Does your pooch have what it takes to become the next theatre star?
This year’s Bard on the Beach Festival includes a staging of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and the organizers are looking to cast for the play’s most unusual character: Crab the dog, which belongs to another character – a servant named Launce.
An audition day is scheduled for March 31, when the play’s creative team will be taking a look at a shortlist of would-be Crabs.
Organizers said some productions of the play use puppets or even human actors as Crab the dog, but Bard on the Beach is going the canine way, putting out a casting call for a real-life dog with no show business experience.
So what is the play director looking for in the wannabe Crabs?
The pooch has to be either a large, calm dog that will be happy to lie still–regardless of the surrounding distractions–or a perkier dog that will respond to Launce when encouraged and maybe even do a trick or two.
The dog has to be well-behaved and able to keep his or her composure when surrounded by bright lights and audience noise.
No other special skills required.
Shakespeare didn’t specify what breed Crab should be, so there is room for a diverse range of dogs to try out for the role. Love for the bard’s work is optional, but a four-month commitment is a must. The pooch will make his or her debut on the Howard Family Stage this summer.
Deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 15 at 4 p.m.
For more information on how to apply, click here.