Upcoming Auditions
Tues Nov. 4th & Wed Nov. 5th at 7:30 PM
WOMEN PLAYING HAMLET by William Missouri Downs
Struggling TV soap actress Jessica is offered a role she's not sure she wants - Hamlet. As she copes with the insane idea (and the occasional threatening text from Sir Patrick Stewart), she encounters a wide-ranging ensemble of challenging characters - including an abusive acting coach, a bratty hacker niece, a cougar mom, a worldwise bartender, a sexist creep professor and a Shakespearean gravedigger - all played by women. Jessica's journey to find herself in the role is a humorous and insightful exploration of gender, identity, and the challenges of acting.
​
Performances: March 6 - 22, 2026 at the Bowie Playhouse
AUDITION INFORMATION
​
​DATE & TIME
Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30PM ET
Wednesday, November 5 at 7:30PM ET
​​
LOCATION:
1838 Generals Highway, Annapolis MD 21401
​
The audition location (VFW Post 304) resembles a house; there is ample parking in the rear
​
​​
NOTES:
Casting for 6-12 feminine-presenting actors, ages 14-60. Some may perform multiple roles
Only one audition night is needed; attendance at both is not required
No monologue required; auditions will combine cold and studied reads from script
This is a MODERN play; Shakespearean experience required ONLY for the leading role
​Regular in-person cast rehearsals begin in January
CHARACTERS​​
Casting for 6-12 female-identifying actors, ages 14-60. Some may perform multiple roles.
All roles (regardless of gender) will be cast with female-presenting performers.
-
Jessica 20s-30s. Soap opera actress. (Note: This is the only role that requires Shakespearean experience. The performer cast in this role will be given several weeks in advance for intense study.)
-
Gwen 40s-60s. Jessica's tough-as-nails acting coach.
-
Emily 12-18. Jessica's dope hacker niece.
-
Stage Manager. (This role is precast by the show's actual stage manager.)
​
Ensemble Roles:
These roles will all be played by an ensemble, some performing in multiple roles.
-
Betty 20s-30s. Jessica's best friend, a bad actress and barista.
-
Humanities Professor 40s-60s. Boring expert and sexist creep.
-
Lord Derby 40s-60s. An upperclass British twit.
-
Gravedigger 30s-70s. Classic cockney, grubby and full of bad jokes
-
Psychiatrist 30s-60s. Knowledgeable but a bit of a quack.
-
Bartender 30s-60s. He’s seen it all and knows it all.
-
Barfly 30s-60s. Very very drunk; prone to passing out.
-
Rosy 40s-70s. TV soap opera actress, total diva.
-
Gilda 50s-70s. TV actress in wheelchair, delightfully senile.
-
Mother 40s-60s. Jessica's Minnesotan mom who's suddenly got her groove back.
-
Priest 20s-40s. Minnesotan; serene but slightly snooty.
-
Bicycle Messenger 20s-30s. Scoundrel; must ride a bike onstage.
-
Shopping Network Hostess 20s-40. Fabulous and ON THE AIR with lots of cheese.
-
Shopping Network Model 20s-40s. And now for our next item - more cheese!
-
King 30s-70s. Silent role, almost instantly killed by a spoon.
-
Show Director 30s-50s. Silent role, schmoozy in a glittery gown.
​
​
Volunteer with BCT!
-
Set Construction and Painting
Assist with moving flats and lumber, assembling sets, minor carpentry work, painting, striking sets and moving supplies to and from our storage unit. This happens predominantly on the weekend prior to the show opening, and the weekend we close each show.
-
Set Decoration, Props, and Lobby
Help locate and acquire props, furnishing and set decoration, and return these items to their owners after the show. This group also designs the lobby board presentation at the Playhouse, reflecting the theme of the show, cast photos and BCT image.
-
Costume and Makeup
Acquire costumes as needed, as well as make minor alterations and fittings. These folks would also assist actors with makeup and hair on show nights.
-
Stage Management
Move sets, furniture, props and decorations during scene changes.
-
Promotion and Publicity
Assist with placing pre-created advertisements and press releases with the local media and help with local outreach.
-
Box Office and Usher
Help sell tickets on show nights, distribute programs and assist with seating, as well as set up the lobby refreshment table and sell these items during intermission.
-
Production
Various production duties include Producer, Stage Manager, Set Designer, Costumer, Set Decorator, Technical Director, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Assistant Director, etc.
-
Hospitality and Events
Plan opening night events, coordinate refreshments for each show and plan social events for our members and patrons as needed.
BCT Membership
Membership Benefits
​
-
Voting privileges at general membership meetings
-
Audition notifications
-
Invitation to BCT social functions
-
Volunteer opportunity notifications
-
BCT membership surveys
-
BCT Board of Directors meeting invitation
Membership Information
​
Membership is required for participation in BCT productions. The membership year runs from July 1st through June 30th or any portion thereof.
Our membership fee is $10.00. To join, please call (301) 805-0219 or email us at bowiecommunitytheatre.md@gmail.com.