William Shakespeare the abridged version, the focus for Lester Centre production in 2024

Billy Shakespeare has never had it so good in Prince Rupert! 

His Renaissance era works the undercurrent of note for the Charles Hays Production of Something Rotten destined for the Lester Centre stage November 30-December 2.

And now his complete oeuvre is set to be taken on by Prince Rupert's energetic theatre community, with the Lester Centre set to host auditions of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).

The two act play described as an irreverent and fast paced romp, where three people perform all of the Bard's 37 plays in 90 minutes.

Speed reading for thespians could be in the works for the successful actors or actresses, with the Audition process to take place on three occasions.

Sunday, November 12: 1-3 p.m.  

Monday, November 13: 7-9 p.m. 

Thursday, November 16: 6-8 p.m.

Once selected, the cast assembled will work on their craft until showtime set for April 19-20, 2024 at the Lester Centre of the Arts.

As Lester Centre General Manager Chris Armstrong notes, 2024 is the gap year between community musicals, with the Shakespearian revue serving to offer some theatre up for residents in the off year.

“The Lester Centre produced a version of Mamma Mia! earlier this year, and it was a resounding success. Since 2024 is an off-year for our community musical, we’d like to stage a fun, zany, and fast-paced play for the springtime.”

Towards the auditions, Armstrong offers up a thumbnail sketch of what's ahead for later this month.

The roles for the play are neither gender-specific nor age-specific, and those auditioning for the play should have a basic understanding of Shakespearean theatre. 

Most of the play’s lines are written in common 21st-century language, although there are some passages where Shakespeare’s verse is quoted verbatim.

The production while that of a timeless master of theatre, is not quite as intimidating as one might think as the Lester Centre notes in their Social Media call for auditions.

If that has whetted your appetite, you can schedule your audition time here.

Or you can email the Lester centre at manager@lestercentre.ca  or call them at 250-627-8888 to book a time or learn more about what it's all about.

More on the plans for the Spring production can be reviewed here.

More items on Arts and Entertainment in Prince Rupert can be explored here.