Auditions
Internships Volunteer Auditions
Actors’ Shakespeare Project holds auditions annually in the Spring, Summer, and by appointment for upcoming productions and projects.
Actors are always welcome to submit a letter of interest, headshot, and resume to casting@actorsshakespeareproject.org.
2024-25 Equity Principle Auditions
Monday, May 13, 2024, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
The Mosesian Center for the Arts
321 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472
Monday, May 20, 2024, 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
Hibernian Hall
184 Dudley St #200, Boston, MA 02119
Monday, May 27, 2024, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
Charlestown Working Theater
442 Bunker Hill Street, Boston, MA 02129
Attended by Christopher V. Edwards, Artistic Director and Regine Vital, Casting.
PLEASE NOTE: These are auditions for ACTORS’ EQUITY MEMBERS ONLY. EMC actors are welcome to sign up for the EMC waiting list. Sign-up information for non-AEA auditions is available below.
Please note that these are the only audition days available and we will not be able to see anyone on alternate dates. Thank you and if you have any questions please email casting@actorsshakespeareproject.org.
Actors’ Shakespeare Project will be a NEAT category 6, and this year’s weekly AEA actor salary will be $638.00. Typical Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesday through Friday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday days.
Equity appointments are scheduled in five-minute intervals and each Equity member has a maximum of three minutes to audition. Please bring your AEA membership card. Please prepare material of your choice (including, if you wish, selections from the season). For those who wish to perform a scene from the season, a reader will be available. Please be prepared to state your starting & stopping places with the sides that you supply.
No understudies are being cast. All available roles are available for any actor, regardless of race, heritage, or gender identification. We seek actors who can and enjoy playing multiple roles in a production, and who are physically engaged in the work and with other ensemble members. Each production schedule includes at least 5 weekday morning student matinees, which actors must be available for. Please note that ASP does not supply housing.
ASP’s Anti-Racism Statement
Actors’ Shakespeare Project (ASP) is committed to actively examining and combating the multifaceted nature of racism in our company, our community, the theater industry and the United States. Racism is dehumanizing to everyone it touches and creates an environment that is not conducive to creative expression. Actors’ Shakespeare Project seeks to dismantle organizational systems, processes, structures, and cultures that discourage any person from engaging with us. We pledge to foster diversity, inclusivity, and equity across all of our Board, staff, artists, productions, educational programming, and business operations. The stories of all people will be reflected in all the work that we do.
We look forward to seeing you! Available roles are listed below.
PLEASE NOTE: All Rehearsal and Performance Dates below are TENTATIVE
Emma
by Kate Hamill
Directed by Regine Vital
First rehearsal: October 16, 2024
Opening: November 16, 2024
Closing: December 15, 2024
NOTES: Most actors will double with ensemble roles.
THE STORY: Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma” brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the classic novel. Retaining the wit and charm of Austen’s original, Hamill’s version infuses the story with modern humor and relevance. The characters are vibrant and engaging, with Emma Woodhouse portrayed as a spirited and flawed heroine. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, capturing the essence of Austen’s social commentary while also adding a contemporary flair. Overall, Hamill’s adaptation of “Emma” breathes new life into the timeless tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
AVAILABLE ROLES:
Almost unbelievably charming; a natural comedienne. Bouncily flirty; possesses more power of manipulation than even she understands; has a certain sunny, charming self- regard—it’s what allows her to get away with so much. Very very VERY clever—and fancies herself even more clever than she is. Capable of getting ahead of herself. Incredibly dexterous, verbally. Capable of being unfair or short-sighted or impetuous; maybe a bit overindulged. Grew up with wealth. Can be a bit overconfident and self-congratulatory. Capable of getting quite competitive. Generous with those she considers family. Eminently lovable and eminently fallible. Has emotional depth. Very educated, but is not allowed a profession—and thus is a bit like a border collie without any sheep. Frustrated, and thus sometimes putting her considerable energies in the wrong places. Ahead of her time. Given the chance, she just might run the world.
