the institute for years due to her mental instabilities, but still holds a bit of sway around the place and is respected. Probably isn’t Juliet’s real mum, but acts like she is. Medium role.

Tybalt: Female or non-binary, aged 25-45, any ethnicity. Tybalt most likely suffers from PTSD from the First World War, and is quick to want to fight ‘the enemy’ at any opportunity. Fierce and strong, but doesn’t make the best decisions. Gets killed at the end of the first half. Will double as a (non-speaking) nurse in the second half. Small/medium role.

Benvolio: Male, aged 30-50, any ethnicity. Cares about his job and the work he does at the institute, but occasionally his desire to be friends with the patients can muddy his professional judgment and isn’t on the ball 100% of the time. Perhaps he’s become a little disillusioned with how things are run. Firm but fair, unafraid to stand up and speak when required. Gets sacked due to the furore at the end of the first half, doesn’t have much to do in the second half. Medium role.

Nurse: Female, aged 40-70, any ethnicity. Slightly less comedic than this role would traditionally be played, as she really is an experienced nurse working hard in a mental institution. She cares a lot, and uses her professional judgment wisely in terms of when to play along with the patients and their fantasies, and when to draw the line tactfully. Has a soft spot for Juliet. Medium role.

Friar Lawrence: Male, aged 40-70, any ethnicity. I see this role as more of a chaplain/counsellor within the institution, who the patients can go and talk to and know well. Isn’t a medical practitioner exactly, but can get their hands on medicine and knows a bit about it. Again, probably less comedic than traditionally played, and walks the fine line between indulging the patients’ fantasies and steering away from them - not always successfully.

Prince: Any gender, aged 40-70, any ethnicity. CEO/head doctor of the Verona Institute. Caring, knowledgeable, experienced. When things happen, they want to establish facts and make decisions in the best interests of the institute. Calm, clear and decisive, with a real air of authority. Everyone is a little scared of them.<br />