Oregon Shakespeare Festival 2027 Season Equity Principal Actors - Oregon Shakespeare Festival Auditions

OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2027 SEASON - LA EPA

Oregon Shakespeare Festival | Ashland, OR

Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA

AUDITION DATE

LOCATION

Thursday, June 4, 2026
Actors' Equity Association LA Audition Center
5636 Tujunga Ave
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (P)
North Hollywood, CA 91601

PERSONNEL

Tim Bond, Artistic Director
Rosa Joshi, Associate Artistic Director
Kaytlin McIntyre, Associate Artistic Director
Joy Dickson, Company Casting Director
Bettina Mueller-Tuescher, Assistant Producer & Casting Associate.

CONTRACT

$1320 weekly minimum (LORT B+)

SEEKING

See breakdown for production-specific personnel.
Equity actors for roles in Oregon Shakespeare Festival's 2027 Season (see breakdown).

EXPECTED TO ATTEND:

Bettina Mueller-Tuescher, Assistant Producer and Casting Associate

PREPARATION

Please prepare two contrasting monologues, one Shakespeare and one contemporary. You may replace one of the monologues with a song. If you do, please bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. No more than 3 minutes total, please.

OTHER DATES

See breakdown for production-specific dates.

www.osfashland.org
EPA Procedures are in effect for this 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

OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2027 SEASON

Oregon Shakespeare Festival produces in repertory. Most actors and stage managers work on multiple shows throughout the year. A standard repertory contract includes up to four assignments, including understudies.

HAMLET

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Rosa Joshi
Angus Bowmer Theatre
Rehearsals: 1/12/2027 – 2/23/2027
Tech: 2/24/2027 - 3/11/2027
Previews/Performances: 3/12/2027 - 10/31/2027
All roles will be understudied.

NOTE: Hamlet may share actors with: A Doll’s House, Comedy of Errors, and A Winter’s Tale

SEEKING:

