In 2025 Marist College Canberra will be presenting SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (High School Ed.), as our Big Brothers (Year 9-12) school production! Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman & Tom Stoppard. Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. Music by Paddy Cunneen.
This play was originally produced on the West End by Disney Theatrical Group & Sonia Friedman Productions.
Young Will Shakespeare has writer's block. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching,
Short overview:
William Shakespeare is a known but struggling poet, playwright, and actor, who not only has sold his next play to both Philip Henslowe and Richard Burbage, but now faces a far more difficult problem: he is bereft of ideas and has yet to begin writing. He is in search of his muse, the woman who will inspire him but all attempts fail him until he meets the beautiful Viola De Lesseps.
She loves the theatre and would like nothing more than to take to the stage, but is forbidden from doing so as only men can be actors. She is also a great admirer of Shakespeare's works. Dressing as a man, and going by the name of "Thomas Kent", she auditions and is ideal for a part in his next play. Shakespeare soon sees through her disguise and they fall in love, yet they know it cannot end happily for them as he is already married and she has been promised to the dour Lord Wessex.
As the company rehearses his new play, William and Viola's love is transferred to the written page leading to the masterpiece that is Romeo and Juliet.
Director - Ms Vanessa Johnson
Assistant Director - Ms Kate Bettison
Supporting - The Performing Arts Team & other teachers
Students across Year 9-10 are welcome to audition. You do not have to prior performance experience to be involved.
We are seeking actors for main and minor roles and we also need some musicians - either to sing and or play instruments, piano/guitar/strings. The play is not a musical but it does have music and songs in it that are important to the feel of the play and the Elizabethan period.
Girls from Canberra Girls' Grammar School, Merici College and St Clare's College are welcome to audition.
Auditions will take place in WEEK 14 (4) of Term 4 2025.
Tuesday 5th Nov: 3.30-5.30pm
Wednesday 6th Nov: 3.30-5.30pm
Rehearsals will begin the following week - we will begin with the script reading. Tuesday 12th Nov 3.30-6.00pm
The production week is scheduled for WEEK 10 Term 1 2025. This is the last week of term and will take place in the Veritas Theatre on
Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th April.
Term 4 rehearsals will take place on
Wednesday 13th Nov: 3.30-6.00pm
Tuesday 19th Nov: 3.30-5.30pm
Wednesday 27th Nov: 3.30-5.00pm
Tuesday 3rd Dec: 3.30-5.30pm
Term 1 2025 Rehearsals will begin in Week 1, Term 1 and will take place each Tuesday & Wednesday.
Closer to the production there will be some Saturday rehearsals.
A detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided to all students involved in the production.