Auditions

Equity Principal Auditions Shakespeare on the Common 2024: The Winter’s Tale
  • By William Shakespeare
  • Directed By: Bryn Boice
  • First Rehearsal: on or about June 17th, 2024
  • Production Dates: July 16th-August 4th, 2024
  • Press Opening: July 24th, 2024
  • AEA Agreement: LOA / LORT with $650 / week minimum

About:

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) will hold in-person auditions for its 2024 Summer production of The Winter’s Tale directed by CSC’s Associate Artistic Director, Bryn Boice. This production will be rehearsed indoors in Boston, MA and then transfer to CSC’s outdoor performance space on the Boston Common for tech and performances. Workweeks will be 40 hours, and we do not anticipate holding “10/12” technical rehearsals for this production. All AEA roles will be understudied.

We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. All roles are open to qualified performers, without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, disability, race, color, national origin, body type, sexual orientation or gender identity or any other basis prohibited by law unless otherwise specifically indicated.

Accommodations notice: Commonwealth Shakespeare Company encourages performers with disabilities and/or who are D/deaf to audition and will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who request them in advance. Accommodation requests may include: ASL Interpretation, Braille or Large Print Materials, Physical Access, and Social Narratives. To request an accommodation please email Artistic Associate Lauren Cook at auditions@commshakes.org

Roles Available:

Camillo (Male, late 40s and up): A Sicilian Lord, the right hand man of King Leontes, until he is asked to go too far. A man of great principle, who sees right and wrong with ease. Think Ralph Fiennes or Jeffrey Wright. AEA

Antigonus (Male, over 50): Beta but wonderful husband of Paulina; pursued by a bear. Should be able to run. Dancing a plus. Will also play 2nd Gentleman “Rogero” in Act 5. Think Tom Wilkinson. AEA 

Florizel (Person of Color, Male or Non-Binary, 18-25): Son of Polixenes, in true love with Perdita, will do anything for love but isn’t a sap. Will dance, perhaps lifts. Think young Michael B. Jordan. AEA

Emilia/Third ‘Gentleman’ (Female or Non-Binary, over 30): Hermione’s steadfast Lady in Waiting. Joyous until her/Hermione’s world falls apart. Later, Paulina’s lady. Expanded role, will also play Act V’s Third Gentleman as Emilia, and will be involved in Sicilia and Bohemia’s dance/movement numbers. Think Emily Watson, America Ferrera. AEA

The (Old) Shepard: (Any gender, over 60): They keep calling him old, but he’s very spritely! Salt of the Earth, he picks up a baby and rears her (thanks to a lot of very helpful gold.) Does not want to live his later years in any kind of strife. May do a bit of dancing. AEA

AEA roles not listed but already cast: Leontes, Hermione, Paulina, Polixenes, Autolycus.

Roles not listed above will be filled by our 2024 non-Equity CSC2 Company

AUDITIONS:

EPA Auditions will be held in Boston on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre (949 Commonwealth Ave, Boston MA 02215) from 11am to 7pm, with a 3-4pm meal break. Callbacks will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre (appointment times will be between 3-8pm.) There will be a virtual callback later that week (or next) if need be. 

Please note that we are only assigning audition time slots to current AEA members. Non-Equity performers are welcome to attend our auditions on a standby basis and be seen only if time allows; however, please note that only AEA roles are available for the production at this time. Non Equity Performers: We encourage you to learn more about our Apprentice Program

How to submit for an audition slot:

Interested candidates should fill out an audition form at the button below by January 23, 2024 for an audition slot. 

For the auditions, please prepare a 2-minute Shakespeare monologue, preferably in verse. You may be asked for a second short contemporary contrasting monologue. 

As you prepare for this audition, we encourage you to review this note from our director, Bryn:

Dear Actors,

Thank you so much for taking the time to audition! I am looking for actors who move well, are clear with the language, and love to play. I am also always interested in finding out your special skills–from playing handheld instruments to ballroom dance to yodeling, from doing the splits to hoop tricks to puppetry–so please include these on your resume. 

Thank you!

Bryn Boice

Questions? Please reach out to us at auditions@commshakes.org

Additional Information:

CSC has transitioned from ‘COVID Safety’ policies to ‘Infection Control and Prevention’ policies. We will continue to maintain COVID vaccination requirements (along with medical and religious exemptions) and may conduct COVID surveillance testing for this project. Our full policies will be communicated ahead of the first day of in-person work and will include requiring all CSC staff and contractors on the production to be current and fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster dose(s) if eligible.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is a participant in the Line Drawn Community Standards Initiative to prevent harassment and abuse in the New England performing arts community and requires all staff, contractors, and volunteers to abide by these standards. More information about Line Drawn can be found at commshakes.org/linedrawn along with a copy of the current standards.

CSC’s mission and values are summarized on our website at commshakes.org/mission-history. Those who work with us should reflect a commitment to these values. We celebrate diversity and access and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our full Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access can be found at commshakes.org/commdeia/. CSC is a place where everyone can grow, so however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a position that interests you.

CSC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Professionals of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 


Featured Photo: Lucy Davenport ( Mary Devlin) and Jacob Fishel (Edwin Booth), Our American Hamlet, 2017. Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots

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