WINTER 2025: TOLKIEN by Ron Reed (U.S. Premiere)
Directed by Joe Hendren
Rehearsals: January 13 – February 27, 2025
Performances: February 28 - March 30, 2025
Open Window Theatre is holding non-union auditions for our early 2025 production of Ron Reed's Tolkien. Initial audition dates are October 26 (10 AM - 1 PM) & November 2 (12 - 4 PM) with callbacks on November 3 (12 - 4 PM).
NOTE: Please treat your sign-up seriously and cancel or notify us if you are unable to attend.
About the Play: Tolkien by Ron Reed tells the stirring story of the profound and transformative friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, spanning decades. The show features an ensemble cast of characters, followed from 1926 through 1963, amidst global tumult and personal trials. Because the characters age during the course of the show, we are not seeking actors to play the characters at a specific point in time, but rather actors who can encompass the breadth of time that passes. Some character ages are relative to one another. Characters will require British accents unless otherwise noted.
Tolkien was given its world premiere at the Pacific Theatre in Vancouver, Canada. Our production this season will be the first in the United States.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Prepare a 1-2 minute contemporary dramatic monologue using a British accent (RP preferred, but English dialects other than Cockney are acceptable)
- After signing up for your audition slot, email a copy of your headshot & resume to: [email protected]
- Bring two copies of your headshot & resume to your audition
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early to fill out audition paperwork
- Self-tape auditions will be accepted up to November 2 (see below)
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
J.R.R. Tolkien (“Tollers,” “Ronald”): Age 34-71; Oxford don, scholar of the English language specializing in Old and Middle English, Catholic, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Described in the play as “A most peculiar man. Quite capable of carrying on a conversation all on his own.”
Edith Tolkien, his wife: 3 years older than her husband; a no-nonsense woman full of affection for Ronald but also irritated by him at times. A homemaker, she holds her husband accountable for his words and actions.
C.S. Lewis (“Jack”): Age 27-49, Irish-born Oxford scholar, literary giant, author of the Narnia books and Mere Christianity, an atheist who converts to Christianity after some influence by Tolkien. Described by Tolkien in the play as “honest, brave, intellectual, a scholar, a poet, a philosopher, and a lover—after a long pilgrimage—of our Lord.” Tolkien also calls him a bully.
Warren H. Lewis (“Warnie”), his older brother: Age 3 years older than Jack, historian, soldier, alcoholic prone to depression, gentle, witty and quick with one-liners but probably enjoyed the company of books more than people.
Charles Williams, a writer: Age 40s-50s; possibly the oddest Inkling, poet, fantasy novelist who blended the supernatural with the everyday. He and C.S. Lewis shared a mutual admiration but Tolkien was suspicious of him. Ladies were quite taken by him and his Oxford lectures.
Hugo Dyson, an Inkling*: Age 30s-60s; charming, playful, the “fun one in the bunch,” was influential in C.S. Lewis’s conversion to Christianity, was not a fan of Tolkien’s elves and preferred talking rather than listening to the Inklings read from their works.
Roy Campbell, a poet*; Age 20s-50s; South African poet, a bit of a mystery for his politics in the Spanish Civil War, Catholic. Tolkien liked him, Lewis didn’t. Campbell was prone to telling fabricated stories of his life. (South African accent)
*The roles of Hugo Dyson and Roy Campbell may be played by one actor.
SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION
CALLBACKS
Please note that callback auditions are scheduled for Sunday, November 3 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM. Those called back will not necessarily be called for the entire time.
HEADSHOTS, RESUMES, and VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
Ahead of your audition, please email a copy of your headshot and resume to [email protected] and plan to bring two hard copies to your audition. Self-tape auditions will be accepted prior to November 2. Please email a link for your video audition, along with a headshot and resume, to: [email protected]
LOCATION
Open Window Theatre
5300 S. Robert Trail
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
NOTE: follow the signs when you arrive and check-in with the audition manager
QUESTIONS?
Email us at [email protected] or call 612-615-1515