2026 ARTISTIC YEAR - American Shakespeare Center Non Equity Auditions

The American Shakespeare Center announces Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs) for the 2026 artistic year. Auditions will take place in Staunton, VA at the Mary Baldwin University’s “THE WHARF” Studio on Monday, October 20, 2025 - Tuesday, October 21, 2025

2026 SPRING REPERTORY SEASON
TWELFTH NIGHT; BOLD STROKES FOR A HUSBAND; THE HOUND OF BASKERVILLES
First Rehearsal: January 21, 2026
Closing: May 03, 2026
Possible Extension (TBD): May 17, 2026

2026 SUMMER REPERTORY SEASON
AS YOU LIKE IT, OUR TOWN
First Rehearsal: May 06, 2026
Closing: August 09, 2026

2026 FALL REPERTORY SEASON
THE TEMPEST, MARY SHELLY’S FRANKENSEIN, *WITCH (*rights pending)
First Rehearsal: August 12, 2026
Closing: November 15, 2026

2026 HOLIDAY SEASON
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
First Rehearsal: November 17, 2026
Closing: December 27, 2026  

AUDITION DATE(S) / TIME(S):
Monday, October 20, 2025 - 10:00am-01:00pm / 02:00pm-06:00 pm
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 10:00am-01:00pm / 02:00pm-06:00 pm

Location: Mary Baldwin Universities “The Wharf” Studio - 23 W. Johnston Street, Staunton VA 24401
(Parking Located across the street in the parking lot.)

To set up an audition appointment please go to:
https://tinyurl.com/ASC-2026Auditions
[Unshortened Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DAFA822A2FDC61-58203659-american ]

PERSONNEL EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Vanessa Morosco, Executive Director (serving as artistic lead)
Thomas J. Coppola, Production Manager
ASC casting representatives

EPA Rules are in effect. Equity actors will get first allowance at sign ups, with non-Equity actors being allowed to sign up for any additional open slots.
A monitor will be provided.

ONLINE / VIDEO SUBMISSIONS:
If you are unable to attend the in-person auditions, you may submit a video submission by visiting:

https://tinyurl.com/ASC2026-OnlineAuditions
[Unshortened Link: https://americanshakespearecenter.formstack.com/forms/2026auditions ]

Video Submissions will be collected through Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 5:00pm Eastern.

Questions? Please Contact: artistic@americanshakespearecenter.com

[Please do NOT submit audition materials to this email address. Please use the link above.]

**********************AUDITION NOTICE**********************
SEEKING:

• The American Shakespeare Center (ASC) casts troupes of ensemble actors. All actors will be cast in each of the plays in a season of rotating repertory and each actor will play a variety of roles, large and small.
• All actors must have strong classical training and experience. Musical ability is a plus.
• Actors interested in teaching as an “Artist-in-Residence” will also be considered.
• Equity persons of any gender identity, all races, ethnicities, ability and ages for the American Shakespeare Center’s 2026 Artistic Year, including three seasons with a rotating repertory.

CONTRACT TYPE:
AEA / Union Actors:
LORT D Rep - $839.00 weekly minimum (through 06/29/2026)
LORT D Rep - $889.00 weekly minimum (after 06/30/2026)

EMC / Non-Union Actors:
Repertory weekly minimum of $650.00

Plus housing, transportation and benefits (when applicable, within union guidelines.)

All role(s) / track(s) will be understudied.

PREPARATION:
One (or two contrasting) Shakespeare monologue(s), no longer than 45 seconds in length (each).

For 2026: There will be no music or instrumental requests at this year’s EPAs.
Any Music Requests will be made as part of potential call backs (virtual). Thank you.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2026 SPRING REPERTORY SEASON
Contract Period: January 20, 2026 - May 03, 2026
“TWELFTH NIGHT” by William Shakespeare
“BOLD STROKE FOR A HUSBAND” by Hannah Cowley [1783]
“THE HOUND OF BASKERVILLES by Steven Canny and John Nicholson [possible extension through May 17, 2026]

NOTE(S):
The 2026 Spring Repertory acting troupe will be composed of Ten (10) actors.
All titles will run in rep.
12NIGHT and BOLD STROKE will feature all 10 Actors.
HOUND will have a core cast of 3 actors, with possible additional ensemble members as needed.
All Role(s) / Track(s) will have doubling, TBD pending casting.

