Work on a Show
Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival Auditions
ShakeScenes and Shakespeare After Hours Auditions
Actors From The London Stage Auditions
Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival
OPPORTUNITIES: Directors, actors, stage managers, and technicians
We are excited to announce that the 2026 NDSF Professional Company production will be Macbeth, directed by Matt Hawkins!
KEY DATES:
June 22, 2026: Costume and Scene shops open
July 18, 2026: ShakeScenes performance
July 21, 2026: First rehearsal of Macbeth
July 24, 2026: Shakespeare After Hours performance
August 18-30, 2026: Performance run of Macbeth
Core Company
The Core Company is a key component of the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival (NDSF). Core Company members work side by side with career professionals in a theatrical setting, and hail not only from our home campuses at Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, and Holy Cross College, but other universities and colleges across the United States. Many former Core Company members enjoy careers in acting, design, production, and administration. Paid positions are available at both the professional and apprentice levels.
Most Core Company assignments last six (6) weeks. Core Company actors receive training in voice, text, and movement. Core Company designers, stage managers, and technicians receive training in the design area of their choice. Each Core Company member is paid $350 per week and will be provided housing (if needed).
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
All auditionees/interviewees must complete an NDSF company application. Please include as much information about your experience whether on stage or behind the scenes. There are many opportunities to work with NDSF, from acting to building to producing.
We might take a digital photograph of you during your audition/interview to help us in our selection process. If you have a photo and/or resume, please attach it to your application.
ATTENTION EQUITY PERFORMERS:
We are accepting Equity applications for local Equity performers (within 50 miles of Notre Dame) for in-person audition dates at Notre Dame on February 7-8, 2026. Equity members outside of 50 miles from Notre Dame should follow submission instructions posted in the Equity Audition Portal (to be posted by January 1, 2026).
About virtual submissions: As the focus of NDSF 2025 is on engaging regional talent, a limited number of virtual submissions will be accepted on a case-by-case basis for Core Company members. We strongly encourage you to attend in-person auditions if at all possible.
ACTING AUDITION INFORMATION:
To ensure a successful audition, actors are expected to arrive fully prepared. Please select and rehearse the provided sides prior to your audition time. Check out the sides, pick one, make some choices, and be prepared to play! Physical printed sides will also be available on the day of auditions.
Strong actor-musicians should prepare 16-32 bars of a song of any genre that showcases your range and abilities. Please bring your instrument if available.
Helpful information on preparing for your audition from Backstage Magazine.
TECHNICAL AND PRODUCTION INTERVIEW INFORMATION:
You will need to prepare a resume and/or portfolio to highlight your work and experience.
Interviews will be conducted by the Production Manager and/or the professional stage manager for the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, where we will discuss your areas of interest and answer any questions you might have about our program.
ShakeScenes and Shakespeare After Hours
OPPORTUNITIES: Directors, actors
ShakeScenes is a perennially popular community event featuring actors of all ages from the South Bend area performing scenes from and inspired by Shakespeare. This family-friendly performance has introduced thousands of children across the area to Shakespeare ever since its inception.
Shakespeare After Hours, staged at LangLab in South Bend, features an adults-only night of boozy, bawdy fun highlighting Shakespeare's scandalous side.
Please email us at shakes@nd.edu if you are interested in participating in ShakeScenes or Shakespeare After Hours!
Actors From The London Stage
Actors From The London Stage auditions occur twice yearly in London, by invitation only. Get in touch with us today to find out how you can be part of the AFTLS experience.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers' creative energies are the lifeblood of Shakespeare at Notre Dame. Get in touch to find out how you can help with our:
- Special events: Receptions, lectures, fundraisers, and presentations
- Special projects: Mailings, invitations, data entry, and office activities
- Community events: Create programs for your school, church, or art group