EPA
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Cincinnati, OH
Thursday, January 16, 2025
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (E)
Lunch 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
To schedule an audition appointment, please go to:
https://cincyshakes.com/auditions. No phone calls please.
SPT
$538 weekly minimum (SPT 5)
Equity actors for roles in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's 2025-26 Season (See breakdown).
Please prepare two contrasting classical monologues (at least one Shakespeare) not to exceed three minutes total in length. Please bring hard copies of your headshot and resume.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
1195 Elm St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Otto M. Buding Theater. Auditions held in the Stone Student Center, located on the 3rd floor.
Expected to attend:
Brian Isaac Phillips - Producing Artistic Director/Director - AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE & DRACULA: COMEDY OF TERRORS
Candice Handy - Associate Artistic Director/Director - OTHELLO & EMMA
See breakdown for production specific personnel.
See breakdown for production specific dates.
www.cincyshakes.com
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 2025-26 Season
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
Written by Henry Lewis, Johnathan Sayer and Henry Shields
1st Rehearsal: 7/7/2025
Closing Performance: 8/17/2025
ALL ROLES ARE CAST
Chris Bean: plays inspector Carter and fills in for the role of Mr. Fitzroy – also is the show’s set designer, costume designer, prop maker, box office manager, press person, voice coach, choreographer, and more. He is uptight and nervous.
Jonathan Harris: plays Charles Haversham and sees himself as a kind of James Bond. Robert Grove: plays Thomas Colleymoore and is a bad actor and unaware of those around him. Dennis Tyde: plays Perkins and is involved in theater because he wants friends. Sandra Wilkinson: plays Florence Colleymoore and is extremely conceited.
Max Bennett: plays Cecil Haversham and Arther the Gardener and is inexperienced and naive. Trevor Watson: the lighting and sound operator and is all business.
Annie Twilloil: the stage manager who grows a love for acting after initially being terrified of it.
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
Adapted/Written by Amy Herzog, Henrick Ibsen
Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips
1st Rehearsal 8/11/25
Closing 9/20/25
Dr. Thomas Stockmann: (40s) lead, Medical Officer of Municipal Baths
Petra Stockman: (20s) Stockmann's daughter, a teacher
Peter Stockmann: (40s to early 50s) Dr. Stockmann's older brother, Mayor of the Town Cincinnati
Morton Kiil: (60s to 70s) Thomas's father-in-law, owner of a tannery
Hovstad: (30s) Editor of the People's Messenger
Billing: (20s) Sub-Editor of the People's Messenger
Captain Horster: (20s) A ship's captain
Aslaksen: (50s or 60s) Chair of the Property Owner's Association
DRACULA: COMEDY OF TERRORS
Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen
Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips
1st Rehearsal 9/16/25
Closing 11/1/25
Please note that the play sends up gender 'norms' and all characters can be played by actors of any gender, race, ethnicity, age or type.
Track 1: Harker, suitors, bosun, gravedigger
Track 2: Dr. Westfeldt, Renfield, Captain
Track 3: Lucy, Kitty, Driver
Track 4: Mina, Van Helsing
Track 5: Dracula
Dracula: (Commanding European Dialect) Hugely sexy, magnetically handsome, rock star presence with killer body, narcissist, but obsessed with Lucy
Johnathan Harker: (RP British Accent) obsessive compulsive real estate agent, frightened of his own shadow, engaged to Lucy
Lucy Westfeldt: (RP British Dialect) Brilliant, plucky, earth scientist daughter of Dr. Westfeldt, adventurous, often underestimated because of her beauty, engaged to Harker but curious about Dracula
Mina Westfeldt: (RP British Dialect) Less attractive, less intelligent Westfeldt daughter, lives in Lucy's shadow and desperate for attention, immediately and pathetically falls for Dracula's charms
Dr. Westfeldt: Lucy and Mina's father, self-important misogynist, recently lost his wife to the consumption, a doctor caring for the criminally insane
Dr. Van Helsing: (German Dialect a la Mel Brooks) Brilliant and sturdy German vampire hunting doctor from the University of Schmutz. She is deadly serious, accustomed to people not believing she is a real doctor, a woman of action
Renfield: (Cockney Accent and Salivary Issues) Insane patient of Dr. Westfeldt who lives to serve and eats bugs.
Kitty: (Cockney Accent) A dotty kleptomaniac patient of Dr. Westfeldt's, serves as a maid in his house. Think Mrs. Lovett but servile and easily distracted
Lord Cavendish: (Scottish Dialect) suitor to Lucy, a Scottish dolt.
Lord Windsor: (RP British Dialect) suitor to Lucy, posh, petulant
Lord Havemercy: (Elvis Accent) suitor to Lucy from Memphis, a la Elvis Presley, arrogant
Driver: (Eastern European or Russian Dialect) The male Transylvanian driver of the carriage carrying Johnathan to Dracula's house. Borat meets Boris and Natasha.
