Auditions

Shakespeare on the Common 2025: As You Like It

By William Shakespeare

Directed By: Steven Maler

First Rehearsal: Tentatively June 25th, 2025

Production Dates: Between July 22nd-August 10th, 2025

AEA Agreement: LOA / LORT with $676.00 / week minimum

About:

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) will hold in-person auditions for its 2025 Summer production of As You Like It directed by CSC’s Founding Artistic Director, Steven Maler. 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. Transportation and parking will not be provided. We anticipate most roles for this production to be local hire. Workweeks will be 37.5 hours on a 5 day schedule. Some contracts will begin in the second week of our rehearsal period. 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:

Celia (Female, 20-30s age range): The daughter of Duke Frederick, and Rosalind’s best friend and cousin. Devoted to Rosalind and dons the disguise of ‘Aliena’ as they travel into exile together. Has a loving heart, sometimes to a comic extreme. AEA

Touchstone (all gender, all age): A fool in Duke Frederick’s court, a great critic of the folly around him. A bawdy jokester who sort of enjoys being a jerk. AEA 

Jaques (Any gender, over 30 age range): A melancholy nobleman, who takes a bit of pleasure in putting on his cynicism and brooding. Passionate about thinking, pessimistic about doing. AEA

Phebe (Female, 20s-30s age range): Shepherdess who does not want the love of Silvius, but falls immediately in love with Ganymede (Rosalind in disguise). Not too smart, but always thinking. AEA

Oliver (Male, 20s-30s age range): Older brother of Orlando, who inexplicably hates him and denies him a gentleman’s education. Is redeemed by love in the end. AEA

Adam/Sir Oliver Martext: (Male, over 60): Elderly former servant of Orlando’s father, who is devoted and loving to young Orlando. Gives his life savings to accompany and fund Orlando’s journey into exile. As Sir Oliver, a country vicar. AEA

Corin: (All genders, over 40) A shepherd who attempts to console and counsel his friend Silvius about love. AEA.

AEA roles not listed but already cast: Rosalind, Orlando, Duke Frederick/Duke Senior, Amiens. Additional roles not listed above will be filled by our 2025 non-Equity CSC2 Company. 

AUDITIONS:

Equity Principal Auditions (EPA) will be held in person in Boston on Monday, February 24, 2025 in Studio 204 at the Boston Center for the Arts, Artist Studios building (551 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02116) from 10am to 6pm, with a 2-3pm meal break. Callbacks will be held on Friday February 28, 2025 in the Arts Resource Room of the Boston Center for the Arts, Calderwood Pavilion (539 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116) (appointment times will be between 12:15-3:00PM.) We will not be accepting virtual submissions at this time. There may be a virtual callback in the following weeks 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 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, Steve:

Dear Actors,

Thank you for taking the time to audition. I am looking for actors who move well, are clear with the language, and have a sense of play. I am also interested in finding out about your special skills–especially any experience playing handheld or found instruments or with dance or movement–so please include these on your resume. Thank you!

Steve Maler

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 https://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 https://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.