R&J: Closing Night
Conceived by The Fox Den Collective & Written by Jessy Ardern
Directed by Suzie Martin
PRODUCTION DATES:
Rehearsals Begin: July 20, 2026
Preview: Sept 8 & 9, 2026
Opening: Sept 10, 2026
Closing: Sept 20, 2026
Please Note: The show is going to be presented in Winnipeg
Winnipeg In-Person Auditions (MAP Studio- 100 Arthur St): November 26 & 27, 2025
Winnipeg Callbacks (MAP Studio – 100 Arthur St): November 29, 2025
Edmonton In-Person Auditions (ArtsHub Ortona 9722 102 St NW): December 1 & 2, 2025
Edmonton Callbacks (ArtsHub Ortona 9722 102 St NW): December 4, 2025
Synopsis:
R+J: Closing Night features two concurrent plays: a production of Romeo and Juliet onstage, and a new script based on the relationships of a fictionalized cast and crew backstage.
It’s the closing performance of Romeo and Juliet at the Elizabeth Paige Theatre and the actress playing Juliet is stuck on a film set seven minutes to curtain. And that’s just the beginning…
The dedicated but amped up company of actors and crew must overcome their collective and personal doubts, insecurities, frailties, personal grudges, and the relentless encroachment of their lives outside the theatre to ensure that the show can go on. But what if it just can’t? What is it all for anyway?
Tragedy and comedy are literally two sides of the same play in this fast-paced, heartfelt, interactive show about the power of community and the value of art.
A Note on the Performance:
This show is a big lift. Actors will be moving between the onstage and backstage worlds and playing continuously as their fictional characters as well as the roles in Romeo and Juliet that those characters are assigned. This includes switching back and forth between Shakespearean and contemporary text. There is no downtime except intermission.
At the top of the performance, audiences will be split into two groups. They will watch one play during the first act and the other play during the second act. Viewers change locations at intermission as the production “rewinds” to the beginning, showing the audience what they missed from the other perspective. Actors repeat the same show that they did in the first act (including a full, condensed production of Romeo and Juliet), with only minor changes between the two acts. When things go awry, the backstage audience members are invited to actively participate in problem solving both on and offstage. Most actors will be asked to interact directly with audience members.
Available Roles:
Clementine (“Clem”) – 20s. Ambitious but frustrated. Usually plays Benvolio and Friar John and is an understudy. Today she is called up to play Juliet and Balthazar. This role involves intimacy (passionate kissing the actor playing Seb/Romeo) light sword fighting, and some audience interaction with the possibility of improvisation.
Sebastian (“Seb”) – 20s. Earnest and playful. Clem’s best friend. Plays Romeo. This role involves sword fighting and intimacy (passionate kissing the actor playing Clem/Juliet).
Maggie – 30s or 40s, Intense, professional, and badass. Plays Lady Capulet & Tybalt. This role involves sword fighting and 1-1 audience interaction with the possibility of some improvisation.
Meredith – 50s. This is her first time back in the theatre after decades away. Plays Nurse. Today she also is playing the Prince. This role involves 1-1 audience interaction with some improvisation.
Jamie (“Mac”) MacKenzie – 30s. Passionate and energetic. Plays Paris, Peter. Today he also plays Benvolio, Friar John, and the Servant in 1.2. This role involves sword fighting.
Oliver – 60s – 70s. Everyone’s kindly “theatre uncle.” Plays Friar Lawrence & Abraham. This role involves sword fighting.
Carrie – 40s. Practical and savvy. ASM of this show, and absolutely the boss of the backstage. This role involves a fair bit of audience interaction with the possibility of some improvisation.
Natalie –20s-30s. Apprentice ASM. This is her first theatre job, and she is determined to help. As a theatre artist, Natalie has a lot of growing up to do – and a lot of it is going to happen today. This role involves a fair bit of audience interaction including 1-1, with the possibility of some improvisation.
Steven –Any age. The stage manager. Spends most of the show out of sight in the booth but is on headset (heard by audience) throughout. This role involves some improvisation, as the actor playing Steven will need to make judgement calls on the fly if the performances fall out of sync and “buffer text” is required.
The roles of Wash and Lawrence have been cast.
TPM & Fox Den Inclusive Casting Policy: We believe in the value of good representation and are committed to inclusive casting that accurately reflects, celebrates and amplifies the diverse makeup and many voices of culture in the cities in which we work. We encourage submissions from any artists who feel affinity for these characters.
On Gender: For simplicity’s sake, genders of the performers are written to follow traditional casting (for example, the character of Friar Lawrence is played by a man, Oliver Tedding. Both Oliver and his character are written with he/him pronouns). Please note that productions may feel free to change the genders of any characters and/or performers therefore actors are encouraged to apply for the characters that they feel best suited to regardless of their gender.
Audition Requirements:
Sides from the script have been selected– these excerpts may be downloaded at: https://theatreprojectsmanitoba.ca/auditions/
Actors are encouraged to read the full script prior to auditioning. Hardcopies are available to read at the TPM office (4th floor—245 McDermot). A digital reading copy will be emailed with confirmation of an audition.
Callbacks will include a fight call for those characters who sword fight and may encompass additional scene work.
Audition Accessibility:
The audition space in Winnipeg is located on the 5th floor of the Artspace Building (100 Arthur St) and is accessible via elevator. Please let us know if you have any questions or specific access needs for the audition process.
The audition space in Edmonton is located on the main floor of the Ortona Arts Hub (9722 102 St NW) and is fully accessible. The first two days of auditions will be held in the music room, which has a slight incline from the lobby but does not require the navigation of stairs.
To Request an Audition:
Please email key@theatreprojectsmanitoba.ca with the subject line “[your name] AUDITION REQUEST: ClosingNight” Include a headshot and resume (as one PDF if possible).
Please specify whether you are wanting a Winnipeg or Edmonton audition.
Submission Deadline: November 17, 2025