KINGSTON, R.I.–January 27, 2009—The University of Rhode Island Theatre Department announces upcoming audition dates for The Merchant of Venice. The auditions are open to the public. To sign up for an audition call URI Theatre at 874-5921 or sign up outside the theater office, located on the second floor of the Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Road, Kingston.

Here are the scenarios and requirements:

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare is a fascinating tale set in the Venice of Renaissance Italy conveyed with exquisite poetry. Actually it encompasses two stories: one of love and marriage, the other of usury, prejudice and revenge. These stories feature two remarkable characters: Portia an educated, strong heroine and Shylock, a moneylender. How their stories and those of her suitors and his daughter converge in a Venetian court of law mesmerize us with its ingenious solution to the dilemma and pose oral and social questions with which we struggle today.

Bryna Wortman will direct the production. Here are the details:

Performance Dates: April 16 through 18 and 23 through 25, 7:30 p.m., April 19 and 26, 3 p.m.

Audition Dates: Tuesday, Feb. 3 and Wednesday, Feb 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. in G Studio. Audition Requirement: Select a one-to-two minute Shakespearian monologue that conveys a feeling, event or tells a story. It should show knowledge of Shakespearian language. The monologue should not be from The Merchant of Venice.

Callbacks: Thursday, Feb. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Rehearsals begin in March and are generally held weekdays Tuesday through Friday, 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday rehearsals are 11 a.m. to no later than 6 p.m. Sundays are from 1 to 6 p.m. or 6 to 11 p.m.