Bard on the Beach is searching for the perfect thespian hound to act in its staging of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
In a press release Monday (March 6), the Bard team explained that they have filled all the roles but one for their upcoming staging of the early romantic Shakespearean comedy this summer: the role of the servant Launce’s beloved dog, Crab.
Think your pooch might have the chops?
“I’m looking for either a large, calm dog that will be happy to lie still, regardless of the surrounding distractions, or a perkier dog that will respond to Launce when encouraged and maybe even do a trick or two,” Bard artistic associate Scott Bellis said. “Either way, the dog has to be well-behaved, and absolutely able to keep his or her composure when surrounded by bright lights and audience noise,” Bellis said. “No [other] special skills, or experience with Shakespeare, is required!”
Auditions for the role are March 31. If you think your dog could star on the Howard Family Stage for four months this summer, the application deadline is March 15. Owners must fill out an online form, and include a photo of the dog they are hoping to audition. A short video showing how the dog moves and responds to instructions is encouraged.
Vancouver dog trainer and agent Georgina Bradley, owner of Vancouver’s Dogstars, will be at the auditions to help the team decide who should play Crab.
Shakespeare’s play never mentioned what kind of dog Crab was, so a diverse range of dogs can audition for the role, according to Bellis.
Other adaptations of the play have used a puppet, a large stuffed animal, or even a person to represent Crab, but Bard on the Beach said they want to cast a real dog to play the role authentically.
