Description:

Elsinore is seeking 7 actors for their spring 2024 production of Mary Stuart by Fredrick Schiller in a new version by Peter Oswald. The production is being staged at Side Street Studio Arts Theatre, 15 ½ Ziegler Court, Elgin, IL. There is a $100 stipend.

Synopsis:
Mary Stuart was executed by her cousin Elizabeth, Queen of England, on February 8, 1587. History records that they only ever communicated in letters. But Schiller's play envisions the lead up to this turn of fate that cemented Elizabeth's reign. Reimagined for a modern audiece by Peter Oswald's new script and Thomas Neumann's contemporary staging of this fascinating moment in history Mary Stuart is now, more than ever, an inside look into the political woman and the striving men who surround them.

This production will be performed in modern dress in a timeless setting without stage dialects.

Auditions will be held November 14 & 15 by appointment only at the Elgin First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland, Elgin IL.

Character Descriptions:

The roles of Queen Elizabeth, Mary Stuart and the Earl of Leicester are cast.

(6 Male Identifying Actors, 1 Female Identifying Actor)

Mortimer (Male Identifying, 25-45): A devious courtier who sees Mary as a way to power. Leads an assassination attempt against Elizabeth and attempts to seduce Mary.

Talbot/Melvil (Male Identifying, 45+): The two men in England who care for Mary's soul and welfare the most. They truly have her best interest at heart. Talbot is the only man who sees the relationship that Elizabeth and Mary could forge.

Lord Burleigh (Male Identifying, 45-65): High Treasurer of England and Elizabeth's closest courtier. While he has England at his heart the methods he uses to protect Elizabeth and the crown are dark and sinister.

Amias Paulet (Male Identifying, 50+): Mary's guardian and uncle of Mortimer. His duty is to protect Mary and keep her safe while also serving Elizabeth and seeing to her wishes.

Hannah Kennedy (Female Identifying, 55+): Mary's Nurse and close confidant, at times a motherly figure to Mary.

Aubespine/O'Kelly/Officer (Male Identifying, 25+): A French Ambassador, n assassin, and an officer of the court. The actor in this role will also play a courtier/guard in many scenes.

Bellivere/Davison (Male Identifying, 25-35): A French ambassador and Burleigh's assistant. Davison makes the most fatal mistake of all in handing Burleigh the death warrant.