Auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – 2021
Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park produces free outdoor productions in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts each summer for audiences of all ages. The company is seeking around 8 strong non-Equity actors to play multiple roles each in its 2021 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by artistic director Enrico Spada. We are aiming to build a diverse cast reflective of the Pittsfield community, and encourage BIPOC actors and actors of all gender identities to audition for all roles. Prior experience performing Shakespeare is not required. (Note: this year, we are only considering actors age 16 or older for this production.)
Audition Dates
By online video submission only. Audition submission deadline is Friday, May 7.
Please let us know if we can assist with any accessibility accommodations or questions to facilitate the casting process by emailing enrico@pittsfieldshakespeare.org or calling 413-551-9585.
Callback Dates:
Potential virtual callbacks will be requested after May 7. Sides will be provided. Callback submission deadline TBA following the initial submission period.
Rehearsal Location & Dates:
Rehearsals will be held Monday–Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons (Fridays off) starting July 11.
TBA in downtown Pittsfield
(Possibility of some initial virtual rehearsals)
Performance Location & Dates
Performances run Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 8pm from August 19 through September 5 (total of 12 performances).
First Street Common – Performance Pavilion
100 First Street
Pittsfield, MA
All dates and locations subject to change with notice.
Pay:
Actors will receive a small honorarium for their participation. We are working to determine the final amount (in the range of a few hundred dollars) as we continue fundraising for the production. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Enrico Spada (enrico@pittsfieldshakespeare.org).
Commitment to COVID Safety
The health and safety of our artists, staff, and audience members are our first priority. You can find our current COVID Safety Plan here.
About Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park
Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park is committed to keeping the thrill of theatre alive with the artists and audience members who live in the Berkshires by presenting free, outdoor Shakespeare bringing together audience members, actors, designers, and technicians to our community. Founded by Berkshires-based theatre artist and educator, PSP was launched in the summer of 2014, Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park presents fully-produced performances of Shakespeare’s plays under the evening sky for free to the public. Thousands of people have enjoyed its productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2014), Romeo and Juliet (2015), The Tempest (2016), Twelfth Night (2017), and Much Ado About Nothing (2019). For photos of past shows visit http://www.pittsfieldshakespeare.org/photos
Materials to Prepare:
Please prepare two short contrasting Shakespeare monologues, no more than 3 minutes total (including both speeches). You may perform a speech from any play (including Midsummer). Pick text that excites you, from characters of any gender or age.
Please submit the following material by no later than May 7:
- a headshot or recent photo
- an acting/performance resume, if you have one
- a link to your audition video online (YouTube or Vimeo or Dropbox, etc. No large attachments, please)
- your weekly availability for rehearsals
Submissions should be emailed to auditions@pittsfieldshakespeare.org with your name in the subject line. Make sure that your link is in shareable format that can be viewed by anyone with the link (such as an unlisted YouTube video).
About the Show and Roles
One of William Shakespeare’s most enduring, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a fast-paced comedy of love and magical mixups.
Note—all roles can be played by actors of any gender, ethnicity, or race. Actors will be cast in multiple roles (for example, the actor playing Hermia may also play Titania and Starveling).
The Fairies:
Oberon — the king of the fairies, determined to get his way but with a fiendish sense of humor
Titania — the queen of the fairies, just as determined, with a protective streak
Puck — Oberon’s main minion, a trickster whose mistakes may not always be unintentional
Fairies — supporters of Titania
The Lovers:
Hermia — in love with Lysander, rebelling against her father
Lysander — in love with Hermia, trying to be suave, runs away with her to find new happiness
Demetrius — also in love with Hermia, strong-willed, follows the pair into the woods to win Hermia back
Helena — in love with Demetrius, hopeful, follows everyone into the woods in order to find happiness
The Mechanicals:
Nick Bottom — the most outgoing and eager performer in a troupe of workers-turned-actors
Peter Quince — the leader of the acting troupe and director of the play-within-the-play
Francis Flute, Robin Starveling, Tom Snout, Snug — amateur actors in the troupe who love their work regardless of their skill level
The Grecians:
Theseus — the Duke of Athens, magnanimous but a stickler for the law
Hippolyta — an Amazonian warrior, willing to hold men accountable
Egeus — Hermia’s overbearing and unbending parent
Philostrate — master of revels