Hamlet: CAST.
Claudius: 50’s and up. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. New King of Denmark. An authoritarian leader, a crafty politician; strategic, deceitful, and manipulative but not obviously so. Charming and persuasive. Possesses an inherent status and charisma. Intimacy and fight needs: Touching, caressing, embracing, kissing (with Gertrude). Engages in physical violence.
Gertrude: 50’s and up. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Hamlet's mother, Queen of Denmark remarried to her dead husband's brother. She is also suffering from a loss but is doing what she needs in order to survive as a woman in this world. She cares deeply for her son and has a well of inner strength though it might not be immediately apparent. Elegant and regal, she carries herself with dignity. Intimacy needs: touching, caressing, embracing and kissing with Claudius; familial physical affection with her son.
Laertes/Player: Late 20’s-30’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Ophelia's brother, Polonius' son, a contemporary of Hamlet's. He's practical, athletic and assured. A protective brother and dutiful son; he can also be hot-headed and impulsive. Intimacy and fight needs: familial physical affection with father and sister. Skilled fighter, rapier. Player: One of the theatrical troupe that arrives at Elsinore and performs the play within the play. A working artist proud of their craft. Any age and gender identity. Special skills: A good mover. Playing an instrument is a plus.
Polonius/Priest: 60’s and up. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Claudius's main advisor, waning in years and perhaps less sharp because of that, but they have a reputation as a respected politician and a savvy strategist. Prone to chattiness but not a complete fool. Loves their children and has been raising them as a single parent. Intimacy needs: Familial physical affection with adult children. Priest: Presides over the burial of Ophelia.
Horatio: Late 20’s-early 30’s. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Hamlet's closest friend from school. A scholar and a bit of a skeptic, they are an outsider but they become swept up in Hamlet's dilemma and try to guide and support him the best they can. Levelheaded, loyal, and grounded; they are the steady friend you want with you when you are going through the worst time of your life. Intimacy needs: Physical affection for a friend.
Ophelia: 20’s-30’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Polonius' daughter, in love with Hamlet; she is not naive but is definitely inexperienced in navigating the world of court and politics. She has a strong sense of integrity, an open heart and an inner fire and rebelliousness that are revealed most fully when others perceive her as 'mad'. Intimacy needs: Touching, embracing, caressing, and kissing with Hamlet; familial physical affection. Special skills: Needs to sing. Costume note: May end up in a state of disarray and a distraught physical place which may involve costuming that is revealing, but there is no nudity.
Voltemand/Player: 40’s and younger. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Voltemand: an ambassador to the Norwegians. Ambitious and obedient. Player: One of the theatrical troupe that arrives at Elsinore and performs the play within the play. A working artist proud of their craft. Characteristics are open depending on age and gender identity of the actor. Special skills: Needs to be a good mover. Playing an instrument is a plus.
Rosencrantz/Marcellus: Late 20’s-30’s. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Rosencrantz: A school friend of Hamlet's summoned to court to 'help' Hamlet. Torn between loyalty and duty, they choose betrayal and survival. They were Hamlet's party friends and not deeply close to him but do care for him. He often defers to his counterpart, Guildenstern. Marcellus: a palace guard, one of the first to see the ghost of Hamlet's father. Intimacy needs: as Rosencrantz, physical affection for a friend.
Guildenstern/Barnardo: Late 20’s-30’s. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Guildenstern: A school friend of Hamlet's summoned to court to 'help' Hamlet. Torn between loyalty and duty, they chose betrayal and survival. They were Hamlet's party friends and not deeply close to him but do care for him. Guildenstern is more the leader in the pair of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Barnardo: A palace guard. One of the first to see the ghost of Hamlet's father. Intimacy needs: As Guildenstern, physical affection for a friend.
Ghost/Player King/Grave Digger: Late 50’s-60’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Ghost: The ghost of Hamlet's father: imposing, a warrior, a doer more than a thinker. He was not the most affectionate father in his lifetime, but he was a person of integrity and valor. Needs to have status and be believable as a fighter of stature. Player King: The leader of the troupe, a veteran actor who has played all the great tragic roles; has a quiet intensity, a grounded humanity and a resonant voice that draws a crowd without needing to be showy. Grave Digger: a laborer who takes deep pride in his work and is proud of his expertise. Practical and down to earth, his wit is sharp and subversive, not elevated or 'clever'. Intimacy needs: As Player King, possible embracing, caressing, kissing with Player Queen. Special skills: Needs to be a good mover. Playing an instrument is a plus.
Osric/Francisco/Player: Any age. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Osric: a courtier in charge of palace 'entertainments', a social climber, a bit of a sycophant; they serve as a referee in the final duel between Hamlet and Laertes. Francisco: A guard. Depending on the age of the actor, they can either be new and anxious or old and jaded. Player: one of the theatrical troupe who arrive at Elsinore and performs the play within the play. A working artist proud of their craft. Characteristics are open depending on age and gender identity of the actor. Special skills: Needs to be a good mover. Playing an instrument is a plus.
Cornelius/Player Queen: 50’s and younger. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Cornelius: An ambassador to Norway. Depending on age, either nervous and eager to please, or competent and assured. Player: One of the theatrical troupe that arrives at Elsinore and performs the play within the play. A working artist proud of their craft. Characteristics are open depending on age and gender identity of the actor. Intimacy needs: As Player Queen, possible, embracing, caressing, kissing with Player King. Special skills: Needs to be a good mover. Playing an instrument is a plus.

A DOLL’S HOUSE

By Henrik Ibsen
Adapted by Amy Herzog
Directed by Juliette Carrillo
Angus Bowmer Theatre
Rehearsals: 1/12/2027 – 2/18/2027
Tech: 2/19/2027 - 3/12/2027
Previews/Performances: 3/13/2027 - 10/30/2027
All roles will be understudied.

NOTE: A Doll’s House may share actors with: A Loco-Motive for Murder, Purpose, Shrek, and Hamlet.

