"Merchant of Venice" Play Needs Teen Performers
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to audition for the "Merchant of Venice" Play. Please see the details below. About the project: The Merchant of Venice is often classified as one of Shakespeare’s comedies. But is it? It is a play where no one dies and all, except one, live happily ever after. But do they? These questions cast dark shadows over the fragile house of cards that Shakespeare constructs in his play about love, greed, and justice. Bassanio borrows money from his friend, Antonio, in The Merchant of Venice, to woo a wealthy and beautiful young woman, Portia. Antonio’s own money is tied up in business ventures that depend on the safe return of his ships from sea, but he loves Bassanio so much that he borrows the money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Because Antonio has previously offended him, Shylock lends the money against a bond. Failure to repay the loan on the agreed date will entitle Shylock to a pound of Antonio’s flesh. What could go wrong? Everything, of course, as Shakespeare’s characters charge full force into pursuits that are urgent, deeply human and full of questions about their grievously fractured world. Perhaps the most provocative question resounding in our own world today: “Who deserves to live happily ever after?” Additional info: It's all an amazing experience with a professional director, coaches, and designers. Rehearsal & Performance Dates: Evening and weekend rehearsals begin May 20, 2026: Rehearsals are Monday-Thursday evenings and Saturday/Sunday afternoons. Rehearsal location(s) are yet to be determined. There will be seven (7) performances June 21-30, 2026: Performances are Thursdays through Sundays at 8 pm at TBD. If interested, please apply.
16 roles
A Jewish moneylender in Venice who has been embittered by years of abuse at the hands of Venetian Christians —- Antonio, the merchant, in particular. Shylock is an outsider, an immigrant, an alien driven to irrationality.
A prosperous Venetian merchant. Because of his love for Bassanio, borrows money from Shylock. Antonio agrees to guarantee the loan with one pound of his own flesh. Admirable, generous, kind - but not to Jews.
A wealthy noblewoman who lives outside of Venice, attracted to Bassanio but frustrated by her father's will that binds her to marry whoever solves The Riddle of a Woman with three locked boxes. Beautiful, clever, and determined. Dresses as a man to perform as a lawyer in the famous trial.
A Venetian nobleman and close friend to Antonio, wishes to pursue the noble Portia but cannot afford to do so, seeks a loan from Antonio. Charming, likeable, attractive - a hustler.
An unrefined, loud friend of Bassanio, falls in love with Portia’s assistant, Nerissa
Shylock's daughter, longing to leave the restrictions of her culture, the Jewish ghetto and her angry, resentful father, she disrespects and robs him, eloping with Lorenzo, a Christian. She converts to Christianity.
A friend to Bassanio and Antonio, in love with Jessica. Lorenzo elopes with her, with no qualms about taking money and precious items that she has stolen from her father.
Portia's assistant and confidante, ultimately marries Gratiano.
A clownish employee to Shylock, leaves Shylock to work for Bassanio.
A Venetian nobleman, friendly with Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, and Lorenzo.
A Venetian nobleman and good friend of Salerio.
Suitors to Portia. Both fail to solve the riddle!
Presides over the trial of Antonio, attempts to persuade Shylock to show Antonio mercy but eventually follows the law and doesn’t make an exception to help Antonio.
Launcelot's blind father.
A Jew, Shylock's sole friend and confidante during the course of the play.
Portia’s servant who obtains her letters of introduction and male costume. Balthazar is also the name Portia takes when she impersonates a male lawyer at court.
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