Rover Dramawerks will host auditions for its upcoming production of “Bernhardt/Hamlet”

Rover Dramawerks is hosting auditions for its upcoming production of “Bernhardt/Hamlet” at the Cox Playhouse in Plano from October 12-28. The organization will host its local auditions at Reclamation Church in Plano from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on July 16 and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on July 17.

In a recent release, Rover Dramawerks described the story behind “Bernhardt/Hamlet,” which the organization calls a dramatic comedy:

“In 1899, legendary leading lady Sarah Bernhardt’s decision to assume the title role of Shakespeare’s Hamlet left critics and patriarchs aghast and indignant,” the release read. “Laced with forbidden romance and backstage gossip, this behind-the-scenes look at Bernhardt’s most ambitious role is a dynamic character study of one of the most famous actresses—and infamous divas—in the world.”

Janette Oswald will direct Rover Dramawerks’ production of the play. There are two female and seven male roles available, with the role of Sarah Bernhardt having already been casted.
Rover Dramawerks requires a scheduled appointment time for auditions. Those interested should bring a resume and headshot, with references potentially required. They should also come prepared to read scenes from the play’s scripts.

Rehearsals begin the week of September 10. Auditioning actors must note any conflicts in scheduling at the audition.

Click here for a link to the audition sign-up page and read on for a description of available roles from Rover Dramawerks’ recent release:

“Edmond Rostand: Male, 35-45 – An accomplished playwright (eventually writes Cyrano de Bergerac) and genius in his own right. A father of two young children and married to Rosamond. In the midst of an affair with her, he completely idolizes Sarah and her talents. She is his muse. He is charming, literate and intelligent; an attractive younger (than her) man with a talent for words and wit.

Constant Coquelin/Ghost of Hamlet’s Father/Cyr: Male, 50-59 – The leading man in Sarah’s troupe who has played every role in the canon…thrice. And yet, having never gotten the acclaim he probably deserved, there’s a heaviness about him. Though slightly jaded, he is a confidant to Sarah and she values him dearly. He’s a creature of the stage, well read, adaptable. Powerful and commanding as the Ghost of Hamlet, but also a whirlwind of effortless wit as the inspiration for Cyrano. He knows how to own the stage. This is a terrifically funny role that offers broad range. He is a consummate actor, who is capable of great bravura, open-hearted ferocity and careless nonchalance.

Alphonse Mucha: Male, 40-49 – A famous artist and graphic designer, freed from obscurity by Sarah who hires him for all her show posters. He stands aloof, always scrutinizing from an emotional distance, sometimes dismissive, yet utterly charming. Can be unapologetically blunt. His dry humor is subtly hidden behind a facade of seriousness. Completely engrossed by his work, he doesn’t rest until it suits his standards, and gets tied up into himself when it doesn’t. Slight Czech accent.

Maurice: Male, 34-36 – Sarah’s devoted son who has allowed his mother the spotlight his entire life, either in being hailed for her artistic accomplishment or in being gossiped about derisively for her promiscuity. Handsome, he maintains dignity despite it all. But the twists and turns of his mother’s passions as well as her finances have left him worried about money. A well-meaning gentleman, but more content to hide away as a perpetual student than become a leader. And yet, mother and son are very close and deeply bonded. Perhaps to a fault. Finally, he is good natured about who he is in the world. He can stand up to his mother’s excesses without apology. While he will never outshine her or escape her, there is no neurosis. Her love has made him steady, not weak.

Lysette/Ophelia: Female, 20-34 – The pretty ingénue of Sarah’s troupe, she considers this job a big break for her. In awe of Sarah and always eager to learn from her. Seemingly innocent, she fancies herself more self-possessed than she probably is, but her depth is surprising, as is her willingness to experiment with her sexuality. Or maybe that’s just her idolatry for Sarah sublimating itself into desire.

Louis: Male, 50-79 – The leading theater critic of Paris. Full of flamboyance, pretense and cutting humor, he relishes his authority to make or break careers. Passionate about the theater, he champions work he believes in or delights in utter flops. Loves to be courted by producers and artists who desire his approval, but just as likely to ingratiate himself to stars. An inconstant member of an entourage, but an important one nonetheless.

Rosamond: Female, 30-39 – Rostand’s neglected wife. She confronts Sarah, not to stop her love affair with her husband, but to ask that she release him from the challenge of rewriting Hamlet so he can finish Cyrano. A woman of quiet dignity and strength, with a sick child at home and a husband she never sees, who has not always been dealt the kindest hand by life. And yet she’s persevered. As a fanciful poet herself, she respects the theater, but stands outside the incestuousness of its community. Unsure how to behave in the face of Sarah’s celebrity, she defies it. Extremely secure in her own skin–surprisingly so, given the circumstances. When she plays her cards she does so with an assurance which is one of the few things that truly can rattle the Divine Sarah.

Raoul/Rosencrantz/Viscount De Valvert: Male, 30-49 – An actor in Sarah’s troupe. Self-involved and has more than a hint of machismo. Not the brightest bulb, but not untalented. Funny, well trained, and serious about his craft. A good supporting role for a comedian who can make something his own.
Francois/Guildenstern/The Bore From Cyrano: Male, 30-49 – An actor in Sarah’s troupe. A little scattered, his attention is just as easily captured as it can be distracted. A little sensitive, he’s a people pleaser. Funny, well trained, and serious about his craft. A good supporting role for a comedian who can make something his own.”

For more information about Rover Dramawerks, visit https://www.roverdramawerks.com/.