Can Your Dog Perform Shakespeare?

The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is looking for a dog to play—well, a dog, in Two Gentlemen of Verona.

The repertory company's performances this summer include the Shakespeare comedy (considered by some scholars to be the first he ever wrote); Othello; and The Liar, a modern adaptation of a classic French farce.
But back to the dog. 
There's a casting call Monday for dogs (and their owners) interested in auditioning for the part. 

Director Eric Tucker says the ideal canine will be not too big, calm, a bit sad-looking, able to sit or lie quietly despite the antics of the actors and the reactions of the audience.

"He's the straight man," Tucker said. "In the play his owner is upset with the dog because he doesn't show any emotion."

Tucker said he does not have any particular breed in mind. "It's like human casting, we'll just see what comes into the room."

The K9 Casting Call runs from 4-7 p.m. March 10 at 1008 Brown St., Peekskill—the Paramount Theater.

To schedule an audition, send head shots and a preferred time to mdavis@hvshakespeare.org