Casting Teens for "Shakespeare in the Park's King Lear"

Lear’s eldest daughter. Intelligent, ambitious, and ruthless. She flatters Lear to gain power, then betrays him. Later enters a toxic rivalry with her sister Regan for Edmund’s affection.

Lear’s middle daughter. Just as cunning and cruel as Goneril, but with a colder, more sadistic streak. Shares her sister’s hunger for power and lack of empathy.

Lear’s youngest daughter. Honest, loyal, and principled. Refuses to flatter Lear with false praise, leading to her disinheritance. Ultimately represents truth and redemption.

Lear’s court jester and truth-teller. Uses wit, riddles, and irony to reveal painful truths to Lear. Deeply loyal. Often seen as the voice of reason in the play’s chaos. Can be played with physical or verbal comedy.

Gloucester’s legitimate son. Honest and noble. Forced into hiding by his brother’s treachery, he disguises himself as “Poor Tom,” a mad beggar. A physical and emotional transformation role.

Gloucester’s illegitimate son. Charismatic, clever, and manipulative. Resents his status and schemes to gain power. A classic Shakespearean villain with moments of charm and moral complexity.

Goneril’s husband. Initially passive and politically naive, but grows in moral strength as he realizes the extent of Goneril’s cruelty.

Regan’s husband. Cruel, authoritative, and violent. Participates in Gloucester’s torture. A role that carries significant menace.

Goneril’s steward. Sniveling, opportunistic, and eager to rise in status by serving his mistress’s schemes. A comedic foil but with sinister undertones.

As well as ensemble members who will play various roles.