Captain: (sea captain accent)
Bosun: (Irish Accent)
Gravedigger: (Cockney Dialect) drunk gravedigger with a secret
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Matthew Johnson
1st Rehearsal 10/21/25
Closing 12/6/25
Please note that age range and gender are flexible for all roles.
King of Navarre, also known as Ferdinand, young student (20s early 30s)
Berowne, young student (20s early 30s)
Longaville, young student (20s early 30s)
Dumaine, young student (20s early 30s)
The Princess of France, young student (20s early 30s)
Rosaline, young student (20s early 30s)
Maria, young student (20s early 30s)
Katherine, young student (20s early 30s)
Boyet, a lord attending the Princess
Armado, the Braggart, also known as Don Adriano de Armado
Boy, Armado’s Page, also known as Mote
Jaquenetta, the Wench
Costard, the Clown or Swain
Dull, the Constable
Holofernes, older schoolmaster
Nathaniel, Holofernes’ friend
Monsieur Marcade, a messenger from France
Lords, Blackamoors, Musicians
EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)
Written by Michael Carleton, John K. Alvarez, James FitzGerald
1st Rehearsal: 12/1/2025
Closing Performance: 12/28/2025
ALL ROLES ARE CAST
JIM – CAST. Wants to perform Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ and tries to keep the show on track despite the others attempts to send it spiraling out of control. Begrudgingly does successful impressions of Jimmy Stewart from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and the Grinch among others. Role requires physicality.
MICHAEL – CAST. Appears to be comfortably under the influence of alcohol and up for anything, including changing the plan of performing ‘A Christmas Carol’ to telling every Christmas story in one night. Role requires physicality.
JOHN – CAST. A true believer in the spirit of Christmas. John has a childlike wonder and desire to share ALL Christmas stories with the audience – not just ‘A Christmas Carol’. Not the smartest person in the room but often wins people over with enthusiasm. A strong character actor with the ability to portray many characters from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’. Role requires physicality.
A SOLDIER'S PLAY
Written by Charles Fuller
Directed by Christopher V. Edwards
1st Rehearsal 1/5/26
Closing 2/15/26
Please note that character analysis is available and freely accessible online.
Captain Richard Davenport: (African American male) lawyer and military officer investigating the murder of Sergeant Vernon C. Waters
Captain Charles Taylor: (White male, mid to late thirties) resents Davenport's assignment and rank
Tech/Sergeant Vernon C. Waters: (African America male) manages the baseball team and is disliked by his men.
Corporal Bernard Cobb: (African American male, mid to late twenties)
Private Louis Henson: (African American male, late twenties to early thirties) pitcher on the baseball team
Private James Wilkie: (African American male, early forties) career soldier, loses his stripes
C.J. Memphis: (African American male) young and handsome, from Mississippi, best hitter on the baseball team
Private Anthony Smalls: (African American male, late thirties) career soldier, AWOL Private First Class Melvin Peterson: (African American male, thirties to forties) Corporal Ellis James: (African American male)
Lieutenant Byrd: (young White male)
Captain Wilcox: (young White male)
OTHELLO
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Candice Handy
1st Rehearsal 2/10/26
Closing 3/29/26
Please note that age range and gender are flexible for all roles.
Othello, a noble Moor in the service of the Venetian state
Iago, Othello’s ancient
Desdemona, daughter to Brabantio and Othello’s wife
Emilia, Iago’s wife
Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant
Brabantio, a senator and Desdemon’s father
Bianca, mistress to Cassio
Roderigo, Venetian gentleman
Duke of Venice
Montano, Othello’s predecessor in the government of Cyprus
Senator, Messenger, Sailor, Officers
PERICLES
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips
1st Rehearsal 3/24/26
Closing 5/3/26
Please note that age range and gender are flexible for all roles.
Pericles, Prince of Tyre
Gower, chorus
Antiochus, King of Antioch
Daughter of Antiochus
Helicanus, lord of Tyre
Escanes, lord of Tyre
Simonides, King of Pentapolis
Thaisa, daughter to Simonides
Marina, daughter to Pericles and Thaisa
Lychorida, nurse to Marina
Cleon, Governor of Tarsus
Lysimachus, Governor of Mytilene
Cerimon, lord of Ephesus
Philemon, servant to Cerimon
Leonine, servant to Dionyza
A Pandar
Boult
A Bawd
Lords, Knights, Ladies, Pirates, Fishermen, Messengers
EMMA
Written by Kate Hamill (from the novel by Jane Austin)
Directed by Candice Handy
1st Rehearsal 4/28/26
Closing 6/14/26
Emma Woodhouse: (late 20s-30s): almost unbelievably charming; a natural comedienne. Bouncily flirty; possesses more power of manipulation than even she understands; has a certain sunny, charming self-regard— it’s what allows her to get away with so much. Very very VERY clever— and fancies herself even more clever than she is. Capable of getting ahead of herself. Incredibly dexterous, verbally. Capable of being unfair or short-sighted or impetuous; maybe a bit overindulged. Grew up with wealth. Can be a bit overconfident and self-congratulatory. Capable of getting quite competitive. Generous with those she considers family. Eminently lovable and eminently fallible. Has emotional depth. Very educated but is not allowed a profession—and thus is a bit like a border collie without any sheep. Frustrated, and thus sometimes putting her considerable energies in the wrong places. Ahead of her time. Given the chance, she might just run the world.
