AUDITION NOTICE: the Role of Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice

Due to Covid the play has been rescheduled to 10 to 26 February 2022. Unfortunately, the actress playing Nerissa could not manage the new dates, and a new Nerissa is needed.
Nerissa is an important supporting role, appearing in 8 of the 20 scenes. She has 32 lines, but this fact under-represents the importance of the role.

Nerissa is a maid to Portia, who is a beautiful young heiress, and in private Portia treats Nerissa as a friend and confidant. Portia and Nerissa often act in concert, and the role of Nerissa does a great deal to define Portia’s character. Nerissa has to be strongly drawn. She is intrinsically fun-loving and a tease, but shows a range of emotions. Her character will play a vital role in the effectiveness of this production.
The production is set in the original sixteenth century, and will be in period costume. An original and innovative set has been built, and technical preparations are almost complete.

The full cast will rehearse regularly from 9 January 2022. The actress cast as Nerissa will also be needed for a few rehearsals before the end of 2021, so that she knows the part before regular rehearsals begin.

Evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19 is a requirement for entering the theatre for the audition and rehearsals.