SEEKING:

Nora Helmer: 20’s-40’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Raised by a single dad who both coddled her and left her to figure it all out on her own, Nora has mastered working the system. Incredibly resourceful and intelligent, she has deduced how to create the appearance of a thriving, happy household, but struggles with her own self-worth and carries secrets that burden her. She appears cheerful and compliant, but all at a great cost to her soul. Intimacy needs: Kissing, moving toward sexual intimacy with Torvald, potentially intimate gestures with Dr. Rank. Special skills: Needs to dance/move. Costume note: Nora’s dance costume may be somewhat revealing.
Torvald Helmer: 20’s-40’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Newly appointed as a bank manager, Torvald is loyal, with extremely high moral values. Preoccupied with appearances and principles over affective relationships, he looks to create a pure, unfettered atmosphere in his home. Easily jealous of his wife's time and attention, his worst nightmare is appearing spineless. Intimacy needs: Kissing, moving toward sexual intimacy with Nora.
Anne Marie: 50’s-60’s. Female presenting or non-binary. Any race or ethnicity. Raised poor, Anne-Marie became pregnant at a young age and was forced to give up her child in order to become a nanny. Has lived a life of servitude. Special skills: Possible puppeteering.
Nils Krogstad: 20’s-50’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Ambitious and hard-working, Krogstad has had a life of hard knocks. A widower, he fell for Kristine years ago only to be dumped for a richer man. He turns to forgery and is caught, tremendously shaming himself and his family. A money lender, he holds Nora hostage for her own forgery, threatening to expose her if she doesn't convince Torvald to protect his job. Desperate to right his reputation, Krogstad will do anything to protect whatever foothold and social capital he has managed to acquire since his fall from society.
Kristine Linde: 20’s-40’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Kristine has been a caretaker most of her life, responsible for her ill mother and young brothers. She chooses practicality over love, marrying a rich man to take care of her financial woes, only to find he leaves her nothing when he dies. Desperately alone and poor, she turns to Nora for help. She moves to rekindle a relationship with Krogstad, despite his cruelty toward Nora. She has a natural wisdom and strong observation skills but does not make the best choices for herself.
Dr. Rank: 20’s-50’s. Male presenting or non-binary. Any race or ethnicity. Born with congenital syphilis, Rank suffers from a diseased spine and knows his time is short—as a result, he can lean into cynicism and depression. A great friend and confidant to both Torvald and Nora, visiting them daily. He admits he is in love with Nora, in a last-ditch attempt to receive her affection--before isolating himself to die alone. A virgin. Intimacy needs: potential sexually intimate gestures with Nora. Note: May walk with a cane, or even a walker.

A LOCO-MOTIVE FOR MURDER

By Mark Bedard and John Tufts
Directed by Rob Melrose
Angus Bowmer Theatre
Rehearsals: 1/12/2027 – 2/13/2027
Tech: 2/14/2027 - 3/13/2027
Previews/Performances: 3/14/2027 – 7/10/2027
All roles will be understudied.

NOTE: A Loco-Motive for Murder may share actors with: Purpose, What the Constitution Means to Me, and A Doll’s House.

SEEKING:

Hugo M. Onyatail: CAST.
Bianchi: CAST.
Speechless: CAST.
Edmund Blaublüt: 30’s-40’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A handsome wealthy aristocrat. Entitled and privileged. Physicality needs: Chasing, running around, physical gags. Gets slapped. Wrestling. Also plays Gustave Escoffier: 40’s-50’s. A world-renowned Chief Inspector. Brilliant. Fastidious. French. Physicality needs: Chasing, running around, physical gags. Possible ladder climbing. Special skills: Needs to do a French accent. Costume note: Wears a mustache and wig for three quarters of the show.
Mr. Nachezny: 50’s and up. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A wizened loyal conductor. Steadfast, by the book, an old warhorse. Physicality needs: Chasing, running around, physical gags, tripping and falling (though could be in slow motion).
Tomàs Dobro: 20’s-30’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. An ambitious young porter. Clever, eager, lovesick. Physicality needs: Chasing, running around, physical gags, wrestling, tripping and falling. Possible ladder climbing. Intimacy needs: kissing.
Marlene Scheel: 30’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A jealous, jilted femme fatale. Capable, sharp-tonged, suffers no fools. Physicality needs: Chasing, running around, physical gags, slapping someone, wrestling. Costume note: Will wear something on her hands for the whole show.
Pepper Von Reichendamen: 20’s-30’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A carefree socialite. Quick-thinking, brilliant, but sometimes a little impulsive. Physicality needs: Chasing, running around, physical gags, wrestling. Intimacy needs: kissing.
The Baroness Hildegarde Von Reichendamen: Late 40’s and up. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Pepper’s overbearing wealthy mother. Traditional, elitist, and a bit oblivious. Physicality needs: Light physical gags, dancing.

