DRUNK SHAKESPEARE CHICAGO Equity Principal Actors - Brass Jar LLC Auditions

DRUNK SHAKESPEARE CHICAGO - Chicago EPA

Brass Jar LLC | Las Vegas, NV

Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA

AUDITION DATE

LOCATION

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Actors' Equity Association - Chicago Member Center

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (C)

557 W Randolph St, 1st Fl

BREAK: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Chicago, IL 60661

CONTRACT

PERSONNEL

• Contract: Special Agreement
• Producer: Scott Griffin
• Directors / Artistic: David Hudson - Director; Lori Wolter Hudson - Director; Sean Graney - Artistic Producer
• City Manager / Local Director: Maggie Spanuello

3 types offered:

• WEEKLY - $875.50 minimum (minimum of 8 shows per week)
• CORE - $489.25 minimum (minimum of 5 shows per week)
• PART TIME - guaranteed 2 shows a month or more at $97.85 per show

OTHER DATES

SEEKING:

Currently running - open-ended run. Equity actors for roles in DRUNK SHAKESPEARE CHICAGO (see breakdown).

Website:
https://www.drunkshakespeare.com/welcome

BIPOC actors and femme-presenting actors are encouraged to audition. Email
jobs@brassjar.com with any questions!

PREPARATION

EPA procedures are in effect for this audition. Please prepare 2 contrasting Shakespeare monologues, 1 minute in length each. We would like to meet YOU through this text, so approach it in a contemporary way that allows your personality to shine while honoring Shakespeare's intention. Note: Please DO NOT drink as a component of your audition.

An Equity Monitor will be provided.

Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

BREAKDOWN

SYNOPSIS

Every evening, a group of five skilled performers, members of The Drunk Shakespeare Society, gather to put on a mesmerizing play. But here's the thrilling twist: one among them bravely indulges in multiple shots of liquid courage, setting the stage for an unforgettable performance.

Since 2014, Drunk Shakespeare has been entertaining audiences from all over the world with productions in NYC, Chicago, DC, Phoenix, and Houston. Drunk Shakespeare is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and the Chicago Tribune said it “may just wind up being one of the most enjoyable ways to experience a tragedy.” Alumni from the cast have gone on to perform on Broadway, in the West End, Blue Man Group, The Deuce, Billions, Sunnyside and on national tours.

An eclectic mix of performers, each bringing their unique flair and artistic prowess to our ensemble. No matter your background or identity, we invite you to audition for roles that interest and excite you. Joining our dynamic troupe means being part of a rotating cast, collaborating closely with the director to sculpt your character, putting forth your individuality, and spotlighting your strengths as a performer. It's a celebration of you!

NOTE: With the exception of The Host, all roles will be required to drink alcohol on stage approximately once a week.

We're on the lookout for an eclectic mix of performers, each bringing their unique flair and artistic prowess to our ensemble. No matter your background or identity, we invite you to apply for roles that interest and excite you. Joining our dynamic troupe means being part of a rotating cast, collaborating closely with the director to sculpt your character, putting forth your individuality, and spotlighting your strengths as a performer. It's a celebration of you! Here, comedic brilliance, a magnetic stage presence, specialized talents, a fondness for Shakespeare, and a fervent commitment to ensemble play are the keys to unlocking this exhilarating experience.

NOTE: Cast members are required to drink onstage approximately once per week. Strict drinking guidelines will be adhered to.

SEEKING:

JULIET: Juliet, a luminous spark of youthful passion, transforming from wide-eyed innocence to fierce determination in the span of a heartbeat. While her family longs for her to be very demure, very mindful, her FYP may be full out Fifty Shades. Fiery presence, rich emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to the thin line between comedy and tragedy.

ROMEO: A hopeless romantic with a flair for the dramatic and zero chill. He falls in love faster than you can say “star-crossed,” and he means every word, every time. His FYP is an emotional rollercoaster: sad boy poetry, shirtless sword tutorials, and POVs where he stares longingly into the camera. Emotional range, comedic instincts, and the ability to commit 100%—whether kissing, killing, or spiraling in a monologue about fate. Charisma, charm, and sex appeal are a must, and should leave the audience wondering if they’re watching Shakespeare...or just catching feelings.

FRIAR/MERCUTIO: The chaotic philosopher and the wild card poet—two sides of the same coin. Slings high-minded wisdom with stoner energy and drops filthy verse with the confidence of someone who’s definitely tried absinthe. The Friar dreams of peace but might be microdosing. Mercutio? A brilliant, sex-crazed agent of chaos who lives to provoke, seduce, and stir the pot. With swagger, sharp comedic timing, and a gift for flipping the tone on a dime.

NURSE/TYBALT: One minute, you're Juliet’s ride-or-die, over-sharing, sex-positive confidante. The next, you're the Prince(ss) of Cats—furious, flashy, and ready to throw hands. Delicious split between bawdy comic relief and hot-blooded rage, demanding precision timing, physical comedy chops, and the ability to fight with both swords and sex toys. A dream role for a fearless performer who can serve up raunchy one-liners, then turn around and start a vendetta. Must be bold, dynamic, and ready to swing—emotionally and literally.

HOST/PRINCE: The ultimate authority figure meets the ultimate hype person. As Prince, you lay down the law with gravitas and theatrical flair. As Host, you're the connective tissue of the show—welcoming the audience, steering the chaos, and making it all feel like a wild party with Shakespeare at its core. Standup comedian with hosting chops a plus, a slew of high-quality impressions in their back pocket, and the ability to hold an audience in the palm of their hand.