AUDITIONS:
the book of will
Written by LAUREN GUNERSON
Directed by RICHARD PERLOFF
SYNOPSIS: Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. THE BOOK OF WILL finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.
PERFORMANCES:
April 4-25, 2026
Thursdays at 7 pm (followed by Q & A)
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2 pm (4/11, 4/18 & 4/25)
Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 2 pm (No show on 4/5)
WHEN: Monday February 9 between 6:30pm-9:00pm.
CALL-BACKS: Tuesday February 10 at 6:30pm.
WHERE: 1316 Cabrillo Ave Torrance, CA 90501
WHAT TO PREPARE: 1-2 minute monologue from a published play (comedic, dramatic, etc.) IN A BRITISH ACCENT.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
*10 actors will play every role, so many will play multiple parts.
Henry Condell (40s, male presenting)
Feisty and hopeful. Shakespeare’s friend and actor in the King’s Men.
John Heminges (50s, male presenting)
Reasonable and serious. Shakespeare’s friend and financial manager of the King’s Men. He is a good man, a gentleman, and owner of the Globe Tap House.
Richard Burbage/William Jaggard/Horatio (40s-60s, male presenting)
R.B. - A seasoned lion of the stage, loud and proud and famous across England.
W.J. - Successful if shady publisher of books, plays, and playbills. He is confident in his ability to get what he wants. He is very experienced, very connected, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, but an ass.
Elizabeth Condell/Emilia Bassano Lanier/Fruit Seller/Marcellus (30s-50s, female presenting)
E.C. - Savvy and fun. Henry’s wife.
E.B.L. - A fiery Italian feminist and poet. Independent lover of life and of Shakespeare.
Rebecca Heminges/Anne Hathaway Shakespeare (50s-60s, female presenting)
R.H. - Strong, busy with the family grocery business. She has weathered much but loves her husband, John, her sons, and God. She is a supportive wife.
A.H.S. - Shakespeare’s ailing wife. Strong-willed, classy, and a survivor.
Ralph Crane/Barman/Compositor/Francisco (20s-50s, male presenting)
R.C. - Humble scrivener of the King’s Men. Quick, sure, and quiet.
Alice Heminges/Susannah Shakespeare (30s-35s, female presenting)
A.H. - John’s daughter and alewife, knows everyone, and hangs out with the boys.
S.S. - A good girl and daughter of Shakespeare.
Ed Knight/Isaac Jaggard (20s-50s, male presenting)
E.K. - “Stage manager” for the King’s Men, self-serious and particular.
I.J. - Isaac will inherit the business. He is sensitive, an artist at heart. William’s son.
Ben Jonson/Barman 2/Sir Edward Dering (40s-60s, male presenting)
B.J. - Poet laureate of England and friend/rival of Shakespeare. He is an amazing drunk, a bear of a man, and surprisingly weepy.
E.D. - A book and theatre lover. First customer of The First Folio.
Marcus/Boy Hamlet/Crier/Bernardo (teens-20s, male presenting)
Various in-play roles and newsboy.
Non-union. No pay. Actors must register as volunteers for the city of Torrance.
Torrance Theatre Company is a program of the Cultural Services Division of the Torrance Community Services Department.