Harriet Smith: (20s): a deeply likable girl from the lower classes, who’s been given a basic education. A sweet, naturally affectionate human being, but not the brightest flame in the stove. A born enthusiast; the kind of person who leaps WAY before she looks. Has a strong tendency towards hero worship. A born follower. VERY impressionable. Has a desperate adoring friend-crush on Emma. Wants to be in love. Gets flustered easily. A bit naïve.
Mrs. Weston: (mid 30s to early 40s): Emma’s former governess. A very smart woman with a good sense of humor; very perceptive and grounded. Not afraid to tell it like it is. Capable of really teaching deep lessons. Not without edge, when she chooses. Likable and opinionated. Gives great advice. Picture the coolest aunt imaginable. Doubles as Mrs. Bates (70s+) / as cast: An elderly lady, very opinionated, who communicates exclusively in grunts and hand gestures. Mrs. Bates is completely obscured by bonnet and scarves and shawls; she’s a big pile of fabric, rather like Cousin It. We never see what’s underneath all the layers.
Miss Bates: (40+): headmistress of a struggling school for girls. An incredibly good-natured, if motor mouthed and daft, woman. Very very proud of her niece Jane Fairfax, whom she talks about obsessively. Once she starts talking, you can’t get a word in edgewise.
Jane Fairfax: (20s to 30s): You know that girl who always seems to do everything right? Jane is that girl. An overachiever. Very composed. Very beautiful. Very discreet. Very accomplished. Very smart. Every hair in place, and it seems effortless. Works as a governess, until she quits under mysterious circumstances. The only girl-child in a family full of schoolteachers, and thus—seemingly—a model of perfect behavior. Maybe a little bit stiff. Under all of this A+ decorum, she’s hiding a love affair with Frank Churchill—she doubts he can be faithful. Is hiding deep passions under that flawless exterior.
Mrs. Elton: (20s to 30s): not bright. What’s more, she has a laugh that’s the auditory equivalent of nails being torn out of your fingers. Is delighted by everything. Her libido is.... quite active. Thinks her new husband, Mr. Elton, is the most desirable thrilling brilliant man alive. A truly intolerable woman. May actually be a hyena, wearing a human suit. May also double as Mrs. Bates.
Mr. Knightly: (30s to 40s): a handsome man; a super charming man; an upright fellow. He’s also a bit of a rule-follower; maybe sometimes a bit of a stick in the mud. Very clever. Capable of getting ahead of himself and edging towards know-it-all. Can be competitive. Is preoccupied with Emma—they get under each other’s skin in the most delightful way. Gets quite jealous of Frank Churchill. Has the best intentions. Feels deeply. A genuinely good guy. Ultimately learns to admit vulnerability and share his feelings.
Mr. Woodhouse: (60s+): an over-anxious, melancholy hypochondriac, but people humor him, as he’s a nice man under it all. Obsessed with the healing powers of gruel. Tends to darkly predict fatal illnesses as a sign of concern. May double as MR. WESTON, (40s-50s) / as cast—the kind of man who likes to make awkward “dad jokes.” Very very proud of his son, Frank Churchill. An unsubtle matchmaker. A good man; not a mean thought in his head. Maybe is prone to blurting out the wrong thing.
Mr. Elton: (any age): a clergyman who sometimes gets the wrong idea. ADORES poetry. A born social climber. Fancies himself a great romantic. Thinks ladies are naturally coy and enjoy wordplay. Is determined to woo, and win. Thinks he oozes charm; maybe just oozes. May double as Mr. Weston.
Mr. Frank Churchill: (20s to 30s): an incredibly charming, handsome, mischievous flirt of a man—the kind of man who gets away with almost everything, because he’s so irresistible. Not a bad guy, really; just a bit too likable for his own good. Ladies love him. Funny. Gossipy. Clever. A little spoiled and manipulative. A bit unused to hearing “no,” and as a result, doesn’t really believe in “no.” Can be callous or unthinkingly cruel or self-indulgent. Wishes to reform but can’t.... always.... help himself. Enjoys half-truths and innuendo. Is, underneath everything, in love with Jane Fairfax—but that doesn’t mean other women become uninteresting to him. Doubles as ROBERT MARTIN—a sweet groundskeeper, in love with Harriet. Non-speaking. My also double as Mrs. Bates.
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