AUDITION INFORMATION

The Lion In Winter
By James Goldman
Directed by Kipp Simmons
Stage Management by Terri Babbitt
October 30th – November 15th, 2026

AUDITION AND CALLBACK INFORMATION

In-person auditions will be held Sunday, July 19th from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Olathe Civic Theatre Association, 500 E. Loula.

Callbacks will be by invitation only on Saturday, July 25th from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Olathe Civic Theatre Association, 500 E. Loula.

If you want to audition but are unable to attend on July 19th, please submit a video audition by following the directions below. Videos must be received by NOON on July 19th.

**Actors of all ethnicities, abilities*, and gender identities are welcome and encouraged to audition. We will only be considering actors ages 18+.**

**Please note that actors will be required to navigate stairs to the dressing room, as well as a spiral staircase leading to the stage.**

ABOUT THE SHOW

Sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons – The Lion in Winter by James Goldman is a sophisticated, character-driven drama that combines wit, emotional depth, and political intrigue.

Set during Christmas 1183, the play centers on King Henry II, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their sons as they battle strategically and emotionally for control of the English throne. The queen, and wealthiest woman in the
world, Eleanor has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband and let out only for holidays.

The Lion In Winter explores the inner conflicts of the royal family as they fight over both a kingdom and King Henry’s paramour. As Eleanor says, “Every family has its ups and downs” and this royal family is no exception.

WHAT TO PREPARE/BRING

  – Bring a copy of your resume and a current headshot if available and provide all conflicts from October 4th-November 15th, 2026. If you do not have a headshot or resume, please do not let that stop you from auditioning! 

– Please prepare a 1 to 2 minute serio-comic monologue. If you are auditioning for the role of Henry or Eleanor, you have the option to prepare one the following monologues instead: Click here to download Henry’s monologue or Eleanor’s monologue.

– If you cannot attend the audition in person, video auditions will be accepted until NOON on
July 19th. All submissions may be emailed to director Kipp Simmons at kippbot@gmail.com.

REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Rehearsals begin on Sunday, October 4th, 2026 and will typically be held Sundays from 1:00 P.M.-
5:00 P.M. and Monday-Thursday from 6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. at OCTA, 500 E. Loula.

Performance dates are as follows:
Friday, October 30th, 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 31st, 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 1st, 2:00 p.m.
Friday, November 6th, 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 7th, 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 8th, 2:00 p.m.
Friday, November 13th, 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 14th, 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 15th, 2:00 p.m.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

All roles are open to actors of any race/ethnicity. Gender identities listed reflect character
identity; casting is flexible and inclusive.

HENRY II (male presenting; to play 50 years old) – The aging King of England. He is witty,
manipulative, and desperately wants to keep his vast empire intact while securing the throne for his preferred successor.

ELEANOR OF AQUITAINE (female presenting; to play 60 years old) – Henry’s cunning wife and
Queen. She has been imprisoned for years for leading a rebellion against Henry but is temporarily released for the holidays and backs a different heir.

RICHARD (male presenting; to play mid to late 20s) – The eldest surviving son and Eleanor's
favorite. A brilliant military commander and fierce warrior (later known as Richard the Lionheart).

GEOFFREY (male presenting; to play early to mid 20s) – The middle son. He is the most clever and overlooked of the brothers, using his intellect to play his family members against one another.

JOHN (male presenting; to play mid to late teens) – The youngest son and Henry’s clear favorite. Though spoiled and immature, he is the one Henry wants to succeed him.

ALAIS CAPET (female presenting; to play mid to late 20s) – Half-sister to Philip, the King of
France, and Henry’s young, beautiful mistress. She was raised by Eleanor and is deeply caught
up in the family’s political maneuvering.

PHILIP CAPET (male presenting; to play late teens to early 20s) – The young, ambitious King of
France. He uses the holiday gathering to assert French dominance and press Henry regarding
royal treaties.

QUESTIONS

Please email all questions and video submissions to Kipp Simmons at kippbot@gmail.com.