Work With Us

WORK WITH US

CASTING

2025 Repertory Season: LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST & RICHARD II - FERDINAND; DUKE OF YORK (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

Seeking a Northeast based non-union BIPOC performer to fill the track of FERDINAND (Love’s Labour’s Lost) and DUKE OF YORK (Richard II) for Shakespeare in the Woods’ 2025 Season. SitW’s 5th year of programming of RICHARD II and LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST will occur in repertory (rehearsals begin July 6; runs Aug 13 - 31), and will be one of Power and Influence - examining themes of loyalty, language, masculinity, divine right, and love.

SitW is seeking a masculine-presenting BIPOC actor (20s - 40s) with a strong command of Shakespeare's language and verse, strong comic timing and physical comedy skills, and transformational qualities to join a dynamic company of 9 performers for the season. Ability to sing (pop/folk/rock) and play instruments are advantageous.

Note on casting practices: SitW is a company that disrupts the traditional gendered and binary casting in the canon. We believe there is a richness of opportunity in intentionally and mindfully looking at Shakespeare’s work through a gender expansive and queer lens in the here and now. We heavily encourage trans, non-binary, and gender expansive folks to submit for any and all desired roles. We will specify any criteria for a character relating to gender, race and/or ethnicity, ability, age, or physicality. Any gender specificity stated in the breakdown reflects the gender expression of the character, not the actor. We invite and encourage actors to bring the fullness of their lived experiences and identities into the shaping of the plays’ worlds. We approach casting conscious of the real world systemic dynamics affected and reflected in our storytelling when deciding to put specific actors in specific roles.

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST

From dir. Michael Alvarez: In this queer reimagining set within the social elitism of Ivy League academia, the “King of Navarre” and his friends vow celibacy to focus on their studies. However, their resolve is tested when the Princess of France and her entourage arrive. As the men confront their vulnerabilities, repressions, and the undeniable power of true emotion, their oath begins to crumble. This production playfully portrays the transformative power of overcoming toxic masculinity and societal norms to achieve genuine connection and self-awareness. This production will feature doubling with those roles to be determined.

Character Breakdown:

FERDINAND – (he/him, 20s, BIPOC) Privileged and reigning “king” of his frat bros. Wears a mask of self-assuredness, ambitious, perfectly coiffed – the epitomes of a “golden boy.”

RICHARD II

From dir. Roberto Di Donato: This bold new adaptation of RICHARD II will explore themes of power, betrayal, and a downfall. Dynamic and fresh interpretations are required to bring these historic characters to life.

Character Breakdown:

DUKE OF YORK – (he/him, 30-40s, BIPOC) Conflicted figure torn between loyalty to the king and family. Balances political pragmatism with personal beliefs.

CONTRACT

Pays $450/wk for 8 wks ($3,600 for duration)

The contract also includes shared local housing within 15 minutes of rehearsal & performance venue and roundtrip transportation to/from VT from within the Northeast USA.If traveling from outside the Northeast, production guarantees contributing the sum of $100 towards the necessary travel costs. If you plan on driving to VT, you will receive gas reimbursement, and be provided with an additional $12/wk gas stipend for rehearsal carpooling trips during the contract. Please note, we are unable to provide housing or transportation for the 1 week of New York City rehearsals, but can assist with finding, if needed."

Rehearsal and Production Dates & Locations:

New York City in person rehearsal runs July 6-11th (Sun-Fri)
Manchester, VT rehearsals begin July 14th (Mon-Fri)
Arrival travel to VT on July 13th; Departure travel on September 1st
Tech: July 30 - Aug 8th
Previews: Aug 9-10th
Repertory Performance Schedule: August 13th - 31st (Weds-Sun shows)

*There will be 2 additional Senior/Student Friday matinees during the run, and the potential for additional Sunday matinees at site specific locations within the region. All performances will be outdoors, and are rain or shine (with exception to extreme weather conditions).

Full 2025 Season contract runs July 6th - August 31st

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Please email your submission to casting@shakespeareinthewoods.org with the subject line “2025 Ferdinand/Duke Submission”.

Include the following in your email:

Your name, pronouns, and where you’re based

Your headshot & resume
Link to a self tape of the provided materials: Ferdinand & Duke of York Sides Folder
If you can sing and/or play instruments, please also link to a short tape performing a song in the folk/pop/rock/punk genre, ideally with guitar or electric guitar.

*Virtual callbacks will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Submissions will be open until the end of April/until role is cast. Thank you!*

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For general submissions (*separate from specific job listings or casting calls*): We keep these on file and welcome them at anytime. Please send the following to shakespeareinthewoodsvt@gmail.com:

Directors- cover letter, current resume

Actors- cover letter, headshot, and current resume

Production Team (SM, Sound, Lighting, Set Design, Costume)- cover letter, current resume

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: If you are based in the Manchester area, and would like to lend a hand with front of house, usher, or stage hand duties, please drop us a line at shakespeareinthewoodsvt@gmail.com with the email subject "2025 Volunteer" .

A word on SitW's creative culture:

At the start of a season, the company comes together to establish a living Community Agreements document to agree upon shared language and practices for the creative work we are about to embark on.

Shakespeare in the Woods is committed to creating and maintaining a brave space that seeks to disrupt traditional patterns and institutional patterns of racism, sexism, transphobia, anti-Indigeneity, antisemitism, ableism, xenophobia, homophobia, islamophobia, fatphobia, ageism, and physical intimidation or harm of any form. We are committed to accountability, even and especially in discomfort, knowing that it's unrealistic to state everyone will get it right 100% of the time.

In the event that a transgression occurs during production (that does not require immediate legal intervention), SitW reserves the right to remove the offender(s) from employment, regardless of position/power dynamic. If there is an individual(s) subject of the transgression, and they would like to attempt restoration versus removal of the offender(s), SitW will facilitate the opportunity for resolution with impartial, outside help. The outcome/decision will ultimately rest with the individual(s) subject to transgression and if they feel accountability and resolution has occurred.

When in SitW's employment, you are entering into the mutual agreement of creating and maintaining an open, thriving work environment for yourself and your fellow artists; You are committing to upholding the Community Agreements established by the company and a brave space; You understand that in the event of misconduct, there are actionable steps for accountability and restoration, and failing to reach resolution can result in unemployment.

We each must commit to creating a communal space that welcomes the uncompromising fullness of all individuals and their artistry, and be willing to hold ourselves to a standard that enables trust and vulnerability with one another.