New York Shakespeare Festival | New York, NY
Friday, January 16, 2026
Actors' Equity New York Audition Center
165 W 46th St, 16th Fl
New York, NY 10036
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Written by William Shakespeare
LORT Non-Rep. Directed by Daniel Sullivan
$1,213 weekly minimum (LORT B)
Casting Directors: Jordan Thaler, Kate Murray
Equity actors for roles in THE WINTER'S TALE (see breakdown).
Expected to attend: Someone from the Public Theater Casting Office.
Casting staff: Jordan Thaler, Director of Casting; Heidi Griffiths, Director of Casting; Kate Murray, Casting Director; Chalin Tulyathan, Casting Associate.
All roles will be understudied.
Please prepare EITHER one SHORT (no more than two minutes in length) close Shakespeare monologue of your choosing, OR you may use one of the sides that will be available on the morning of the audition. Bring your picture and resume stapled together.
1st Rehearsal: 6/16/26
1st Performance: 7/25/26
Close: 8/23/26
Venue: Delacorte Theater
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.
When the King of Sicilia becomes convinced his pregnant wife has been unfaithful, the royal baby is smuggled to the coast of Bohemia where an old shepherd finds her and renames her Perdita. Sixteen years later, Perdita falls in love with another young shepherd, Doricles, who turns out to be a prince in disguise. Honesty is a fool and true love is the only answer in this mysterious, romantic tale of defiance and destiny.
Late 30s–40s. King of Sicilia. At the core he is a sensible man and a good husband; however he is unable to suppress his wild jealousy and suspicious nature which ultimately get the better of him. Volatile to the point where he can’t listen to reason. It is only after his fears have driven him to lose everything he loves that he sees the error of his ways.
Late 30s–40s. Queen of Sicilia. Well admired by the court for her graciousness and integrity, she is a devoted wife who is able to keep her composure and dignity in the face of Leontes’ unwarranted behavior. Well spoken, patient and radiant.
Late 30s–40s. King of Bohemia. Leontes’ childhood friend. A well-loved and well-respected ruler. Although generally a good and reasonable man, he is willing to use trickery to spy on his son’s behavior. Not always in control of his temper or instincts.
40–60. A Sicilian Lord. Faced with Leontes’ orders to kill Polixenes, Camillo disobeys the king, forfeiting his future and banishing himself from his beloved homeland. He does this to serve the greater good and save Leontes from future misery and regret, not out of cowardice or disloyalty. Dignified. Sweet-natured. Sometimes melancholy.
40s+. Unafraid to speak her mind frankly in front of the King. Very intelligent. She uses her wit to get her points across. Fierce, yet with all things honorable and good on her side.
50–60. A Sicilian Lord and Paulina’s husband. Able to use his age and wisdom to dissuade Leontes from killing Hermione’s newborn child (Perdita). Noble and moral. He is saddened by all that has befallen his country. Since Antigonus is ultimately eaten by a bear, this role will most likely double.
Late teens or early 20s. Leontes and Hermione’s abandoned daughter, although she thinks her father is the Old Shepherd. Even though she has been raised in the country amongst shepherds and shepherdesses, her demeanor indicates her royal birth. Wise beyond her years. Elegant and lovely.
20s. Polixenes’ son. A chip off the old block. A good-natured man who is also impulsive and rebellious. Although his intentions are pure, one can never be sure until he reveals them.
30s+. Tough, untrustworthy — a con man. Madcap, but not goofy or silly. He’s making you laugh while picking your pocket. A comic who sings confidently.
50s+. Adopts Perdita as a baby. He is generous and warm hearted. Eccentric and extreme. Comedic with lots of quirk. This role may double.
Late 20s–early 30s. The Old Shepherd’s son. Comedic who can be sweet and simple, without being a stereotype. This character is fuller and more dimensional than the name suggests.
Late 20s–30s. Sicilian Lords. They stick by Leontes throughout the play, and by the end are able to forgive him his sins and try to convince him to move on with his life. They are loyal subjects, compelled to support their king.
20s. Shepherdesses. Earthy and athletic; not simple country bumpkins. These roles may double and understudy.
Late 30s. A Bohemian Lord. He accompanies Polixenes to Sicily as an official from Bohemia. A company man through and through. This role will most likely double.
9–12 but smaller to play younger. Leontes and Hermione’s son. As this is a speaking role, please only audition if you are comfortable speaking classical text in front of 1,800 people in the park.
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