Shakespeare in the Woods 2025 Summer Season

Shakespeare in the Woods
Manchester, VT
US

Job Details

DESCRIPTION

Shakespeare in the Woods (SitW) is seeking Northeast and New England-based non-union performers for roles in its 2025 Repertory Season. SitW’s 5th year of programming will include RICHARD II and LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST in repertory. The 2025 Season will be one of Power and Influence - examining themes of loyalty, language, masculinity, divine right, and love. Shakespeare in the Woods (SitW) is an outdoor theatre company committed to leading bold theatrical experimentation through a modern, radical, and gender expansive queer lens, in pursuit of a reimagined Shakespeare Canon for the here and now. Please read entire listing carefully, and visit www.shakespeareinthewoods.org to learn more before applying.

Seeking non-union actors (18+) of all genders, ethnicities, races, sizes, and abilities, with a strong handle of Shakespeare's language and verse to build a dynamic company of 9 performers for the season.

SitW is a company that disrupts the traditional gendered and binary casting in the canon. We believe there is a richness of opportunity in intentionally and mindfully looking at Shakespeare’s work through a gender expansive and queer lens in the here and now. We heavily encourage trans, non-binary, and gender expansive folks to submit for any and all desired roles.

We will specify any criteria for a character relating to gender, race and/or ethnicity, ability, age, or physicality. Any gender specificity stated in the breakdown reflects the gender expression of the character, not the actor.

We invite and encourage actors to bring the fullness of their lived experiences and identities into the shaping of the plays’ worlds. We approach casting conscious of the real world systemic dynamics affected and reflected in our storytelling when deciding to put specific actors in specific roles.

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
From dir. Michael Alvarez: In this queer reimagining set within the social elitism of Ivy League academia, the “King of Navarre” and his friends vow celibacy to focus on their studies. However, their resolve is tested when the Princess of France and her entourage arrive. As the men confront their vulnerabilities, repressions, and the undeniable power of true emotion, their oath begins to crumble. This production playfully portrays the transformative power of overcoming toxic masculinity and societal norms to achieve genuine connection and self-awareness. Looking for actors with a strong command of language, strong comic timing, strong physical comedy and are transformational. Ability to sing (pop/folk/rock) and play instruments are advantageous. This production will feature doubling with those roles to be determined.

Characters:
FERDINAND (masculine presenting, 18-24) – Privileged and reigning “king” of his frat bros. Wears a mask of self-assuredness, ambitious, perfectly coiffed – the epitomes of a “golden boy.”
PRINCESS of France (feminine presenting, 18-24) – Fierce, strong, intelligent. Begins an emissary from her home institution but leaves endowed with her own inner-power. Travels with her band of besties.

"The Bros" (masculine presenting, 18-24):
BEROWNE – a know-it-all with a reputation.
LONGAVILLE – an optimistic man-child who is quick to follow.
DUMAINE – perhaps a little dim, but makes up for it in good looks. Very sweet.

"The Besties" (feminine presenting, 18-24):
ROSALINE – Brains and beauty, confident and steadfast, has a soft-spot for love.
MARIA – A popular girl with a quick wit, silver tongue and twinkle in her eye for the boys.
KATHERINE – smart, charming, independent (or is she?).

"The Others":
BOYET (any gender, any age) – Chaperone for the Princess and her besties, holds all the secrets.
ARMADO (any gender, any age) – Entitled, overly superior self of self, “on trend.”
JAQUENETTA (any gender, any age) – Spritely, alluring, maybe a little ditzy, virtue isn’t their strongest suit to others.
COSTARD (any gender, any age) – Possess wit and charm, but lacks in book smarts. Funny and cute.
DULL (any gender, any age) – Not the brightest but endearing.
HOLOFERNES (masc presenting/any gender, any age) – A repressed, ridiculously pompous academic.
NATHANIEL (any gender, any age) – A gentle intellectual and wordsmith.

RICHARD II
From dir. Roberto Di Donato: This bold new adaptation of RICHARD II will explore themes of power, betrayal, and a downfall. Dynamic and fresh interpretations are required to bring these historic characters to life. If you imagine yourself in a role, put yourself forward for it—the director is open to many variations. This production will feature doubling, actors may have the opportunity to play multiple roles if cast in a role that indicates doubling.