PURPOSE

By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Directed by Tim Bond
Angus Bowmer Theatre
Rehearsals: 6/8/2027 – 7/19/2027
Tech: 7/20/2027 – 7/28/2027
Previews/Performances: 7/29/2029 – 10/30/2027
All roles will be understudied.

NOTE: Purpose may share actors with: The Winter’s Tale, A Doll’s House, and A Loco-Motive for Murder

SEEKING:

Claudine Jasper: CAST.
Solomon Jasper: 60’s. Male presenting. Black. Patriarch, an orator, a pastor, and a celebrated civil rights icon. Formidable and distant with an unforgiving heart. Struggling to maintain order while questioning the meaning of life.
Nazareth “Naz” Jasper: Early-mid 30’s. Male presenting. Black. The younger son and wry narrator of the story. An outsider and a loner. He has rejected the religious, high-profile path set by his father. He left divinity school to become a nature photographer, pursuing a mostly solitary life. The “weird son.” Self-reflexive. Intimacy needs: May show familial affection for brother and mother.
Solomon “Junior” Jasper Jr.: Late 30’s-early 40’s. Male presenting. Black. The older son and a former state senator who has just been released from prison after being found guilty of embezzling campaign funds. Mercurial and somewhat feckless, he is seeking redemption and wants to make good on being the family namesake. Intimacy needs: May show familial affection for brother and mother.
Morgan Jasper: Late 30’s-early 40’s. Female presenting. Black. The wife of Solomon Jr, she got sucked up into her husband's political fall after being forced by the family to sign false tax returns and is about to serve 12 months in jail. She speaks the truth and wants to expose the family’s hypocrisy. Fights against being dismissed and underestimated. Fight needs: Gets slapped on the face by Claudine.
Aziza Houston: Early to mid 30’s. Female presenting. Black. She is an outsider who enters the world of the Jasper family as a friend of Naz. Initially, she worships the family but later challenges their hypocrisy. Her presence forces the family to confront uncomfortable truths. Headstrong and determined, also perceptive and empathetic. A queer woman who has chosen to have a baby by herself. An advocate for herself and others.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

By Heidi Schreck
Directed by Kaytlin McIntyre
Thomas Theatre
Rehearsals: 1/26/2027 – 3/4/2027
Tech: 3/5/2027 – 3/16/2027
Previews/Performances: 3/17/2027 – 7/31/2027
All roles will be understudied.

NOTE: What the Constitution Means to Me may share actors with: Comedy of Errors, A Loco-Motive for Murder, and The Winter’s Tale

SEEKING:

Heidi Schreck: 40s-50’s. Female presenting. White. Heidi is the relentlessly curious and enthusiastic narrator of this story, who alternates between playing herself at 15 and current day. She describes herself as raised to be psychotically polite and has a fierce wit and intellectual rigor. She is always welcoming, rarely self-righteous. She never leaves the stage. This role narrates in-depth discussions of sexual assault, domestic violence, and misogyny. Discussions of racism. Special skills: Will need to do light improvisation and be able to adjust performance to the audience and current events.
Legionnaire: 30’s-60’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The Legionnaire is based on a real person from Heidi's life who ran the oratorical contest and mentored Heidi. He is stiff and orderly, and eventually, he becomes Heidi's assistant and a source of support. The actor later becomes himself and investigates his own relationship with the patriarchal values of the constitution. He never leaves the stage.
Debater: 16-19. Female presenting or non-binary. Any race or ethnicity. The Debater appears in the last 20 minutes of the play, where they compete in a live debate against the actor playing Heidi. They are confident, a quick thinker, and persuasive. The play includes in-depth discussions of sexual assault, domestic violence, and misogyny. Discussions of racism. Special skills: Will need the ability to improvise. Real-life debate experience is highly preferred.

