Constellations/ The Book of Will

CONSTELLATIONS

About the Show & Characters

By Nick Payne

Constellations is a bold and imaginative play that follows the relationship between Marianne, a physicist, and Roland, a beekeeper, across parallel realities. As moments repeat, shift, and fracture, the audience witnesses the many versions of a single love story—some joyful, some painful, all deeply human. Constellations traces a love story across multiple universes, revealing how the smallest changes can alter everything. Intimate, funny, and heartbreaking, this play asks what it truly means to love when nothing is certain.

Content/Intimacy Notice

Constellations themes relating to medical and terminal illness (terminal brain tumor with a decline in cognitive and motor skills), discussion of assisted sucide, strong language, and depictions of verbal and physical domestic abuse.

Some intimate moments may include: 

• romantic/non-violent male to female kissing, embracing, cuddling, and comforting contact
• non-romantic/non-violent male and female physical contact  

Consent-forward intimacy staging will be part of any rehearsal involving these scenes.  If you have concerns you would like to discuss, contact Cole at [email protected].  Concerns or limitations with any of the above material will not affect your consideration for the roles.

Characters

The Mains

MARIANNE – (Female) A theoretical physicist working at Cambridge University. She is often the one to explain the scientific concepts of string theory and the multiverse that frame the play’s structure.

ROLAND – (Male) A beekeeper who meets Marianne at a barbecue. His laid-back, practical profession contrasts with Marianne’s complex academic background.

Director: TBD
Stage Manager: TBD

THE BOOK OF WILL

About the Show & Characters

The Book of Will (Play - Mainstage, Kizzie)

By: Lauren Gunderson

Without their devotion, Shakespeare’s words might have vanished forever. The Book of Will tells the remarkable true story of the friends who loved William Shakespeare—and risked everything to ensure his plays would live on. By turns funny, tender, and deeply moving, this play celebrates the bond of friendship and the magic of storytelling.

Content/Intimacy Notice

The Book of Will contains themes and depictions of death, irreverent contemporary language, mild profanities, alcoholic consumption, and mentions historical violence. 

Some intimate moments may include: 

• romantic/non-violent male and female kissing, 
• romantic/non-violent male and female physical contact
• non-romantic/non-violent male to male physical contact  
• non-romantic/non-violent male and female physical contact  
• non-romantic/non-violent female to female physical contact  

Consent-forward intimacy staging will be part of any rehearsal involving these scenes.  If you have concerns you would like to discuss, contact Cole at [email protected].  Concerns or limitations with any of the above material will not affect your consideration for the roles.

Characters (Some actors will play more than one role)

HENRY CONDELL – (Male, 40s) Feisty, hopeful friend and actor in the King’s Men. 

JOHN HEMINGES – (Male, 50s) Reasonable friend and financial manager of the King’s Men. Owner of the Globe Tap House; a good man, a gentleman, if serious.

RICHARD BURBAGE – (Male, 50s) Seasoned lion of the stage, famous across England, loud and proud.

ALICE HEMINGES – (Female, 35) John’s daughter and alewife, knows everyone and hangs with the boys.

BOY HAMLET – (Male, 12-18) Young actor.

BEN JONSON – (Male, 40s-50s) Poet laureate of England, friend/rival of Shakespeare. Amazing drunk. A bear of a man. Surprisingly weepy.

ELIZABETH CONDELL – (Female, 30s-40s) Henry’s wife, savvy and fun.

REBECCA HEMINGES – (Female, 40s-50s) John’s wife, a good wife. Strong, busy with their grocery business, a woman who has weathered much but loves her husband and sons and God.

ED KNIGHT – (Male, 20s-60s) “Stage manager” for the King’s Men, self-serious and particular.

RALPH CRANE – (Male, 20s-60s) Humble scrivener of the King’s Men. Quick, sure, quiet.

WILLIAM JAGGARD – (Male, 40s-60s)Successful if shady publisher of books, plays and playbills. He is confident in his ability to get what he wants. Very experienced, very connected, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. An ass.

ISAAC JAGGARD – (Male, 20s-30s) William’s son, will inherit the business. Sensitive, an artist at heart.

MARCUS – (Male, 20s) Printer’s apprentice at the Jaggard print shop, nosy but honest.

EMILIA BASSANO LANIER – (Female, 50) fiery Italian feminist and poet, independent woman, lover of life (and of Shakespeare).

ANNE HATHAWAY SHAKESPEARE – (Female, 60) Shakespeare’s now ailing wife. Strong-willed, a classy lady, a survivor.

SUSANNAH SHAKESPEARE – (Female, 30) good girl and daughter of Shakespeare.

SIR EDWARD DERING – (Male, 60s) Book and theatre lover.