Characters:
KING RICHARD II (masculine presenting, 30s) – A young, idealistic king whose belief in divine right leads to his tragic downfall. Strong presence with emotional depth.
THE QUEEN (feminine presenting, 20s-30s) – Regal and stoic, navigating political turmoil.*Possible doubling.
JOHN OF GAUNT (masculine presenting, 40s+) – Believes strongly in the divine right of a king. Advises Richard to exile his own son. Conflicted with his duty as a loyal subject vs a loving father.*Possible doubling
HENRY BOLINGBROKE (masculine presenting, 20-30s) –Ambitious and defiant, determined to reclaim his family’s honor. Natural leader with a simmering intensity.*Role is cast
DUCHES OF GLOUCESTER (any gender, 30-40s) – Grieving widow of the Duke of Gloucester. Fierce and emotionally complex.
DUKE OF YORK (any gender, 30-40s) – Conflicted figure torn between loyalty to the king and family. Balances political pragmatism with personal beliefs.
PERCY, EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND (any gender, 40s) –Cold, calculating, and strategic. A key figure in the rebellion.
HARRY PERCY (any gender, 20s) – Youthful and headstrong, eager to prove himself in the rebellion.
DUCHESS OF YORK (any gender, 40s) – Maternal and politically savvy, torn between her loyalty to her husband and love for her son.
DUKE OF AUMERELE (any gender, 20-30s) – Naive yet eager to prove themself in the political drama of the court.
THOMAS MOWBRAY(any gender, 30-40s) – Exiled, determined, and resentful.*Possibly doubling
SIR PIERSS EXTON (any gender, 20-30s) – Servant turned assassin in the political intrigue.*Possible doubling

KEY DATES & LOCATIONS
New York City single rehearsal week July 6-11 (Sun-Fri); Manchester, VT rehearsals begin July 14th (Mon-Fri); arrival travel to VT on July 13; departure on September 1; previews Aug 9-10; repertory performances run August 13-31(Wed.-Sun.); 2 additional Senior/Student Friday matinees during the run, and the potential for additional Sunday matinees at site specific locations within the region. Note: All performances will be outdoors, and are rain or shine (with exception to extreme weather conditions). Full 2025 Season contract dates July 6-August 31.

COMPENSATION & CONTRACT

$450/wk ($3,600 for 8wk duration) non-union performer contract.
If an actor is hired for an additional creative job (ex: fight choreographer, intimacy choreographer, sound design/composer) they will receive an additional $20/hr. pay for rehearsal hours spent working on these responsibilities. The contract also includes shared local housing within 15 minutes of rehearsal & performance venue and roundtrip transportation to/from VT from within the Northeast USA. If traveling from outside the Northeast, production guarantees contributing the sum of $100 towards the necessary travel costs. If driving to VT, you will receive gas reimbursement, and an additional $12/wk gas stipend.

HOW TO APPLY
For consideration, please email your submission to [email protected] with the subject line “2025 Actor Submission”.

Please include the following materials:
1) A cover letter that shares your name, pronouns, and location. If you’d like to be considered for additional work on Intimacy Choreography (certified or comparable experience), Movement/Dance Choreography, and/or Fight Choreography (certified or comparable experience). If you’re not interested, no need to indicate.
*Specifically for our TGNCNB community: If there are character genders you do not consent to be considered for. We will never cast cis actors in TGNCNB roles, but want to ensure we aren’t potentially considering TGNCNB actors in gendered roles you do not feel comfortable playing.
2) Your headshot & resume.
3) Link to a self tape of your favorite Shakespeare, either a monologue or scene work. Max 2mins in length (tapes new and old welcome, we just want to see you at your best!). 4) If you can sing and/or play instruments please also link to a short tape performing a song in the folk/pop/rock/punk genre, ideally with guitar or electric guitar.

Callbacks will be scheduled for March 15 & 16th in NYC, and a virtual half day will be held on March 17th.
The deadline submissions is 11:59pm EST on March 9th.

DURATION

Jul 6, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025

SALARY

$450.00 – $450.00 per week

HOW TO APPLY

APPLY BY EMAIL

casting…
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