News

Raleigh Little Theatre is seeking performers for its upcoming production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, by Tom Stoppard. This show will be presented in the Gaddy-Goodwin Theatre.

About the show

Two minor characters from Hamlet suddenly find themselves at the center of one of theatre’s funniest and imaginative comedies and Stoppard’s most well known work. As the two lead characters search for answers, they encounter actors, royalty, pirates, impossible coincidences, and a world that never quite explains itself or lets them in on the full story. Filled with fast-paced wordplay, unforgettable performances, and surprising heart, Tom Stoppard’s modern classic is less about Shakespeare and more about all of us trying to figure out where we fit.

By Tom Stoppard

Directed by Jeri Lynn Schulke

Scenic Design by Sonya Drum

Costume Design by Jenny Mitchell

Lighting Design by Darby Madewell

Stage Management by Lauren Montana

Important dates

Audition Information Session: August 10, 2026 (Monday) 7-8pm [Register on Zoom here]
This information session will include an overview of the audition process, forms, and guidance on how to prepare to audition for this production. This is a great session to attend if you have never auditioned for a show before, never volunteered at RLT, or if you would like to hear more from the creative team about the process and show.

Auditions: August 17, 2026 (Monday) 7-10pm and August 18, 2026 (Tuesday) 7-10pm

Callback List: posted on RLT website by August 19, 2026 (Wednesday) at 12pm

Callbacks: August 19, 2026 (Wednesday) 7-10pm

Cast List: August 24, 2026 (Monday) by 5pm

Rehearsals: August 31, 2026 – October 15, 2026; Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays 7-10pm, with some possible rehearsals on weekends. 

Tech rehearsals: October 17, 2026 (Saturday) and October 18, 2026 (Sunday), typically 10:00am-6:00pm, exact times TBD 

Tech dress rehearsals: October 19 – 21, 2026 (Monday through Wednesday)

Preview: October 22, 2026 (Thursday) 7:30pm

Performances: 7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays, 3:00pm Sundays; October 23 – November 8, 2026; and 7:30pm Thursday, October 29, 2026

Strike: Immediately following the last performance on November 8. All cast members are expected to stay for strike.

A conflict calendar is available at this link for reference.

About the roles

Raleigh Little Theatre encourages actors of any ethnicity, identity, ability, etc. to audition for any role. We actively encourage all performers to audition for the roles which they feel best suit their skills. If the script requires strict adherence to any characteristic(s), those will be listed in the character description. The characteristics describe the characters in the play. 

Certain characters will be double cast (Polonius, Horatio, Laertes, Fortibras, possibly Ophelia, Gertrude, Claudius) as ambassadors, attendants, soldiers, spies, and pirates.

Rosencrantz (late 20s-30s, any gender) – A passive, easygoing friend of Hamlet who rarely questions events and tends to follow along. A charming optimist, emotionally open, eager to please.

Guildenstern (late 20s-30s, any gender) – A more anxious and philosophical friend of Hamlet who constantly tries to make sense of what’s happening. More analytical and sceptical; clings to logic, rules, and patterns.

The Player (40s+, any gender) – Charismatic leader of a traveling acting troupe; theatrical, confident, cynical, philosophical, and aware of the artificiality of life. The consummate showman and a person of the world. Has seen it all and then some. At the end of the day, a pragmatist and survivor. Has almost no principles other than dedication to their craft. A cynic and an idealist as it suits them.

Hamlet (late 20s-30s, male) – Prince of Denmark. Appears distant and unpredictable, brilliant, mercurial, brooding, tortured, and emotionally volatile. ​​

Claudius (40+, male) – The (new) King of Denmark; Hamlet’s uncle and mighty opposite, now stepfather and king. Polite but a polished political operator who speaks with measured authority. Charismatic, ruthless, in a little over his head. Using Rosencrantz and Guildenstern for his own purposes.

Gertrude (40+, female) – The Queen; Warm, poised, graceful, elegant, socially adept, nobody’s fool, kindly but detached. Using Rosencrantz and Guildenstern without considering their fate. 

Polonius (50+, male) – Court advisor to the king. Verbose, self-important, officious, and unwittingly comic. A chatterbox and a meddler. 

Ophelia (20s-30s, female) – Polonius’ daughter and Hamlet’s (former) love interest; her tragedy occurs mostly in the background of the play. Intensely, operatically passionate; devoutly religious.

The Tragedians (Age 15+ and any gender) – A group of actors who perform dramatic plays, blurring the line between acting and reality. Versatile ensemble who inhabit multiple roles, embodying both comedy and menace. This ensemble includes members with some of the following skills: musical (drum, flute, horn), dancing, juggling, tumbling, clowning, circus skills, stage combat (armed & unarmed), and stylised movement, etc.

About the auditions

Please prepare a 1-1.5 minute monologue for auditions. Shakespeare or Stoppard monologues are encouraged, though not required. If not doing a Shakespeare or Stoppard monologue, the monologue should be contemporary and, ideally (though not required), use complex language. Actors who are interested in a tragedian role are encouraged to show off their special skills.

All auditionees should arrive ten minutes before the time they are signed up to help with check in. There are TWO general audition days. You need only attend ONE.

A callback list will be posted by 12pm on August 19. 

Please sign up for an audition slot using this form.

Questions about auditions? Contact info@nullraleighlittletheatre.org

If you need any specific accommodations to audition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@nullraleighlittletheatre.org to make your request. Examples of accommodations made in the past are: wheelchair accessible audition space, large print materials, prompters in the audition room, and volunteers to help fill out forms.

Volunteer Access Fund

The Volunteer Access Fund offers support for some of the costs involved in participating in theatre making here. Please check out our Volunteer Access Fund program!