The FSU/Asolo Conservatory and Animal Rescue Coalition seek doggie divas and Shakespeare hounds to audition for the role in a Shakespeare play.The role of “Crab the Dog” in The Two Gentlemen of Verona
is open for one lucky local pooch.
Calling all canines, doggie divas and Shakespeare hounds! Does your pooch have star quality? Is he or she a fan of Shakespeare? The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, in collaboration with The Animal Rescue Coalition, is holding auditions on Saturday, September 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the role of “Crab the Dog” in Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
The winning dog will need to be available for rehearsals beginning October 28. The production runs November 2-21, 2010. Auditions will be held at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. An audition is required. To schedule your audition, please call 941-359-5700, Option 1, Ext. 3636, or email Debi Schalch. The deadline for audition reservations is September 13.
What kind ofstar qualities does your pooch need to play “Crab”?
“We’re looking for older dogs with a wizened and deadpan sense of humor,” says Greg Leaming, director of FSU/Asolo Conservatory and also director of this production.
“They should be docile and responsive to commands,” says Leaming. “Some knowledge of tricks is a plus but all dogs will be considered. Any interesting dog can and should audition; my thoughts on the right dog can be swayed by a really good audition!”
Leaming reminds doggie parents that their canine must have proof of vaccination and be dog- and people-friendly. All dogs will need to be on leash during the audition process. FSU/Asolo Conservatory students will be on hand to meet and greet humans and pet canines-and to ensure enough fresh water and doggie treats are available.
This event is a collaboration between the FSU/Asolo Conservatory and The Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC). The Conservatory will direct a portion of proceeds of season subscriptions sold that day to ARC. A special subscription offer of $100 for all four Conservatory plays will be offered to anyone who shows up that day.
“ARC is delighted to collaborate with the Asolo Conservatory in an effort to find the perfect canine star for this Shakespeare play,” says Ed Sarbey, ARC’s founder and board president. “We’ll have representatives from ARC and other animal groups on site, as well as dogs who need adoption. We hope anyone who cares about finding companion homes for needy dogs and cats will come out that day and show their support for ARC and the Asolo Conservatory.” For more information about ARC, click here.
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s 2010-2011 season includes Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare(Nov. 2-21, 2010); Reasons To Be Pretty by Neil La Butte (Jan. 4-23, 2011); The Lady from the Sea by Henrik Ibsen(Feb. 22-March 13, 2011); and Tartuffe by Moliere(April 12-May 1, 2011).
Ticket Information
The first three productions are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m., at the Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. The fourth and final production, Tartuffe, is at the Historic Asolo Theater. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Repertory Theatre box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000. A special subscription offer of $100 for all four plays is being offered. The 2010-2011 season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now.