Hello! My name is Penelope, and with your help I am hoping to produce a full fandub of Romeo & Juliet (2013)!
- What is Romeo & Juliet?
Romeo & Juliet is a play originally written by Shakespeare about 400 years ago.
- Plot summary please?
"An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. A group of masked Montagues risk further conflict by gatecrashing a Capulet party. A young lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris. With the help of Juliet’s nurse, the women arrange for the couple to marry the next day, but Romeo’s attempt to halt a street fight leads to the death of Juliet’s own cousin, Tybalt, for which Romeo is banished. In a desperate attempt to be reunited with Romeo, Juliet follows the Friar’s plot and fakes her own death. The message fails to reach Romeo, and believing Juliet dead, he takes his life in her tomb. Juliet wakes to find Romeo’s corpse beside her and kills herself. The grieving family agree to end their feud." -Shakespeare.org.uk
- Why this Romeo & Juliet?
When I watched this film for the first time, I fell completely in love. I studied the original play in school, but I admit that I have never cared so deeply about Romeo & Juliet before; it was truly eye-opening to see a production that both modernizes and honors the source material as beautifully as the 2013 adaptation manages to. The costumes and sets are gorgeous and transportive (filmed mostly on location in Verona, Italy, where the play is originally set, truly makes the film feel magical), the casting choices were phenomenal, the performances are so moving, and the directorial choices are superb. I hope to honor this adaptation, and add my own spin, in an act of devotion to a film that truly made me fall for Romeo & Juliet.
- Why your production channel?
I have a lot of experience in the voiceover community, first releasing my series The Unsolvable Puzzle in 2011, and I'm still active in the community to this day. I also went to The Evergreen State College for film, and have done contracted videography gigs, so I have professional experience in this industry. I have a personal love and passion for the play that I believe will translate to the quality level of the final film. For more examples of my work, please refer to my YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@PenelopeHawthornTV! You can also find interviews on there from actors I have worked with in the past, if you'd like some references! I believe I am easy to work with, and I hope my passion and excitement for the project gets you excited too!
- What are you looking for?
I'm looking for (13+) actors who can really pick apart the words of Shakespeare and make them their own. There are age suggestions next to each role, because I would like to cast this as age appropriately as I can. Why? Because it feels more grounded and authentic to me that way. That being said, if I end up casting an older Romeo, I will be aging up the age requirement for Juliet, due to the romantic nature of the pair's dynamic (I do not want a minor acting in a romantic scenario alongside an adult). I intend for this production to be a safe space for all my cast, especially for any minors. I want this interpretation to feel fresh, while still respecting the original film and Shakespeare's source material. With that being said, anyone is welcome to try out for any part, regardless of gender identity! Microphone quality will be considered when listening to auditions; you don't have to have a professional set-up, but minimal background noise is appreciated.
-How will this be organized?
Through Discord! If casted, you will get a server invitation.
This server will be 13+, so anything NSFW will not be tolerated.
Lines will be recorded individually, and sent in to a specified channel on the Discord server.
My DMS will be open to cast for questions and feedback, but DMing is not required for anyone in this cast, especially for minor cast members. All feedback can be given and questions can be answered in the group server! This preference will be respected, no matter what, no questions asked.
-What are the deadlines?
I AM DOING ROLLING CASTING!
This means that if I find the right fit for a role, I may assign it before the deadline listed! Please audition as soon as you're able. Once you are casted, you will have three months total to get lines in -- two months for initial lines to be recorded, with another month allotted for any re-recording that needs to be done. I want this to be a fun experience for my actors, not a stressful one! If a deadline needs to be extended, all I need is to be notified. I do not have a strict release date planned for this project, just in case my actors experience a personal emergency or for one reason or another can't get their lines in on time. My actors' personal safety, mental health, and general wellbeing always come first.
- What do I include in my audition?
Please let me know that you have a discord, as that is a requirement.
Please let me know if you are a minor or an adult. You do not have to specify your exact age, but please be mindful of the age suggestions for each role.