THE WINTER’S TALE

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Shana Cooper
Thomas Theatre
Rehearsals: 3/9/2027 – 4/3/2027
Tech: 4/4/2027 – 4/13/2027
Previews/Performances: 4/14/2026 – 10/30/2027
All roles will be understudied.

NOTE: The Winter’s Tale shares actors with: Shrek, Purpose, Hamlet, and What the Constitution Means to Me.

SEEKING:

Leontes/Bohemian: Late 30’s-mid 50’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The king of Sicilia. Charismatic leader and husband who has capacity for terrifying rage and deep heartbreak and vulnerability. Intimacy and fight needs: Engages in physical intimacy with Hermione. Will need to fight. Special skills: sings and dances in Bohemia.
Hermione/Bohemian: Late 30’s-mid 50’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The queen of Sicilia. The wife of a leader of the kingdom, mother of a hopeful prince and pregnant with a second child. Full of grace and strength in the face of unimaginable anger and violence from the man she loves. Bringing the messiness and humanity as well as grace, strength and vulnerability in what is required in the most challenging of life's hardest moments. Intimacy and fight needs: Engages in physical intimacy with Leontes. Will need to fight. Special skills: Sings and dances in Bohemia.
Perdita/Mamillius: Age 16 as Perdita and 9 as Mamillius. Perdita is female presenting; Mamillius is male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Perdita: A passionate, strong, direct, honest and deeply authentic girl on the cusp of becoming a woman. She's grown up a Shepard’s daughter and possesses a grace and insight beyond her years and life experience. Intimacy and fight needs: As Perdita, engages in some physical intimacy with Florizel. Mamillius: a 9-year-old boy. A privileged prince on the cusp of learning how to be a man but also a young boy full of imagination and playfulness. As Mamillius, will need to fight (he is grabbed). Special skills: Sings and dances in Bohemia.
Florizel: Early-mid 20’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Young prince of Bohemia. A romantic at heart. Impulsive, playful, strong-willed and a lover. Intimacy needs: Engages in some physical intimacy with Perdita. Special skills: Sings and dances in Bohemia.
Camillo: Early 40’s-early 60’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Leontes’s trusted advisor in the court of Sicilia. Deeply honest and trustworthy and able to speak truth to power but also understands his job and position in the world. Special skills: Sings and dances in Bohemia.
Polixines: Late 30’s-mid 50’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. King of Bohemia. A loving father and a good friend. A charismatic leader. Capable of terrifying rage and deep vulnerability when he feels betrayed by his son and best friend.
Autolycus: Early 30’s-mid 50’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A petty thief, free radical, who brings humor, surprise, and trickery to Bohemia and the journey of Winter's Tale when we most need it. Special skills: Solo singing, self-accompaniment on an instrument. Dances and clowns.
Old Shepherd: Late 40’s-early 60’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A sweet, generous shepherd - man of the earth. Loving father, generous, humble and joyful leader in his community. Capable of deep vulnerability when he is betrayed by Perdita. A total clown when called for. Special skills: Sings, dances, and clowns.
Young Shepherd: Early 20’s-mid 30’s. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A sweet and earnest young man of the land. Not the sharpest tool in the shed but a loving heart. Awkward in matters of the heart and in way over his head with Mopsa and Dorcas. Special skills: Sings, dances, and clowns.
Paulina: Early 40’s-late 50’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A member and confident of the Sicilian court, close with both Hermione and Leontes. Fearless when it comes to speaking truth to power. A pillar of strength, honesty, and all-around force of nature. Special skills: Sings and dances in Bohemia.
Emilia/Mopsa or Dorcas: Mid 20’s-early 50’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Emilia is the head of Hermione's domestic household, grounded and emotionally empathetic to the terrors and miracles she witnesses. Mopsa or Dorcas: Vying for the romantic attention of the Young Shepherd. Country girls who play to win will use any tools at their disposal to win his affections. Special skills: sings, dances, and clowns.

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT

By Vanessa Severo
Directed by Joanie Shultz
Thomas Theatre
Rehearsals: 7/27/2027 – 8/3/2027
Tech: 8/4/2027 – 8/10/2027
Previews/Performances: 8/11/2027 – 10/29/2027

SEEKING:

Frida: CAST.