“TWELFTH NIGHT” By William Shakespeare
[all roles listed, doubling TBD]

VIOLA, a shipwrecked young woman who disguises herself as a page named CESARIO
SEBASTIAN, Viola's twin brother also lost at sea
DUKE ORSINO, Duke of Illyria
OLIVIA, a wealthy countess
MALVOLIO, the steward in Olivia's household
MARIA, Olivia's gentlewoman
SIR TOBY BELCH, Olivia's uncle
SIR ANDREW AGUECHEEK, a friend of Sir Toby
FESTE, Olivia's servant, a jester
FABIAN, a servant in Olivia's household
ANTONIO, a sea captain and friend to Sebastian
VALENTINE, a gentleman attending on the duke
CURIO, a gentleman attending on the duke

“BOLD STROKE FOR A HUSBAND” by Hannah Cowley [1783]
Part of the Expand-The-Cannon Project through Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre
[all roles listed, doubling TBD]

OLIVIA, Child of Don Caesar, who schemes to rid herself of all potential marriage matches... in pursuit of Don Julio.
DON CAESAR, Parent of Olivia; longs for a legacy, and therefore (in his mind) an heir.
VICTORIA, Friend and cousin to Olivia, spouse of Don Carlos. Disguises herself as Florio, a gallant man who comes to woo Laura.
DON CARLOS, Spouse of Victoria, former lover of Laura, friend of Don Julio.
DON JULIO, Olivia’s love interest. Flirty, charming traveller. More of a real Don Juan, but demands a clever partner.
LAURA, Former mistress of Don Carlos, now pursuing an affair with “Florio.”
MINETTE, Servant to Olivia, later disguises as Olivia. Lively and curious, determined to be in the know.
GASPER, Privy Counsellor to Don Caesar, later disguises as the unattractive yet stately Sancho for a plot.
DON VINCENTIO, Suitor to Olivia and friend of Dons Garcia and Julio. So devoted to music that little else matters.
DON GARCIA, Suitor to Olivia and friend of Dons Julio and Vincentio, enjoys a good turn of phrase.

Also:
MARCELLA, Teenager offered up to a much older man
PEDRO, Servant to Laura
VASQUEZ, Marcella’s parent
INIS, Servant to Victoria

THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson
[Doubling determined by playwright]
TRACK 1 - Holmes, Stapleton, Cecille Stapleton, Mr Barrymore, Mrs Barrymore, Slasher Seldon.
TRACK 2 - Watson, Yokel 1
TRACK 3 - Sir Charles Baskerville, Sir Henry Baskerville, Mortimer, Cabbie, Yokel 2, Wise Yokel

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2026 SUMMER REPERTORY SEASON
Contract Period: May 06, 2026 - August 09, 2026
“AS YOU LIKE IT” by William Shakespeare
“OUR TOWN” by Thornton Wilder

NOTE(S):
The 2026 Summer Repertory acting troupe will be composed of Ten (10) actors.
Both titles will run in rep.
All Role(s) / Track(s) will have doubling, TBD pending casting.

“AS YOU LIKE IT” By William Shakespeare
[all roles listed, doubling TBD]

ORLANDO, youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys
OLIVER, his elder brother
ROSALIND, daughter to Duke Senior
CELIA, Rosalind’s cousin, daughter to Duke Frederick
TOUCHSTONE, a court Fool
DUKE FREDERICK, the usurping duke
CHARLES, wrestler at Duke Frederick’s court
LE BEAU, a courtier at Duke Frederick’s court
DUKE SENIOR, the exiled duke, brother to Duke Frederick
JAQUES, Lord attending Duke Senior in exile
CORIN, a shepherd
SILVIUS, a young shepherd in love
PHOEBE, a disdainful shepherdess
AUDREY, a goat-keeper
WILLIAM, a country youth in love with Audrey
SIR OLIVER MARTEXT, a parish priest

“OUR TOWN” by Thornton Wilder
[all roles listed, doubling TBD]

STAGE MANAGER, a storyteller, able to command the stage and engage the audience. This character is the all-knowing narrator who may be speaking for the author. The Stage Manager literally sets the stage, describes the action and introduces the actors. Steps in and out of the action as other characters: a minister, a drug store owner, a neighbor lady passing by.

DR. FRANK GIBBS, The town's doctor. He is the father of George and Rebecca Gibbs.
MRS. JULIA HERSEY GIBBS, Dr. Gibbs' wife.
GEORGE GIBBS, Dr. and Mrs. Gibbs' sixteen-year-old son, who discovers his love for Emily.
REBECCA GIBBS, Dr. and Mrs. Gibbs' daughter, who is four years younger than George.
MR. CHARLES WEBB, The editor and publisher of the Sentinel, the town's newspaper, and one of its most important citizens.
MRS. MYRTLE WEBB, Charles Webb's wife.
EMILY WEBB GIBBS, The Webbs' intelligent daughter, who grows up during the play
WALLACE WALLY WEBB, Emily's younger brother
SIMON SIMSON, The organist of the Congregational Church
MRS. LOUELLA SOAMES, A local busybody
HOWIE NEWSOME, The milkman.
JOE CROWELL, JR., the paper boy
SI CROWELL, Joe's younger brother.
SAMUEL SAM CRAIG, the son of Julia Gibbs' sister
JOE STODDARD, The town undertaker
CONSTABLE BILL WARREN, The town law enforcement officer.
PROFESSOR WILLARD, A faculty member of State University