If you are doing an accent or character voice, please slate so I can hear your natural voice as well! Otherwise, don't worry about any specific format. Do whatever feels right for you! I like hearing multiple takes, but if you feel like you nailed it in one, that's okay too!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask in DMs or in the comments of the CCC project :)
I MAY ASK FOR CALLBACKS!
Thank you all so much for your time, consideration, and support! I really appreciate it ♡ I'm excited to hear your audition!
I am very excited to say that Romeo has officially been casted! With his casting though, the character of Juliet is now an 18+ role (as I do not want a minor working alongside an adult in a romantic scenario). Thanks so much for your understanding!
(VA AGE RANGE 18-30)
The young hope of the house of Montagues. Romeo is an artist (sculptor), hopelessly passionate, deeply feeling, loyal, and hot-tempered.
This role involves: a (suicide) death scene, yelling, crying, and an implied sex scene (it cuts away before they do anything more than kiss, but it's still worth mentioning upfront).
Douglas Booth interview on playing Romeo in this film adaptation:
Did my heart love till now? Forswear the sight. I never saw true beauty till this night.
ROMEO: I know not how to tell you who I am. My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself because it is an enemy to you. (JULIET: I have not heard you speak a hundred words, yet I do know the sound of that sweet voice. Are you not Romeo and a Montague?) ROMEO: Neither, dear love, if either you dislike.
(with tears in his eyes) My name was fatal to her from the start. It kills her, as it killed her noble kinsman. Oh, tell me in what part of my anatomy does lodge my name, and I will hack it off!
(VA AGE RANGE 18-30)
The hope of the house of Capulets. She is young, innocent, passionate, free-spirited, and loyal.
This role involves: a (suicide) death scene, yelling, crying, and an implied sex scene (it cuts away before they do anything more than kiss, but it's still worth mentioning upfront). Juliet also suffers abuse at the hands of her father (emotional abuse, threatened).
Hailee Steinfeld on playing Juliet in this film:
My only love sprung from my only hate. To early seen unknown and known too late.
Oh, Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou, Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name, or if thou wilt not, but be sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet. [...] 'Tis but thy name that is my enemy. You'd be yourself if you were not called Montague. What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So Romeo would. Romeo, cast off thy name, and for that name, which is no part of you, take all of me.
JULIET: (CRYING, her cousin has been killed by Romeo, and now her love is banished) Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband? How stupid I have been to rail, when now your news of him is worse than Tybalt's death. (NURSE: Worse than your cousin's death?) JULIET: (CRYING) Indeed. You told me Romeo is banished. And that one word is greater grief to me than Father, Mother, Tybalt and myself all dead and buried. (JULIET SOBS.)
I am hoping to team up with a composer to give our version of this production its own musical identity. This role would be perfect for an up-and-coming composer looking for practice or someone quite passionate about Shakespeare. I would like a fairy tale tone in the musical production, to really amplify the magic of this movie. Please include a sample of relevant work in your submission. The deadline for this role would be a flexible agreed upon date, rather than a strictly enforced pre-decided one.
*Say something you think would fit*
I need someone willing to add the sound effects for this film - this includes every little swish and clang of the sword, horses neighing and crowds laughing, etc. etc. I believe these small details are crutial to the overall experience of the viewer, to fully immerse themselves in the experience. However, I do not have the abilitity to accomplish the task at hand due to some technical difficulties on my end. Thus, I hope to deligate this important role to someone talented and eager to assist on this project.
*Say something you think would fit*
I am in need of an opera-style singer to work with our composer for the ballroom scene.
Please provide a relevant demo of you singing. Thank you!
(VA AGE RANGE 17-30)
Blinded by rage and hatred, Tybalt (cousin of Juliet) is looking for a fight constantly throughout the play.
Ed Westwick on playing Tybalt in this film:
Romeo! Villain! Dog! If thou art brave, come settle with me, boy.
(ordered to dance and leave Romeo be, he SCOFFS) If you so order, Uncle, but be warned, this foul invasion, that you think so sweet, shall turn to bitter gall before the end.
(about to duel Romeo to the death) Many have died in this place, Montague. Befriend their spirits while you still have time. They wait to welcome you with open arms.
