Work on a Show
Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival Auditions
Actors From The London Stage Auditions
Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival
OPPORTUNITIES: Directors, actors, technicians.
Complete audition info for the 2024 season, including signup forms and other elements, will be available January 1! Please keep an eye on this page for more information about future seasons.
Apprentice Program
The Apprentice Program is a key component of the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival (NDSF). Apprentices 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 Apprentices enjoy careers in acting, design, production, and administration. Paid positions are available at both the professional and apprentice levels.
Most apprenticeships last six (6) weeks. Apprentice actors receive training in voice, text, and movement and are paid $350 per week. Apprentice designers, stage managers, and technicians receive on-the-job training and may participate in masterclasses.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
All students must obtain a Core Company Application. You must bring your application to the audition/interview and it must be filled out completely.
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 will most likely take a digital photograph of you during your audition/interview. If you have a photo and/or resume, please attach it to your application.
ACTING AUDITION INFORMATION
Actors will need to prepare one (1) classical monologue – preferably Shakespeare – that is two (2) minutes or shorter. Your monologue should be memorized.
Strong actor-musicians should prepare 16-32 bars of a song of any genre that showcases your range and abilities. Your song should be memorized. Please bring your instrument if available.
Strong actor-singers should prepare 16-32 bars of a song of any genre that showcases your range and abilities. Your song should be memorized and will be sung a capella.
Prepare for your auditions as completely as possible. Auditions are like an interview where you want to appear knowledgeable, flexible, and eager to be part of the company.
Please know that your audition is for both the Professional and Community Company productions.
Scott Jackson, the Mary Irene Ryan Family Executive Director of Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, will lead the auditions along with the directors of the Professional and Community Company productions.
TECHNICAL AND PRODUCTION INTERVIEW INFORMATION
You will need to prepare a resume and/or portfolio to demonstrate your work and experience.
You will most likely meet with the Production Manager for the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival and/or the professional stage manager.
We’ll speak with you about your area of interest and your experience and look over your materials. You’re more than welcome to ask any questions about the program and the organization.
ShakeScenes
OPPORTUNITIES: Directors, actors
ShakeScenes is a perennially popular community event featuring elementary-age students 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.
Please email us at shakes@nd.edu if you are interested in participating in ShakeScenes!
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