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2026 FALL REPERTORY SEASON
Contract Period: August 12, 2026 - November 15, 2026
“THE TEMPEST” by William Shakespeare
“MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN” by David Catlin
“WITCH” by Jen Silverman (*rights pending)

NOTE(S):
The 2026 FALL Repertory acting troupe will be composed of Ten (10) actors.
All titles will run in rep.
THE TEMPEST will feature all 10 Actors.
FRANKENSTEIN will have a core cast of 5.
WITCH will have a core cast of 6.
All Role(s) / Track(s) will have doubling, TBD pending casting.

“THE TEMPEST” By William Shakespeare
[all roles listed, doubling TBD]

PROSPERO, the rightful Duke of Milan and a magician
MIRANDA, daughter to Prospero
ARIEL, a spirit in service to Prospero
CALIBAN, an enslaved servant of Prospero
ALONSO, King of Naples
SEBASTIAN, Alonso's brother
ANTONIO, Prospero's brother, the usurping Duke of Milan
FERDINAND, Alonso's son
GONZALO, an honest old councillor
ADRIAN, a lord serving under Alonso
FRANCISCO, a lord serving under Alonso
TRINCULO, the King's jester
STEPHANO, the King's drunken butler
JUNO, Roman goddess of marriage
CERES, Roman goddess of agriculture
IRIS, Greek goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods
MASTER, master of the ship

“MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN” by David Catlin
[Doubling determined by playwright]

TRACK 1
PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY, Incredibly smart, and well-read on a range of subjects. Idealistic and judgmental – a sceptic.
VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN, smart and curious, but drawn to dark thoughts. Obsessive and visionary, and not good at compromise.
Also plays FELIX

TRACK 2
MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT GODWIN, Smart, strong, and outgoing but with a great deal of sadness underneath.
Also plays ELIZABETH LAVENZA.

TRACK 3
CLAIRE CLAIRMONT, Mary’s younger illegitimate stepsister, She’s a wannabe writer and the former lover of both Shelley and
Byron. Volatile, lively, and emotionally intense. At the time of the play, she’s pregnant with Byron’s child.
Also plays PORTUGUESE SAILOR, MOTHER, VILLAGER, SOFIA, ANGEL OF DEATH, WILLIAM, WOMAN IN BLACK, and WEDDING OFFICIANT.

TRACK 4
LORD BYRON, An outsized personality. He’s brilliant but conceited and can be condescending. He’s also passionate and rebellious.
CREATURE is thoughtful and troubled. He yearns for love and friendship. He’s emotional and is easily hurt or enraged.
Also plays SCOTTISH SAILOR, and PROFESSOR WALDMAN.

TRACK 5
DR. JOHN POLIDORI, A close friend of Mary and Percy. He’s quick with a joke, and has unspoken feelings for Mary.
Also plays WALTON, HENRY CLERVAL, and DELACEY.

“WITCH” by Jen Silverman
(*rights pending)
ELIZABETH SAWYER, An outcast.
SCRATCH, The devil.
SIR ARTHUR BANKS, A wealthy and powerful man.
CUDDY BANKS, Sir Arthur’s son, painfully shy, a Morris dancer. He is secretly in love with Frank (and also in hate).
FRANK THORNEY, A confident and successful young man, charming and ruthless. His ambition knows no bounds.
WINNIFRED, Sir Arthur’s servant, resigned and pragmatic, secretly married to Frank.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2026 HOLIDAY SEASON
Contract Period: November 17, 2026 - December 27, 2026, 2024
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” by Charles Dickens (rights pending)

NOTE(S):
The 2026 Holiday acting troupe will be composed of Eleven (11) Actors.
All Role(s) / Track(s) will have doubling, TBD pending casting.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” by Charles Dickens
[all roles listed, doubling TBD](*rights pending)

EBENEZER SCROOGE [This Role Has Been Cast]
BOB CRATCHIT
MRS. CRATCHIT
TINY TIM
FRED
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE
JACOB MARLEY
YOUNG SCROOGE
FAN
BELL
MRS. FEZZIWIG
MR. FEZZIWIG
DICK WILKINS
FUNDRAISERS
MARTHA CRATCHIT
PETER CRATCHIT
OLD JOE
CHARWOMAN
FRED’S WIFE