COMEDY OF ERRORS

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Marcela Lorca
Allen Elizabethan Theatre
Rehearsals: 3/30/2027 – 5/10/2027
Tech: 5/11/2027 – 5/27/2027
Previews/Performances: 5/28/2027 – 10/16/2027
All roles will be understudied.

NOTE: Comedy of Errors may share actors with: Shrek, Hamlet, and What the Constitution Means to Me.

GENERAL NOTE:

Physical Comedy is a must. There will be some simple choreography for everyone, and lots of opportunities for lazzi and running around. A version of “Commedia” with specific delineated characters and lots of physical play.

SEEKING:

Antipholus of Ephesus: 25-ish. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Must look like his twin, at least in build. Charming and inconstant young man. A businessman; he’s married to Adriana and enjoys her wealth. His relationship with his wife is strained because he spends a lot of time out of the house, including with the Courtesan, making her suspicious and jealous. Opportunist, savvy, entitled but also fun. He rules the coop. He’s tough on Dromio but is also charmed by him. Must be a physical comedian. Fight needs: Some stylized fight moments.
Antipholus of Syracuse: 25-ish. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Must look like his twin, at least in build. A good businessman; he’s smart, pure hearted, loving, and an opportunist. Looking for his lost family. Falls passionately in love with Luciana. The more poetic of the twins, he relies on Dromio. Must be a physical comedian. Fight needs: Some stylized fight moments.
Dromio of Ephesus: 25-ish. Male presenting but may be played by a female presenting actor. Any race or ethnicity. Must look like their twin, at least in build. Fun, witty, physical, innocent, Puck-like; he tries to do the right thing but circumstances are not going well for him. He’s constantly avoiding punishment from Antipholus of Ephesus. Married to Nell (or Luce), the kitchen wench. Must be a physical comedian. Fight needs: Some stylized fight moments.
Dromio of Syracuse: 25-ish. Male presenting but may be played by a female presenting actor. Any race or ethnicity. Must look like his twin, at least in build. Fun, witty, physical, innocent. Smart. Serves Antipholus of Syracuse with loyalty. He’s task-oriented and has an open disposition. He’s very scared of Nell (the kitchen wench). Must be a physical comedian. Fight needs: Some stylized fight moments.
Adriana: 20-30’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A smart woman who deals with a wayward husband. The situation creates insecurities in her. A complex woman; she’s loyal, in love, wealthy, impulsive, jealous, dramatic, strong. Others say she’s prone to weeping. She feels entitled and free to express her emotions. She can be dramatic but is not weak. Must be a physical comedian.
Luciana: 20’s or 30’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Adriana’s younger sister. She’s loyal, positive, independent, smart, edgy, forward and takes risks. She loves her sister and is an advocate for her rights yet also is attracted to Antipholus of Syracuse. Must be a physical comedian.
Duke of Ephesus/Pinch: 40’s and up. Male presenting but could be played by a female presenting actor. Any race or ethnicity. Duke of Ephesus: The highest power in the land; he has to lay down the law but is not very consistent in doing so. Curious and compassionate, he gets easily caught up in the moment but can turn on a dime to become authoritative. Pinch: A schoolmaster or a doctor or “conjurer” that is engaged by Adriana to exorcise Antipholus’s “demons” and restore his sanity. He seems earnest in his attempts but perhaps does not trust in his own methods. He’s possibly a quack doctor, a snake oil salesperson, or a teacher who does this on the side. He’s got strong opinions—he has to in order to convince others of his wild theories. He’s also genuinely insecure. He can be unpredictable and outrageous if need be. Must be a physical comedian.
Egeon/First Merchant: 50’s and up. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Egeon: Father of Antipholus twins; he’s a loving father; a good storyteller, on a journey to find his sons. He’s got a heart of gold and needs more time to save himself and find his loved ones. Fight needs: He gets physically restrained by a jailor a couple of times. He may need to do some simple choreography. First Merchant: Offers some advice to the newcomers Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse. Knows the rules of the dukedom; protective and a good business person.
Officer/Balthazar/Messenger: 30’s and up. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Officer: Caught in the mayhem of the later part of the play; the officer is in charge of exercising the law as Angelo and Second Merchant make demands about what’s owed to them. Inquisitive and in command, but can also be a coward when it comes to confronting violence. Must be a physical comedian. Balthazar: A merchant who is invited to supper at Antipholus’s and Adriana’s; he comes across as a wealthy and mannered character. Messenger: Any age. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Brings urgent information forth.
Angelo/Jailer: 30’s and up. Male presenting but could be played by a female presenting actor. Any race or ethnicity. Angelo: A reputable jewel maker and dealer; he makes deals with all kinds of merchants. He is overly mannered, respectful and very worried about preserving a good reputation and standing in society. A great deal of comedy arises from his inability to handle stress and confusion. Must be a physical comedian. Jailer: Jailer for the Duke in the first scene.
Abbess (Emilia): 50’s and up. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The Abbess is the spiritual and administrative leader of a monastic community. It is revealed that she is also Emelia, the mother of the Antipholus twins. Strict and opinionated, she is the character with the most authority in the play: no one will pass through her doors or touch her charges. Must be a physical comedian.
Courtisan/Luce or Nell: 30’s. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Courtesan: The owner of the Porpentine Inn where the Merchants gather; she is an independent and pragmatic woman who is not afraid to stand up for her reputation and financial interests. She uses what she can to succeed in a world ruled by men, including her beauty, sensuality, wit, talent for finances, etc. Must be a physical comedian. Fight needs: There will be some holding, chasing, and she may tie up other characters. Luce or Nell: Dromio of Ephesus’s wife. A strong woman; she rules in the kitchen and in her marriage. She and Dromio of Ephesus get along great, or have a clear understanding, but Dromio of Syracuse finds her frightening. She is subject to some jokes associated with her physical appearance.

