Auditions for Romeo and Juliet

The Black Box Theatre at McHenry County College is proud to announce auditions for a new unique version of William Shakespeare’s ill-fated love story, Romeo and Juliet, directed by Jay Geller.  

In this powerful new version of Romeo and Juliet, adapted by Jay Geller and Ted Hazelgrove, the genders are reversed! An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. A group of masked Montagues risks further conflict by gatecrashing a Capulet party.  Young lovesick Juliet Montague falls instantly in love with Romeo Capulet (who is due to marry his mother’s choice, the Countess Paris). With the help of Romeo’s nurse, the couple arranges to marry the next day, but Juliet’s attempt to halt a street fight leads to the death of Romeo’s own cousin, Tybalt, for which Juliet is banished. In a desperate attempt to be reunited with Juliet, Romeo follows the Friar’s plot and fakes his own death. The message fails to reach Juliet, and believing Romeo dead, she takes her life in his tomb. Romeo wakes to find Juliet’s corpse beside him and kills himself. The grieving families agree to end their feud. 

There are roles for twelve women and five men, though all genders will be considered for any role. 

Please prepare a two-minute Shakespearean monologue. Sign up for an audition time  »

Callbacks will be held on Thursday, December 15. At callbacks, actors will read from the script. Rehearsals will begin on Wednesday, January 18, and will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6-9 p.m. Performances will be on March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19.