A deeply likable girl from the lower classes, who’s been given a basic education. A sweet, naturally affectionate human being, but not the brightest flame in the stove. A born enthusiast; the kind of person who leaps WAY before she looks. Has a strong tendency towards hero worship. A born follower. VERY impressionable. Has a desperate adoring friend- crush on Emma. Wants to be in love. Gets flustered easily. A bit naïve.
Emma’s former governess. A very smart woman with a good sense of humor; very perceptive and grounded. Not afraid to tell it like it is. Capable of really teaching deep lessons. Not without edge, when she chooses. Likable and opinionated. Gives great advice. Picture the coolest aunt imaginable.
[Doubles with Mrs. Bates, Mrs. Elton as needed.]
Headmistress of a struggling school for girls. An incredibly good-natured, if motor-mouthed and daft, woman. Very very proud of her niece Jane Fairfax, whom she talks about obsessively. Once she starts talking, you can’t get a word in edgewise.
[Doubles with Mrs. Elton, servant as needed.]
You know that girl who always seems to do everything right? Jane is that girl. An overachiever. Very composed. Very beautiful. Very discreet. Very accomplished. Very smart. Every hair in place, and it seems effortless. Works as a governess, until she quits under mysterious circumstances. The only girl-child in a family full of schoolteachers, and thus—seemingly—a model of perfect behavior. Maybe a little bit stiff. Under all of this A+ decorum, she’s hiding a love affair with Frank Churchill—she doubts he can be faithful. Is hiding deep passions under that flawless exterior.
[Doubles with Mrs. Elton, Mrs. Bates as needed.]
Not bright. What’s more, she has a laugh that’s the auditory equivalent of nails being torn out of your fingers. Is delighted by everything. Her libido is…. quite active. Thinks her new husband, Mr. Elton, is the most desirable thrilling brilliant man alive. A truly intolerable woman. May actually be a hyena, wearing a human suit.
[May also double with Mrs. Bates.]
A handsome man; a super charming man; an upright fellow. He’s also a bit of a rule-follower; maybe sometimes a bit of a stick in the mud. Very clever. Capable of getting ahead of himself and edging towards know-it-all. Can be competitive. Is preoccupied with Emma—they get under each other’s skin in the most delightful way. Gets quite jealous of Frank Churchill. Has the best intentions. Feels deeply. A genuinely good guy. Ultimately learns to admit vulnerability and share his feelings.
An over-anxious, melancholy hypochondriac, but people humor him, as he’s a nice man under it all. Obsessed with the healing powers of gruel. Tends to darkly predict fatal illnesses as a sign of concern.
[Doubles with Mr. Weston as needed.]
The kind of man who likes to make awkward “dad jokes.” Very very proud of his son, Frank Churchill. An unsubtle matchmaker. A good man; not a mean thought in his head. Maybe is prone to blurting out the wrong thing.
[Doubles with Mr. Woodhouse as needed.]
A clergyman who sometimes gets the wrong idea. ADORES poetry. A born social climber. Fancies himself a great romantic. Thinks ladies are naturally coy and enjoy wordplay. Is determined to woo, and win. Thinks he oozes charm; maybe just oozes.
[May double with Mr. Weston. Doubles with Frank Churchill, Robert Martin, Mrs. Bates as needed.]
An incredibly charming, handsome, mischievous flirt of a man—the kind of man who gets away with almost everything, because he’s so irresistible. Not a bad guy, really; just a bit too likable for his own good. Ladies love him. Funny. Gossipy. Clever. A little spoiled and manipulative. A bit unused to hearing “no,” and as a result, doesn’t really believe in “no.” Can be callous or unthinkingly cruel or self-indulgent. Wishes to reform, but can’t….always…. help himself. Enjoys half-truths and innuendo. Is, underneath everything, in love with Jane Fairfax—but that doesn’t mean other women become uninteresting to him.
[Doubles with Mr. Elton, Robert Martin, Mrs. Bates as needed.]
The Piano Lesson
by August Wilson
Directed by Christopher V. Edwards
First rehearsal: December 26, 2024
Opening: January 25, 2025
Closing: February 16, 2025
NOTES: Most actors will double with ensemble roles.
