Wheaton Drama announces auditions for the 2013 Summer Studio Show, Romeo & Juliet. This exciting adaptation by director Jeni Dees (jdeestheatre@gmail.com) is set in modern-day New Orleans and is a gritty, passionate, rock-and-roll fueled take on William Shakespeare's famous tragedy.

The director encourages all shapes, sizes and ethnicities to audition. Tattoos, piercings, and interesting hair are encouraged. There are roles for men and women of various ages, including many for young people. All roles are open. Also needed are “street performer” types that would appear in the opening of the show and perhaps throughout. These can be jugglers, trumpet, sax or fiddle players, tap dancers, etc. When possible, these performers will be double cast as a character in the show.

Auditions are at 7pm on Sunday, April 28 and at 7pm on Monday, April 29. Auditions will take place in the basement of Wheaton Drama's Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton, IL 60187.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Those auditioning are strongly encouraged to read the William Shakespeare play before auditioning. This adaptation features Shakespeare's language and characters (with some modifications).

These are non-Equity play auditions. There is no pay. Those cast will be required to pay a nominal fee for Wheaton Drama membership. Newcomers are welcomed and membership status does not affect casting.

Performances of Romeo & Juliet will be June 28 at 8pm, June 29 at 8pm, June 30 at 3pm, July 5 at 8pm, July 6 at 8pm, and July 7 at 3pm at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton. Tickets are $10 each. Seating is General Admission.

For character descriptions and more information, visit http://www.wheatondrama.org. Follow on Twitter at WDIpublicity.