The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

Auditions Set for 20th Outdoor Tour Season

The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival this summer will be embarking on its 20th season of taking Shakespeare to northern Ohio communities in the open air and free of charge. This weekend—which just happens to be William Shakespeare's birthday—the company will be conducting auditions for the troupe that will be staging the same two titles that comprised the company's first season: The Taming of the Shrew and Macbeth.

"We are seeking a company of intelligent, energetic, and imaginative actors of all races and ethnicities for two productions that will tour a variety of outdoor venues across Cuyahoga and Lake Counties," says a company notice.

Auditions will take place at the Ensemble Theatre, 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Hts. OH 44118, from 1–4 p.m., Sunday, April 23, and 7:30–10 p.m., Monday, April 24. Callbacks will be Wednesday, April 26. No appointment necessary; artists will be seen in the order of sign-in. No Actors Equity Association contracts are available.

Rehearsals for The Taming of the Shrew, adapted and directed by Lisa Ortenzi, begin April 30 with performance dates June 16–July 2. For Macbeth, adapted and directed by Tyson Douglas Rand, rehearsals begin in early June with performance Dates July 21–August 6. Actors may participate in either or both productions.

No housing is provided, but all actors and production staff are paid a stipend. Company members are invited to take part at no charge in a six-part workshop on Shakespearean acting with an emphasis on skills required for performing outdoors. This workshop also will be available to the general public.

Auditions require two contrasting monologues with a total delivery time of both monologues combined not to exceed three minutes. At least one of the two monologues must be from the works of Shakespeare. Bring two copies each of a head shot and resume. Also, list any and all possible known conflicts between the dates of May 1 and July 21 as well as Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Aug. 6.

For more information, email [email protected].

April 17, 2017

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