(VA AGE RANGE 17-30)
Close friend of Romeo. Mercutio is pleasure-seeking, taking most things lightly, except for the Montague's feud with the Capulets. He is hot-blooded, always ready for a fight. He doesn't believe in love, except for the love he has for the Montagues. He is loyal 'til the end, though this betrays him, ultimately.
(This role involves a death scene.)
Lunging forward, MERCUTIO GROWLS, then, as the servant skitters away in fear, he LAUGHS.
(TYBALT: What do you want from me?) MERCUTIO: (holding up his sword) Good king of cats, just one of your nine lives. You have it to spare, with eight to use hereafter. What, do you dither now to draw your sword? Make haste or I will pluck you ere it's out.
(DYING, GASPING FOR BREATH) Our best intentions pave the way to hell. To hell with the Montagues and Capulets... ...whose angry war has stolen all my days. Plague on both your houses.
(VA AGE RANGE 13+)
The young peacemaker of the Montagues. Level-headed and loyal 'til the end, Benvolio seeks a peaceful solution throughout the play's plot.
Kodi Smit-McPhee on playing Benvolio in this film:
BENVOLIO: (trying to get Romeo to see reason) Be ruled by me and forget to think of her! (ROMEO: Oh, teach me how I should forget to think.) BENVOLIO: Love will not call on you but once, nor stay forever when he comes. Release your eyes. Be glad she does not care. Examine other beauties.
Tybalt, here slain, and I was witness how. Romeo did beg him to desist. Alas, nothing could stay the rage of angry Tybalt, whose ears were deaf to peace.
(CRYING for his slain friend) He's dead. His gallant spirit is among the clouds.
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
Confidant of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence becomes a dear friend to them both throughout the play. He is wise and to-the-point. He looks after the teenagers, until the end of the play, when he can no longer protect them from themselves.
(This role involves crying. I need someone who can cry convincingly on cue.)
Paul Giamatti on playing Friar Laurence in this film:
(ROMEO: But this I pray: you consent to marry us today.) FRIAR LAURENCE (GASPS) Holy St. Francis! What a change is here. Why is she cast off, that you did love so dear? Jesu Maria! What a deal of brine has washed your sallow cheeks for Rosaline! (PRN: RAW-SUH-LINE)
Daughter... I do spy a kind of hope, but it requires a desperate execution. You have the strength of will to kill yourself rather than marry Paris. Very well. You'll need that strength, and I do know a way.
FRIAR LAURENCE: (discovering Romeo dead) Oh, no. Oh, no. So pale? (JULIET: My best beloved husband lies here dead.) FRIAR LAURENCE: Not Romeo. My child. (CRYING) Not him of all. Oh, what unkind hour has brought to pass this miserable deed. Alas, my lady, we are overturned.
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
The ever faithful companion to young Juliet. Nurturing and warm, funny and gentle. She raised Juliet, likely more than the girl's biological mother did.
(This role involves a scene where she finds Juliet dead and sobs. I need someone who can cry convincingly on cue.)
NURSE: I think of her birth as if 'twere yesterday. I remember, too, one day when she did fall and cut her brow, my husband, rest his soul, picked up the child. "Why do you fall on your face?" says he, "You will fall backward when you have more wit." And looking up at him, the child said, "Yes." (LADY CAPULET: Enough of this. I pray you, hold your peace.) NURSE: Yet, madam, I must laugh to think a child could stop crying like that and then say "yes" to Jack.
NURSE: (ANGRY, CRYING) Shame on your Romeo. (JULIET: (CRYING) Blister your tongue! Oh, what a beast I've been to chide him. Did Tybalt not first stab Mercutio? NURSE (CRYING) Will you speak well of him that killed your cousin? JULIET (CRYING) Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband? How stupid I have been to rail, when now your news of him is worse than Tybalt's death.) NURSE: (ANGRY, CRYING) Worse than your cousin's death?
(VA AGE RANGE 15-25)
Romeo's unrequited love at the start of the play. A Capulet, related to Juliet. She plays a minor role in one scene.
The Montagues in Capulet's domain? Messer Benvolio, have you all run mad?
