Season Auditions
Chicago Shakespeare Theater casts on a play-to-play basis is always looking to meet new talent in all genres. We accept headshot/resumes and video submissions throughout the year. We typically conduct Equity dramatic and musical season auditions in the late winter/early spring. We conduct non-Equity dramatic and musical general auditions as needed at multiple times of the year (posted on the League of Chicago Theatres website). For specific submission guidelines and more information, please read below. If you are not Chicago-based and do not have access to Chicago housing, we recommend sending a taped audition rather than spending the resource to come in- person.
General Auditions
If general season auditions have concluded, you are welcome to send a headshot/resume (as one PDF) and a video audition, consisting of two monologues of your choice or one monologue and 32 bars of an accompanied song (no a cappella, please). Submissions are accepted year-round.
What to Prepare: Actors invited for a dramatic audition should prepare two contrasting monologues not exceeding three minutes in total length. One monologue should be classical (preferably Shakespeare) and one contemporary. Two contemporary monologues are acceptable if you are uncomfortable with classical work. Please do not let a lack of classical experience deter you from submitting. Chicago Shakespeare produces and develops work in a variety of genres, from Shakespeare to Sondheim to new work to hip hop. Actors preparing a musical audition should have 32 bars of a song (bring sheet music in your key; an accompanist will be provided) and one 90-second monologue, either Shakespeare or contemporary. Shakespeare should be performed in standard American dialect.
Submissions for a particular production
Local Actors: If you are interested in a particular production, please let us know by submitting your headshot/ resume to [email protected]. Please specify the show and role you’re interested in, and we will be happy to review and consider your request.
Out-of-town Actors: The need for out-of-town actors depends on the demands of each individual production. Auditions held outside the Chicago area are by invitation only; however, if you are interested in a particular production please submit your headshot/ resume, specifying the show and role you are interested in. Please let us know where you are based in your cover letter.
How to Submit: Both e-mail and US mail submissions are accepted. E-mail submissions must be formatted correctly in order to be considered: Both your headshot and resume should be submitted as one attachment, and your contact information must appear on your resume. Any cover letter should be included in the body of your e-mail, not as a separate attachment. Requests should be sent to [email protected] with the title of the production in the subject line.
A hard copy of your headshot/resume may be mailed to the attention of Casting Director, Bob Mason at:
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
ATTN: Casting
800 East Grand Avenue on Navy Pier
Chicago, IL 60611
No phone calls, please.
