On Nov. 18 and 19, experienced student actors gathered at the University Theatre to audition for Prospero, the lead role of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” despite the fact that ODURep’s production of it will not hit the stage until April 2025.
“The Tempest” will be directed by acting professor Chris Hanna. This will be his first production after returning from sabbatical, which he took in preparation for directing “The Tempest.”
According to Hanna, he was drawn to the play’s themes of celebrating magic and earning forgiveness. While these two themes may seem contrary, he feels that they are both concepts our society has lost touch with.
When asked why the casting for Prospero was done six months early, Hanna said, “The way that that role is cast decides so much of the concept of the rest of the show.”
He elaborated that he wanted to work with the lead actor to make sure they were invested in telling the same story.
“I think that any time an actor, student or not, plays a role, they take responsibility for the story that’s being told,” said Hanna. “[…] I want to make sure that anytime an actor assumes the role, that it is one they are invested in and a story they are invested in telling.”
Due to Prospero’s importance to the show, potential actors needed to have experience on stage, and completed Acting 2, a class required for all Theatre majors which teaches the basic formal principles of acting.
“Generally, that class is grounded in Stanislavski principles,” said Hanna. “[…] I have to know that those people have learned how to be real, how to be believable and pursue an objective on stage, because there’s a lot in that role.”
The casting of Prospero was also not limited by gender. This spring, “The Tempest” may be led by a Prospera.
Auditions for the rest of the cast will be held in January 2025.
