CSC2

Erika Anclade (Juliet) and Gregory Hermann (Romeo) in Romeo & Juliet, CSC2, 2019-Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots.

CSC2 is a company of 8-12 non-equity emerging professional actors that works with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company to further develop skills in classical acting through performance, artistic and professional development, and an array of educational and coaching opportunities

The ideal candidate for CSC2 will be interested in furthering their own training, providing mentorship/coaching to near-peer actors, and occasionally acting as a representative of CSC to our stakeholders. There is a stipend for each section of the program. Housing and transportation are not included.

CSC is not able to enlist any AEA actor into the CSC2 program. 

Spring

In the spring, CSC2 actors will work as a cohort, learning from a diverse cast of peers, to perform one of Shakespeare’s plays for a middle and high school audience.  These performances, CSC’s Stage2 Student Matinee Series, may be supplemented with participation in classroom visits, workshops, and post-show talk backs for attending schools.

This year’s title is Romeo & Juliet, directed by Associate Artistic Director, Bryn Boice. Imbedded in this rehearsal process, CSC2 also receives training in coaching Shakespeare’s Text for their summer mentorship role with the Apprentices.

Summer

Starting in early June, as part of a summer mentorship program, CSC2 actors will work with our Apprentice Company of early-career actors on heightened language and by facilitating weekly monologue coaching sessions.

Starting in mid June, CSC2 will rehearse and perform with our equity company in small and ensemble roles for CSC’s signature presentation of Free Shakespeare on the Boston Common.  Each member of CSC2 will also be assigned an understudy role within this production. 

Questions?  Email csc2@commshakes.org

Auditions

Rachel Belleman (Helena) A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2016. Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots

Auditions for the 2023 CSC2 Company are now closed.

Auditions are typically held in the fall with callbacks and casting finalized over the winter. We also encourage non-Equity actors interested in working with CSC to learn more about our Apprentice Program. 

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is an equal opportunity employer. Actors of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are strongly encouraged to audition.

Testimonials

Michael Underhill

2019, 2018 CSC2 Alumnus; Ferdinand in The Tempest, Free Shakespeare on the Common, 2022, Arviragus in Cymbeline, Free Shakespeare on the Common, 2019, Henry, Earl of Richmond in Richard III, Free Shakespeare on the Common, 2018, and CSC’s 2017 reading of Fear and Misery in the Third Reich

Michael in Romeo & Juliet, 2019. Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots

“The experience included intensive rehearsal & performance time, teaching artist opportunities, and the chance to learn and disseminate the Shakespearean text theory that defines the CSC performance style. In addition to all of this – I have gained an invaluable asset in 11 wonderful artistic soulmates who joined me on the four-month CSC2 journey and with whom, I have no doubt, I will be crossing paths and collaborating with for the rest of my theatrical career. CSC has meant so much to me as a young professional and an actor. To find a mission that aligns so closely with my own, and to find professionals who care about their craft – I just feel very, very lucky.”

Billy Saunders, Jr.

2018 CSC2 Alumnus; Sir William Catesby in Richard III, Free Shakespeare on the Common, 2018

Billy as “Macbeth” in Macbeth, 2018. Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots

“My four months with CSC2 were such a fruitful experience for myself as an actor, creator, human, and friend. I was lucky enough to be part of an ensemble of eleven other actors that were passionate, excited, ambitious, and fearless when it came to the work/the process, and I’m glad to say that the 12 of us are now lifelong friends/collaborators because of it. Working with the Apprentices pushed me to not only be a better coach, but also shaped my artistic process and shined light on skills I didn’t know I had. And, of course, being on the Boston Common in front of thousands of people is something you just can’t beat.”

Kaci Hamilton

2017 CSC2 Alumna; Prince Escalus in Romeo & Juliet, Free Shakespeare on the Common, 2017

Kaci as “Anthony” in Julius Caesar, 2017. Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots

“My summer with CSC2 was the experience of a lifetime!  I affectionately refer to it as “Shakespeare Boot Camp”, because every day we dove deeper and deeper into the techniques and skills required to lift the text off the page and drive it into our bodies.  With every experience, from rehearsals, to mentoring the Apprentices, to projecting my voice to the thousands who showed up every night on the Common, I learned so much about not only my process and the work, but also about being a working actor.  I treasure my time and the friends I made with CSC2, and I know that I am forever spoiled by the inclusive, fun-loving, and professional environment they created.”

Sarah Mass

2017 Alumna; 2013 Apprentice Alumna; CSC’s 2017 reading of Fear and Misery in the Third Reich,
CSC’s 2018 production of Universe Rushing Apart: Blue Kettle and Here We Go

Sarah as “Decius” in Julius Caesar, 2017. Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots

“Getting to work with like-minded artists as an ensemble for 6 months is a very special privilege.  CSC2 gave me not only friendships that I cherish, but also an opportunity to create art built upon those friendships.  As members of the CSC2 Company, we supported each other in our growth as artists and connected as young actors facing the same challenges while building our careers.  Plus, getting to perform with your company on the Boston Common for the whole city to experience I can only describe as magical.”

Arisael Rivera

2016 and 2015 CSC2 Alumnus; Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the Hatch Shell with Boston Landmarks Orchestra,2015; Dull in Love’s Labor’s Lost, Free Shakespeare on the Common, 2016

Arisael as “Puck” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2016. Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots

“My experience with CSC2 was a fantastic one, especially when working on the  CSC2 production of Romeo & Juliet.  We were given the artistic freedom to play with these characters and make them our own, while also challenging us to remain true to the text.  The attention to detail concerning language and intention was a true class in not only performing Shakespeare, but performing in general.  Work was hard but the audience’s response made it all worth it.  I’ll cherish those moments with my fellow CSC2 actors.  Also, performing King Lear on the big stage on Boston Common was an epic experience.”