Now on its second full production, Seoul Shakespeare Company is auditioning for their production of “The Tempest,” to be staged in the second half of April.

After a production of “Macbeth,” the company is now looking for some comparatively light relief.

“Because we did ‘Macbeth’ last year, which is a tragedy, we wanted to go with something that had more comedic elements but still has some drama in it,” said Lindsey Higgins, who is directing the play.

The play features Prospero, a sorcerer and the rightful Duke of Milan, who lives on a magic island. Twelve years after he is ousted, those who conspired against him sail too close and Prospero summons a storm to shipwreck them, after which they drift toward the shore of his island.

Higgins said that although there were some good female roles, most of the characters in “The Tempest” were men. However, she added that there was some flexibility.

“Tempest is a very male-heavy cast but the roles can be cast as female,” she said.

“A lot of the male roles don’t necessarily need to be male if there’s a female who’s strong enough to capture that role.”

On a more general regard, the play will stick mostly to its traditional form.

“We’re staying true to the script,” said Higgins. “We’re not going to be modernizing or changing the words in any way but we are adding our own twist in terms of concept.”

That concept will mostly be the work of the company’s design team, which includes Yale Faculty and Dongook University faculty.

“We’re looking at a Celtic and Nordic theme ― a lot of cold elements,” said Higgins “So a lot of fur and a lot of leather, that’s the direction we’re going in.”

Higgins said that she was looking for a cast of about 15, to be finalized toward the end of next week. She said they had a full backstage team, but were looking for help with the costumes.

“We are looking for people who can sew. We have a costume designer but we’re looking for people who can assist the designer and sew garments.”

The auditions are on Saturday at 2-5 p.m. and on Sunday at 12-2 p.m. in the Camarata Music Company Rehearsal Space in Haebangchon.

Walk-in auditions are more than welcome, but Higgins said she preferred people to arrange a time in advance to prevent waiting times. She added that alternative times could be arranged for those who cannot make the set times.

Rehearsals will be on Wednesday and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons starting Feb. 4.

To get to the CMC Rehearsal Space, leave Noksapyeong Station Exit 2 and walk straight for 300 yards and bear left. The space is on the left just before Family Mart.

For more information or to book an audition slot email info@seoulshakespeare.com

By Paul Kerry
(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)