William Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’

About the Show:

Seeking a versatile, multi-talented, diverse ensemble of about 10 actors for Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. One of Shakespeare’s “problem plays”, Measure for Measure examines how power corrupts and critiques hypocrisy in matters of sexual morality. In this production, every actor will play more than one role, and each person cast will have considerable stage time. Some roles may be gender-reversed.

Auditions can be either a prepared 1-2 minute Shakespeare monologue, or cold readings from the script.

If you play a musical instrument, please bring it!

WARNING: This play contains adult content, including a depiction of sexual assault. If there are roles or content that you are not comfortable playing, please note on the audition form and/or tell the director at your audition. This will not remove you from consideration. You will be considered for roles within your comfort levels.

About the Production:

Director: Norah Sweeney

Tech Week: June 16-20

Performances: June  21-29 (4 Performances)

About the Audition:

LOCATION: Fly Loft, 117 N Boston Ave.
DATE: Feb. 23
TIMES: 1 -4 pm



Character Descriptions:

Abhorson, an executioner.

Angelo, The villain of the play, a man who rules strictly and without mercy. He has his own weaknesses, however, and he is loathsome more for his hypocrisy than for anything else. He presents Isabella with a difficult proposition and then does not even hold up his end of the bargain.

Barnadine , A long-term prisoner in the jail, Barnadine is sentenced to be executed together with Claudio. The Duke originally considers him hopeless and therefore dispensable but later changes his mind.

Claudio, Isabella’s brother. Claudio is a young man sentenced to death for impregnating an unmarried woman. He was engaged to her by a common-law agreement, but they had sexual intercourse before the legal marriage took place. Claudio depends less on the guidance of laws and religious practices than on his sister.

Elbow, a dim-witted constable who arrests people for misconduct, particularly of the sexual variety. He speaks in malapropisms and provides comic-relief throughout the play.

Escalus, a wise lord who advises Angelo to be more merciful. He is loyal to the Duke and seeks to carry out his orders justly, but cannot go against Angelo’s will.

Isabella – The main character, Isabella, is a very virtuous and chaste young woman who faces a difficult decision when her brother is sentenced to death for fornication (unlawful sex). Isabella does not approve of her brother’s actions at all, but she pleads for his life out of loyalty and sisterly devotion. Isabella is a spiritual person who starts off wanting to become a nun.

Juliet is Claudio’s lover, and she is pregnant with his baby.

Lucio, described by Shakespeare as a “fantastic,” is a flamboyant bachelor who provides much of the play’s comedic content. He is a friend of Claudio’s and tries to help him.


Mistress Overdone runs a brothel in Vienna. A loud, colorful personality. A survivor.

Pompey, a clown who also works for Mistress Overdone.

Provost, runs the prison and is responsible for carrying out all of Angelo’s orders.

Duke Vincentio spends most of his time dressed as a friar in order to observe what is happening in his absence. The Duke is unfailingly virtuous, good, and kind-hearted. He tends to rule a little softly, which is why he enlists Angelo’s help.