The Book of Will
by Lauren Gunderson

Director: Toni Ruscio

Audition Dates
Tuesday, January 21 @ 7:00PM
Wednesday, January 22 @ 7:00PM
possible call backs January 23 @ 7:00PM

Performance Dates:
Fridays, May 9 & 16, 2025 @ 8:00PM
Saturdays, May 10 & 17, 2025 @ 8:00PM
Sundays, May 11 & 18, 2025 @ 2:00PM

Important Information

To register for an audition night:
Email Toni Ruscio at cctpad@curtaincallbraintree.org and specify the role(s) you are interested in.

• A resume (If you do not have a resume that is OK, as there is a section on the registration form that provides space for you to list your past shows.)
• A recent photo of yourself (The photo doesn’t need to be a professional headshot and you may print it on regular paper.)
• A list of conflicts from March-May (You should include all conflicts Monday – Sunday.)

Show Synopsis

Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo & Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. This is an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter that sheds new light on a man you may think you know.

Character Descriptions

Henry Condell: 40s; feisty, a hopeful friend and actor in the King’s Men.
John Heminges: 50s; reasonable friend and financial manager of the King’s Men; owner of the Globe Tap House; a good man, a gentleman, if serious.

The following roles may be doubled as listed below:

Richard Burbage/William Jaggard/Horatio:
• Richard Burbage: 50s; seasoned lion of the stage, famous across England, loud and proud.
• William Jaggard: Successful if shady publisher of books, plays, and playbills. He is confident in his ability to get what he wants. Very experienced, very connected, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. An ass.
Alice Heminges/Susannah Shakespeare:
• Alice Heminges: 35, John's daughter and alewife, knows everyone and hangs with the boys.
• Susannah Shakespeare: 30, good girl and daughter of Shakespeare.
Ben Jonson/Barman 2/Sir Edward Dering:
• Ben Jonson: Poet Laureate of England, friend/rival of Shakespeare. Amazing drunk. A bear of a man. Surprisingly weepy.
• Sir Edward Dering: 60, book and theatre lover.
Elizabeth Condell/Emilia Bassano Lanier/Fruit Seller/Marcellus:
• Elizabeth Condell: Henry's wife, savvy and fun.
• Emilia Bassano Lanier: 50, fiery Italian feminist and poet, independent woman, lover of life (and of Shakespeare).
Rebecca Heminges/Anne Hathaway Shakespeare:
• Rebecca Heminges:  John’s wife, a good wife. Strong, busy with their grocery business, a woman who has weathered much but loves her husband and sons and God.
• Anne Hathaway Shakespeare: 60, Shakespeare's now ailing wife. Strong-willed, a classy lady, a survivor.
Ed Knight/Isaac Jaggard:
• Ed Knight: “Stage Manager” for the King’s Men, self-serious and particular.
• Isaac Jaggard: William’s son, will inherit the business. Sensitive, an artist at heart.
Ralph Crane/Barman/Compositor/Francisco:
• Ralph Crane: Humble scrivener of the King’s Men. Quick, sure, quiet.
• Compositor: Works for Jaggard, young.
• Bernardo, Francisco: Actors playing those roles.
Marcus/Boy Hamlet/Crier/Bernardo:
• Marcus: 20, printer’s apprentice at the Jaggard print shop, nosy but honest.
• Crier: Newsboy

NOTE: We are seeking actors who can bring distinct personalities to these roles, with a strong understanding of each character’s desires and the determination to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. We are also looking for actors who are eager to have fun with one another during the rehearsal process and performances. Auditions are open to actors of all races, ethnicities, and genders.