Since Romeo is here, why is he in need of deputies?
(Rosaline glances over to Romeo, who is still transfixed by Juliet.) ROSALINE: (SCOFFS) Indeed. From where we stand, he looks well occupied.
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
The Narrator opens and closes the story.
Two households, both alike in dignity, in Fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head. And join with all in grieving for the dead. For never was a story of more woe than this, of Juliet and her Romeo.
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
The (emotionally abusive) father of Juliet, head of the house of Capulet.
Damian Lewis talking about his role in the film:
(ANGRY) Day, night, month, year! My constant care... has been to have my only child worthily matched. And here I find an educated man of equal birth with honorable parts, with fine estates and handsome to behold, and what is my reward? A puking fool, who answers, "I'll not wed. I cannot love. I am too young. I pray you pardon me." (He lunges towards Juliet.) Now think on this. Thursday is near. If you will play the bride, then are you my daughter and all is forgot. If you will not, then you are mine no more. Graze where you will. You shall not house with me. Beg, starve or hang, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee, nor pass to you the slightest thing that's mine. I swear to this, my word, so help me God!
Death that has killed my daughter, ties my tongue and drains my eyes and will not let me grieve. Oh, child. My soul more than my child. Dead are you now. Alack. My child is dead... and with my child, all my joys are buried.
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
Mother of Juliet.
(This role involves crying. I need someone who can convincingly cry on cue.)
(GRIEVING before the Prince) Tybalt, my nephew. He was my brother's child. See how the blood is spilled of my dear kinsmen. Prince, as you are true, for blood of ours, shed blood of Montague.
He is a cousin of the Montagues. Affection makes him false. Romeo killed Tybalt. Romeo must not live.
Accursed, unhappy, wretched, hateful day! The worst that ever dawned. (SOBBING)
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
The word of law, the monarch, the Prince of Italy.
(BREAKING UP A BRAWL ON THE STREETS) Rebellious subjects! Stop this! Enemies to peace would stain the pleasure of a tournament with bitter blood? Throw your ill-tempered weapons to the ground … and hear the sentence of your angry prince. Three civil brawls, bred of a foolish word by thee, Lord Capulet or Montague, have thrice destroyed the calm of our streets. If ever you disturb our town again, your lives will pay the price for the offense. You, Capulet, you go along with me. And, Montague, come you this afternoon. And now, on pain of death, all fighting men depart.
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
Juliet's arranged betrothed.
(This role involves a bit of crying on cue)
My Lord, I wish Thursday were tomorrow.
(CRYING) I am divorced... ...wronged... ...hated... ...killed by Death, but Death is my future. He holds all I love.
Can I beseech that you will pity me enough to dance and warm my evening with a heavenly smile?
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
The head of the house of Montagues.
You argue with a child. Turn now and fight your equal if you dare!
(the Prince asks who is guilty) Not Romeo, Prince. He was Mercutio's friend, and killed his murderer.
(THE PRINCE: Romeo killed him. He killed Mercutio. Who is the guilty man in all this grief? LORD MONTAGUE: Not Romeo, Prince. He was Mercutio's friend, and killed his murderer.) LADY MONTAGUE: The very end the law would have exacted.
(VA AGE RANGE 13-17)
Young apprentice to Friar Laurence.
(JACK: You've had a wasted journey.) APPRENTICE: Who can say? I saved a child, but failed in my delivery. God's ways are hard for us to penetrate.
(VA AGE RANGE 18+)
Servant of the Capulets.
(to himself) Whose names are written here? I must first find out what names he here has writ. (asking a stranger) Pray you, sir. Can you read?
(VA AGE RANGE 16+)
Servant to Romeo.
(APPRENTICE: I'm looking for Lord Romeo.) JACK: He’s gone. (APPRENTICE: Gone?) JACK: And in great haste. Back to Verona. What purpose had you with him? (APPRENTICE: Nothing now.) JACK: You've had a wasted journey.
(VA AGE RANGE 13+)
There are plenty of very small roles or one-liners in this play, so we could use as many extras as possible!
Please submit a demo reel.
