Description:

Edge of the Wood Theatre, located in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood on the northwest side, announces auditions for Bernhardt/Hamlet by Theresa Rebeck on December 3-4 from 7-9pm. Callbacks on December 7. The production will be directed by Sean Hargadon. Auditions will be held in the theatre space at the Edgebrook Community Church, 6736 N Loleta Avenue, Chicago.

Synopsis: Paris. 1899. The international stage celebrity, Sarah Bernhardt, has grown tired of the ingenue roles that made her famous. Now, she's in rehearsal for her most controversial role yet-Hamlet. Theresa Rebeck's play is filled with high comedy and human drama against the backdrop of a Shakespearean production that could make or break Bernhardt's career.

Seeking actors to play 20s-60s, of all races and ethnicities, gender and sexual identities, and body types for the following roles:

SARAH BERNHARDT (Female, can play 50s): Renowned French actor of the late 19th and early 20th century. The most accomplished actor of her day. Intelligent, confident, magnetic. Revolting against society's disdain for aging women. This role requires intimacy and fight choreography.

EDMOND ROSTAND (Male, 30s/40s): French poet and dramatist deeply infatuated with Sarah. Best known for writing Cyrano de Bergerac. This role requires intimacy.

CONSTANT COQUELIN (Male, 50s-60s): The leading man in Sarah's troupe. Sarah's confidant. A French actor of "unusual range and versatility." This role requires fight choreography.

ALPHONSE MUCHA (Male, 30s-40s): A Czech painter, illustrator, and graphic artist active during the birth of Art Nouveau. Became famous through his depictions of Sarah.

MAURICE BERNHARDT (Male, 20s/30s): The devoted, dignified illegitimate son of Sarah Bernhardt. Very close to his mother, she's the only family he's ever known. This role requires fight choreography.

LYSETTE MELLOT (Female, 20s): The ingenue of Sarah's troupe, an actress in awe of Sarah. This role requires intimacy.

LOUIS LEMERCIER (Male, 60s): The leading theatre critic of Paris who loves to be courted by artists.

ROSAMOND GERARD (Female, 20s-30s): The neglected wife of Edmond Rostand. A poet and playwright of quiet dignity.

RAOUL (Male, 30s-40s): An actor in Sarah's troupe. Self-involved. Not the brightest, but a real talent.

FRANCOIS (Male, 30s-40s): An actor in Sarah's troupe. A little scattered, but well-trained and serious about his craft. This role requires fight choreography.

WORKER (Male, Any Age): A worker outside Sarah's theater. A role that can be combined with Louis, or made available for an actor interested in a small role.

ENSEMBLE (Open): Non-speaking roles portraying theater employees, additional members of Sarah's troupe, fans, bystanders, etc. can be factored into this production. Ensemble members will also act as crew members for the purposes of scene changes if needed and as understudies.

Pay rate: $200 stipend for principal actors, $100-$150 stipend for ensemble and understudies (with guaranteed performance)