Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Audition Announcement:
The Comedy of Errors
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Emmie D'Amico
A Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s funniest shows. Like a cartoon come to life, the many cases of mistaken identity when two sets of twins with the same name are separated at birth and unbeknownst to anyone, end up in the same town, are abundant! Our production, inspired by the campy comedy of drag and clowning, will explore the assumptions made about a person based on their appearance, and how not directly addressing an issue can make situations much more complicated. We are looking for physical and dynamic actors with a strong grasp on heightened text to jump into these timeless roles with energy who are willing to build a company mindset of mutual respect.
Auditions will take place on Friday, July 11, from 6:00 to 10:00pm and then Saturday, July 12 from 4:00 to 8:00pm in The Learning Center, Building G, at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301.
To make an audition appointment email Emmie D’Amico at
ZW1taWUgISBkYW1pY28gfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ== with preferable time slot and we will accommodate as best as possible.
Performances will take place outside in front of the Music Hall Annex on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center on the following dates:
Friday, September 12 – 8:00pm
Saturday, September 13 – 8:00pm
(Rain Date: Sunday, September 14 – 8:00pm)
Friday, September 19 – 8:00pm
Saturday, September 20 – 8:00pm
(Rain Date: Sunday, September 21 – 8:00pm)
Director Emmie D'Amico (she/he/they) specializes in physical comedy and unlocking stories through dramaturgy. Their productions are mystical, campy, and impactful. D’Amico loves to bend reality with the help of an audience. She holds a certification as an interactive immersive performer, and believes the future of theatre is innovative and site specific. You may recognize Emmie from their work in the Tank’s episodic “Serials,” their devised piece in collaboration with PickPocket Project “Night Witches,” the world premier of Pablo Ceja’s “Against the Wall,” the first workshop of the new musical “Schmidt Sisters,” the premier of Emily Elliot’s “No Serious Stuff,” or Sarah Sterling’s piece “Of Sorts” in the Women’s Playwrights Festival at SIS.
This production is interested in having a diverse cast and actors of color and Latinx descent are encouraged to audition. Please apply for any role which speaks to you regardless of gender expression, race, or body type.
Antipholus of Syracuse- twin brother of Antipholus of Ephesus, son of Egeon and Emilia, who has come to Ephesus to find his long lost brother and mother with his servant, Dromio of Syracuse. He is an outsider in town, and very aware that travelling in Shakespeare’s day was a dangerous business. He is careful of his coin, but also takes kindnesses and surprises at face value, meeting them with gratitude. He is rough with his servants when they displease him.
Antipholus of Ephesus- twin brother of Antipholus of Syracuse, son of Egeon and Emilia, is a respected and wealthy merchant who lives in Ephesus. He is married to Adrianna, and also supports her sister Luciana. Antipholus takes care of his wife, although he indulges in the courtesan’s services on occasion. He counts on the reputation he has built socially and in buisness, and breaks down when he is not treated with the respect he has come to expect.
Dromio of Syracuse- The manservant of Antipholus of Syracuse, Dromio has been travelling for a very long time. The two have been together since both of their births, and Dromio is a devoted and trusted servant. Strong physical comedy in this role.
Dromio of Ephesus- The manservant of Antipholus of Ephesus, Dromio lives in a beautiful house with his master and does his job dutifully. He enjoys the respect which being a servant of Antipholus brings him. He is married to Luce/Nell, the maid in the estate. Strong physical comedy in this role.
Adriana- Married to Antipholus of Ephesus, she is strong willed, quick to action, and easily jealous. She is a supportive sister to Luciana.
Luciana- Adriana’s unmarried sister whom Antipholus of Syracuse falls in love with at first sight. She is soft and feminine, and loves to girl talk.
Solinus- The Duke of Ephesus, he is a fair and strong ruler.
Egeon- Father of both Antipholuses, and a merchant from Syracuse, he came ahead of Antipholus of Syracuse on the same quest to find his long lost son and wife. His wife is Emilia, known in Ephesus as the Abbess. It is illegal for him to be in Ephesus as they are at war with Syracuse, and in perilous moments, he reaches out to tell his story and get help finding his family.
Emilia- Thinking her husband dead, Emilia has become the Abbess, a leader among nuns. She is the mother of the Antipholuses, and respected in the community.
Merchants/ensemble- We are casting a group of various merchants who will also serve as the ensemble in some scenes. Balthasar, Angelo, Merchant, Second Merchant, Doctor Pinch (witchcraft), the courtesan (a successful businesswoman in the oldest business in the world), and Nell (Dromio of Ephesus’s wife) will also portray guards and townspeople in other scenes. We are casting a variety of dynamic comedic actors to play these roles.
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