THE STORY: August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson tells the story of a family’s complex relationships and struggles over a valuable heirloom, a piano. Set in 1930s Pittsburgh, the play delves into themes of legacy, history, and identity as two siblings, Boy Willie and Berniece, clash over the fate of the piano. Boy Willie wants to sell it to buy land, but Berniece refuses, believing the piano holds their family’s tragic past. Throughout the play, the characters confront their past traumas and grapple with how to move forward while honoring their ancestors. Wilson’s poignant and lyrical writing illuminates the African American experience with depth and nuance.
Content: This production will contain adult language.
Seeking actors of African descent.
AVAILABLE ROLES:
The patriarch of the family and caretaker of the piano. He is a wise and patient man who serves as a mediator between Boy Willie and Berniece.
Determined, ambitious man driven by desire to sell his family’s piano for land.
Strong, resilient woman deeply connected to family history.
A charming and charismatic character who is a wandering piano-playing musician and gambler. He provides comic relief and insight into the family’s past.
A friend of Boy Willie who arrives seeking a fresh start. He is optimistic and eager to make something of himself.
A preacher who is interested in Berniece and helps provide spiritual guidance to the family.
Berniece’s daughter, who is a sweet and innocent young girl caught up in the turmoil of her family’s history.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Maurice Emmanuel Parent
First rehearsal: March 12, 2025
Opening: April 12, 2025
Closing: May 11, 2025
THE STORY: A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows the intersecting stories of four young lovers caught in a tangled web of mistaken identity and mischievous magic. Hermia and Lysander defy the wishes of Hermia’s father by fleeing to the forest, while Helena pines for Demetrius, who is in love with Hermia. Meanwhile, the mischievous fairy Puck meddles with a group of amateur actors rehearsing a play. As their worlds collide in the enchanted forest, chaos ensues with love potions, spells, and whimsical transformations. Ultimately, all parties find themselves entangled in a hilarious and magical night of love and mischief.
Content: This production will contain sexual themes.
Roles will be doubled as necessary.
AVAILABLE ROLES:
The Duke of Athens, Theseus represents order and authority. Theseus is preparing for a wedding to Hippolyta.
The Queen of the Amazons. Hippolyta is betrothed to Theseus.
A young person in love with Lysander, but desired by Demetrius.
Hermia’s true love. Lysander is determined to be with Hermia, despite the obstacles in their way.
Initially in love with Hermia, Demetrius becomes the target of Puck’s mischief when Demetrius’s affections are manipulated.
In love with Demetrius.
The king of the fairies, Oberon is mischievous and is responsible for much of the magical confusion that takes place in the woods.
The queen of the fairies, Titania is strong-willed and has a conflict with Oberon due to a love potion.
Oberon’s mischievous servant, Puck causes chaos with magical interventions but ultimately helps set things right.
Hermia’s father.
A weaver who is transformed into an ass-headed figure by Puck’s magic. Bottom is unwittingly caught up in the fairy world’s antics.
A carpenter and the director of the play Pyramus & Thisbe.
A bellows-mender by trade and is cast in the role of Thisbe in the Mechanicals’ play.
A tailor who is cast in the role of Moonshine in the Mechanicals’ play.
A tinker who is cast in the role of the Wall in the Mechanicals’ play.
A joiner who is cast in the role of the Lion in the Mechanicals’ play.
2024-25 Non-Equity Season Auditions:
Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday June 5, 9:30am – 6:00pm
Auditions will be at Charlestown Working Theater: 442 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown MA
- Please prepare one monologue less than two minutes in length from Shakespeare’s canon, including from our upcoming season.
- Please bring one copy of your photo and resume.
Attended by Christopher V. Edwards, Artistic Director and Regine Vital, Casting.
About ASP, Casting, and Rehearsals:
Artistic Director: Christopher V. Edwards
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesday-Friday evenings, plus Saturday and Sunday days.
- No understudies are being cast.
- All roles are available for any and all actors, regardless of race, heritage, or gender identification.
- Appointments will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
- We seek actors who are able to and enjoy playing multiple roles in a production, who are physically engaged in the work and with other ensemble members.
- Each production schedule includes at least two weekday morning student matinees, for which actors must be available.
- Please note that ASP does not supply housing. Actors must have Boston-area housing in order to work with ASP.