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Auditions

Silver Spring Stage is holding auditions for Bernhardt/Hamlet. The production will be directed by Seth Ghitelman and produced by Liz Butterworth.  Performances will be September 18 – October 4 (See details below.)

Auditions will be held at Silver Spring Stage (10145 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD) on:

  • Sunday June 28,2026 7 – 10 pm

  • Tuesday June 30,2026 7- 10 pm

Callbacks by invitation will be on Wednesday July 1

If you are unable to attend auditions in person, please email us at bernhardt@ssstage.org to arrange a video submission.

***Silver Spring Stage is an all-volunteer theater. All roles are open and unpaid.***

AUDITION STEPS

STEP #1  Please sign up here for a thirty -minute slot. Or click on the blue button

STEP #2 Complete the online audition form here . Or click on the yellopw button.

STEP #3 Please bring a resume and headshot if available to your audition.

The auditions will consist of select scenes from the play. You will be sent the sides when you sign up for an audition slot. If auditioning via a video , please email us at  bernhardt@ssstage.org for specific sides to read.

Some Notes About Auditions & Schedules:  
Actors will need to complete an online audition form.

Actors must note their conflicts throughout the rehearsal process and run of the show,

Rehearsals will typically be held  three-four times a week, on both weeknights and weekends, depending on cast availability.

Tech and dress rehearsals begin Saturday Sep 13, 2026

Performances will run three weekends, September 18 – October 4.  Performances will be Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 PM, with Sunday matinees every weekend at 2:00 PM.

Brush-up rehearsals may be held Thursday evenings before Friday performances.

Cast attendance is required at all rehearsals as called by the director and stage manager, unless a conflict has been previously indicated. Cast must be available for all tech and dress rehearsals, performances, and brush ups.

 

** If you have any questions, please email us at bernhardt@ssstage.org **

 

 
 
 

 

 

SHOW SYNOPSIS
The most famous actress of her time, Sarah Bernhardt takes on the challenge of playing the iconic Shakespearean role of Hamlet. She sets off a misogynistic debate of who controls the production of theater.  

CONTENT ADVISORY

There will be a trained fight and intimacy director as part of the production team.

 

Stage Combat:

The roles of Sarah Bernhardt ,Constant, Raoul, Francois and  Maurice include rapier and dagger sword play.

Intimacy:

The roles of Sarah Bernhardt and Lysette include lip to lip kisses and simulated sex. Both actors will be fully clothed and the simulated acts will not portray any hand or oral stimulation.

The roles of Sarah Bernhardt and Edmond Rostand will include lip to lip kisses.

The role of Sarah Bernhardt includes a moment of implied nudity where the actor’s torso and legs will be hidden from view of the audience by a screen

SETTING
Paris 1897

CHARACTERS

Note: No French accents in this production.

Sarah Bernhardt (50 -60) Female. The legendary French actress is brilliant, charismatic, fiercely intelligent, and utterly determined. She is bold, theatrical, witty, and deeply committed to her craft, but also vulnerable, especially when confronting aging, love, and legacy. (Role includes swordplay and intimacy with a man and a woman)

Constant Coquelin (55-65) Male. A celebrated actor. Charming, experienced, and occasionally skeptical, Constant represents the traditional theatrical establishment. Constant is a member of her inner circle and admires Sarah but can be critical of her choices. (Role includes swordplay)

Edmond Rostand (30-40) Male. A young playwright and lover of Sarah, best known as the future author of Cyrano de Bergerac. Edmond is intelligent, idealistic, and somewhat starstruck. He serves as both confidant and observer, offering insight into Sarah’s genius while wrestling with his own emotions and ambitions. (Role includes intimacy with a woman)

Alphonse Mucha (35-45) Male. Czech born artist who designed posters, sets and jewelry for Sarah. A friend and member of Sarah’s inner circle. He sketches Sarah during the show though the audience never sees the sketches.

Rosamond (25-35) Female. Poet and wife of Edmond Ronstad. Confronts Sarah about her pulling Edmond away from writing his masterpiece, Cyrano, even though she knows husband is having an affair with Sarah.

Lysette (18-25) Female. A member of Sarah’s acting troupe who plays Ophelia. (Role includes intimacy with a woman)

Maurice (25-35) Male.  Sarah’s beloved son. Devoted to his mother, but will push back on her. (Role includes swordplay)

Louis (55 – 65), Male. Theater critic

Raoul (18 -30) Male. A member of Sarah’s acting troupe.(Role may include swordplay)

Francois/Worker (18-30) A member of Sarah’s acting troupe.(Role may include swordplay)



** Again, if you have any questions, please email us at bernhardt@ssstage.org **