Has your dog ever considered an acting career? Has your pup ever dreamt of the bright lights and the roar of the crowd? Does your canine thoughtfully pore over the assorted works of Shakespeare, squeezing meaning out of each archaic phrase?
If so, they may be in luck. St. Louis Shakespeare Festival will be holding auditions for the role of Crab, the scene-stealing dog for their production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, at their rehearsal hall (3333 Washington) on July 23. While Crab has few lines (no English-speaking ability is required for the role, luckily), their presence has been lauded as one of Shakespeare’s most comedic characters.
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In the play, Crab is the pet dog of Launce, the comedic servant of central anti-hero Proteus. They are famously the subject of a monologue by their master that paints them as an unfeeling, unsympathetic “cur,” simply because, in the midst of a tear-filled goodbye with Launce and his family, he does not shed a single tear.
Since The Two Gentlemen of Verona will be hitting 30 local parks during its run August 4—September 6, multiple dogs will be cast, and director Rebekah Scallet thinks that each dog will likely play the role differently.
“Just like every actor brings their own unique spin on [a role], I’m sure that every dog will as well,” she says. “Some dogs are a little more outgoing than others…I could see a dog that just hangs out and sits there, but I could also imagine a dog following the actors more and wanting to engage more.”
The inclusion of a dog introduces more variability to the already variable traveling production as well. “One of the most fun things about [including a dog] is that you never know what’s going to happen,” Scallet says. “Our actors have to be on their toes and be prepared…I think that’s a really delightful experience for the audience.”
As always, the Shakespeare Festival looks to make Shakespeare accessible to a wider audience, encouraging them to reach beyond their high-school English class and immerse themselves in the wonderful source material.
And perhaps, in addition to fulfilling its dream of stardom, your dog can make that happen, too.
Auditions will take place Friday, July 23, from 4–6 p.m. at the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival Rehearsal Hall, 3333 Washington. Sign-up in advance required.
