Casting Breakdown

The Director seeks to cast 12-20 people, including understudies. All roles are open to people of all backgrounds. The genders of all characters will be as written. However, the gender of the actor is not necessarily relevant—this production will be cast in a gender-expansive manner. Some actors will be cast in multiple roles. 

Please Note: While there are no contemporary four-letter words in the play, there is much wordplay referencing sexuality—sometimes in playfully bawdy ways. Please be aware that most roles may engage in suggestive language and physicality. 

THE MONTAGUES

— Romeo: male, the only heir to the House of Montague, a passionate and impulsive teenager who is infatuated with the idea of love and then discovers true love. This role may be required to kiss on stage and may appear shirtless.

— Montague, his father: male, the middle-aged patriarch of the House of Montague, a warlord in nobleman’s clothing, who genuinely cares for his son 

— Lady Montague, his mother: female, a middle-aged mob wife, who genuinely cares for her son 

— Benvolio, their kinsman: male, Romeo’s cousin and best friend, a loyal, levelheaded, and thoughtful teenager. A peacemaker at heart who often finds himself in the middle of war.

— Abram, a Montague servingman: male, a servant and child soldier in the Montague gang

— Balthasar, Romeo’s servingman: male, a servant and child soldier in the Montague gang

THE CAPULETS

— Juliet: female, the only heir to the House of Capulet, a perceptive, passionate and determined teenager, who discovers her capacity for love and courage. This role may be required to kiss on stage.

— Capulet, her father: male, the middle-aged patriarch of the House of Capulet, a fiery, domineering warlord in nobleman’s clothing. He genuinely cares for his daughter but his soft side hardens when he isn’t shown the obedience he expects. 

— Lady Capulet, her mother: female, a fashionable young mob wife obsessed with social climbing, who genuinely cares for her daughter even though she doesn’t always know how to handle her. 

— Nurse, to Juliet: female, a middle-aged to older woman who has cared for Juliet since her birth and essentially raised her. She is bawdy, playful, and loves a laugh. She is also very perceptive and fiercely loyal to Juliet

— Tybalt, kinsman to the Capulets: male, a hotheaded, impulsive young man, chief soldier in the Capulet gang. Always itching for a fight.

— Sampson: a servant and child soldier in the Capulet gang, eager to prove himself

— Gregory: a servant and child soldier in the Capulet gang, a bit more experienced than Sampson, who he enjoys teasing

— Peter: male, a young messenger and servant to the Capulets, he’s the Nurse’s sidekick 

THE PRINCE AND HIS KINSMEN

— Prince Escalus of Verona: male, the ruler of this city-state. He is imposing and fearful in his own right but his attempts to rule his city in peace are constantly undermined by these warring families.

— Paris: male, a young man who is the Prince’s cousin and Juliet’s suitor. Handsome and rich, he is the most eligible bachelor in Verona.

— Mercutio: male, Romeo’s friend and the Prince’s cousin, he is witty, charming, and volatile, an irreverent and fun-loving teenager who laughs danger in the face.

— Paris’ Page: male, a young servant to Paris

OTHER CITIZENS OF VERONA (AND MANTUA)

—Friar Lawrence: male, a philosophical, resourceful and somewhat radical monk. He connects with young people, especially Romeo, and tries his best to shape events towards peace.

— Friar John: male, a somewhat clueless monk

— Apothecary: male, a sour, skeletal, marginalized fellow

— Three or Four Citizens: Members of Veronese society of various ages and genders, actors in these roles will also play other characters in the play and/or be understudies/swings for some roles.