Canine casting call at Shakespeare Theatre
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is celebrated for staging classic tales. Now they need a tail to tell another.
The professional theater company has announced a casting call for the onstage role of “The Dog” in its upcoming season-premiere production of “The Royal Family.” Performances of the George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber comedy begin on May 27 and continue through June 21, with a possible extension to June 28.
The script calls for a pair of identical dogs, but the company is open to a variety of breeds and sizes. Ideally, they hope to cast a small “exotic-looking” dog, or two medium-sized similar-looking dogs, or one very large dog to suit their production.
“We are not expecting the dogs to memorize Shakespeare dialogue, but if they want to bark a few verses, we’ll listen,” said Casting Director Stephen Brown-Fried.
The chosen pooch will make a cameo appearance in every performance of “The Royal Family,” including evening shows and some matinees, and will be led on stage by a leash.
Canine candidates should be well-behaved and not disturbed by bright lighting, people or loud noises. Dogs who reside in the Madison area are preferred. Transportation to and from the theater can be arranged. The animals will be led on stage on a leash.
To submit a dog for consideration, send a photo of the dog, the owner’s name and contact information via email to Casting@ShakespeareNJ.org by Tuesday. Submissions should also specify the size of the dog.
First performed in 1927, “The Royal Family” presents an eccentric dynasty of acting giants, featuring the family matriarch, the reigning Broadway star, a swashbuckling son and a young ingénue. The 1975 revival was the first winner of the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play, and the 2009 Manhattan Theatre Club revival was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
The Shakespeare Theatre season continues outside at the Greek Theatre at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morris Township with Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (June 17 to July 26). Then it’s back indoors to the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre at Drew University in Madison for Ferenc Molnár’s “The Guardsman” (July 8 to July 26); George Bernard Shaw’s “Misalliance” (August 5 to 30, and directed by Brown-Fried); the New Jersey premiere of Bill Cain’s “Equivocation” (Sept. 16 to Oct. 4); “The Diary of Anne Frank” (Oct. 14 to Nov. 21); and “The Merry Wives of Windsor” (Dec. 2 to 27).
Special events including readings, “Know the Show” discussions and other events are scheduled throughout the season. Individual tickets and a variety of discounted subscription packages are available. For more information, call the box office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.
Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-428-6627; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.