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Directed by Bill Fennelly
Choreographed by Lili Fuller
Music Directed by Jesse J. Sanchez
Allen Elizabethan Theatre
Rehearsals: 3/30/2027 – 5/13/2027
Tech: 5/14/2027 – 5/28/2027
Previews/Performances: 5/29/2027 – 10/15/2027
All roles will be understudied.

NOTE: Shrek may share actors with: A Doll’s House, The Winter’s Tale, and Comedy of Errors.

SEEKING:

Shrek: A2 to G#4 (Baritone). Age 25-45. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The story's title character. A big, green, “terrifying” ogre who lives alone in a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero. Strong singer, actor, and comedian. Intimacy needs: Shrek kisses Fiona. It's a good kiss; a passionate start to a fairytale romance. Special skills: There is dancing and dragon fighting. The role is performed with a Scottish accent. Will need to sing, dance, and be comfortable with bawdy humor. Costume note: possible green make-up and prosthetics.
Fiona: F3 to G5 (Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano with belt). Age 25-35. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The “princess” of Far Far Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess. Strong singer, actor, and comedian. Intimacy needs: Fiona kisses Shrek. It's a good kiss; a passionate start to a fairytale romance. Special skills: There is dancing and dragon fighting. Will need to sing, dance, and be comfortable with bawdy humor. Costume needs: possible green make-up and prosthetics.
Donkey: C3 to B4 (Tenor). Age 20 to 35. Male presenting. Black. A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad's guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimist with heart. Has a reluctant romance with the Dragon. Strong singer, actor, and comedian. Also plays Papa Ogre. Special skills: Will need to sing, dance, and fight the dragon. Costume needs: will be costumed as a donkey, possibly with specialty make-up.
Lord Farquaad: Written for B2 to D5 (High Baritone), but we will work with the actor and Music Director to find the right keys. Age 30-45. The character is male presenting but may be played by a woman. Skillfully playing with gender identity is a necessity. Any race or ethnicity. The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc with a huge personality. He is in search of a princess to marry so that he can become a “legitimate” king. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel, with the ego of an epic musical theatre show-stopping diva. Strong singer, actor, and comedian. Enacts (commands) torture on the Gingerbread Man. Also plays Queen Lillian. Special skills: Will need to sing and dance and be excited to make his short stature the basis for clowning and character development.
Dragon: F3 to Eb5 (Alto/Mezzo with belt). A rich, low female sound with gospel/soul influence. Needs a strong belt and warmth in the lower register. Age 25-45. Female presenting, but open to actors of all genders. Black. A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. Dragon eventually falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of the job as a glorified babysitter. Romantically pursues Donkey. Strong singer, actor, and comedian. Also plays Mama Ogre, Guard, Captain of Guard, Greeter, and Bishop. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: There will be a puppet component to the costume. Authority figures in this track may be played in different “authority drag;” likely male presenting drag.
Pinocchio: E3 to F#4 (Tenor). Age 20-40. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying. Strong singer, actor, and comedian. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Dulocian, Thelonius, Knight/Dragon, and Pied Piper. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Pinocchio will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature with a growing nose.
Wolf: High Baritone. Age 20-50. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. Looks frightening out of drag but is a fabulous creature when dressed up. His next stop might be Ru Paul’s Drag Race! Strong singer, actor, and comedian. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, Dulocian, Knight/Dragon, and King Harold. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
Three Pigs: Tenor. Age 20-50. This actor will play both female and male presenting roles (Mama, Papa, and Baby). Any race or ethnicity. A strong singer, mover, and comedian. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, Dulocian, and Knight/Dragon. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
White Rabbit: Tenor. Age 20-50. Male presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The White Rabbit is a quick-witted, slightly frantic fairytale misfit who has been banished to Shrek’s swamp by Lord Farquaad. Borrowed from the world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. A strong singer, mover, and comedian. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, Dulocian, and Knight/Dragon. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
Fairy Godmother: Alto. Age 30-50. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. The fairy godmother has been around for many years. She is wise and timeless. A strong singer, mover, and comedian. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, and Knight/Dragon. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
Peter Pan: Tenor. Age 20-30. Male presenting, but can be played by any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Peter Pan is a youthful and mischievous character among the misfits. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, Dulocian, and Knight/Dragon. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
Ugly Duckling: G3-G5 (Soprano with belt). Age 18-25. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A heartfelt, comedic presence who wears their outsider status openly. Drawn from The Ugly Duckling, this character leans into themes of rejection, identity, and transformation. Also plays Teen Fiona: Fiona in her teenage years; still locked in the tower and holding tightly to the fantasy of a storybook rescue. Her patience is being tested – she is bright and emotionally open. A strong singer, mover, and comedian. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, Dulocian, and Knight/Dragon. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
Sugar Plum Fairy: Soprano. Age 20-40. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. A glittering, hyper-precise “perfect” ballerina-type fairy - sweet on the surface, but hilariously intense or slightly unhinged underneath. A strong singer, mover, and comedian, and voice-actor. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, Dulocian, and Knight/Dragon. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Speaks with a comic Russian dialect. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
Three Bears: Alto or Tenor. Age 25-50. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. This actor will speak and sing solo lines as Mama, Papa, and Baby. The actor should have facility with creating distinct and fun character voices. A strong singer, mover, comedian, and voice-actor. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, Dulocian, and Knight/Dragon. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
Gingerbread Man: B3 to C#5 (Mezzo Soprano). Age 20 to 45. Any gender. Any race or ethnicity. Gingerbread Man (Gingy) is a tiny cookie with a huge personality. He's scrappy, defiant, and wildly funny. Also plays the Witch - the spooky magical outsider, Puppeteer Ensemble, Villager, Guard, Dulocian, and Knight/Dragon. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.
Young Fiona: A3-F5 (Soprano with belt). Age 10-12. Female presenting. Any race or ethnicity. She represents Fiona at her most innocent—newly locked in the tower and fully believing in the promise of a perfect fairy-tale rescue. A strong actor, singer, and willing to play. Also plays Puppeteer Ensemble, Humpty Dumpty, and Papa Dwarf. Fight needs: Dragon fighting and Ogre hunting. Special skills: Singing, dancing, and puppeteering. Costume note: Will be dressed as the Fairytale Creature and will play a variety of other fantastical roles.