AUDITIONS & JOBS
2027 SUMMER SEASON
ACTOR CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
THE WIZARD OF OZ
An SBTS Collective Creation Music and Lyrics by Garry Williams
Directed and Choreographed by Jade Douris-O’Hara
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Adapted and Directed by Drew Douris-O'Hara
FIVE DAY WORKSHOP OF AN UNTITLED NEW MUSICAL
UNREHEARSED TWELFTH NIGHT
A one night only, unrehearsed presentation of Shakespeare’s delightful Comedy!
Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) rehearsal begins June 8th 2027, with the first opening July 3rd, 2027, and closing August 29th, 2027. SBTS performs outdoors in Point Pleasant Park, located in K'jipuktuk (Halifax, NS). SBTS productions run in repertory, with actors appearing in multiple productions.
SBTS actors work outdoors in sometimes-challenging conditions. We follow applicable health and safety CAEA guidelines and recommendations from the province of Nova Scotia to support the well-being of SBTS artists, however artists are expected to navigate uneven surfaces, limited private space, portable washrooms, and variable weather conditions. Artists should be prepared for the physical and vocal demands of outdoor, unamplified performance.
SBTS receives a concession from CAEA for actors to participate in daily set-up and tear-down.
SBTS is a CAEA “G” House, working under the Independent Theatre Agreement.
Shakespeare by the Sea creates theatre that is inviting, inclusive, and accessible to all. In aiming to gather an ensemble that reflects the diverse community we serve, we particularly welcome submissions from artists who have been historically underrepresented in the theatre sector and will be prioritizing submissions from applicants who self-identify as members of underrepresented communities.
Submission Notes: (PLEASE READ!)
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Please include any/all roles you wish to be considered for in your submission. In keeping with our casting by consent policy, actors will only be considered for roles which they submit for.
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Former SBTS company members, or those known to the directors, are encouraged to submit for roles they are interested in and feel suited for. In keeping with our casting by consent policy, former company members will only be considered for roles which they submit for.
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All roles are open to any gender, and we are advocates of “non-traditional casting”.
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Applicants are asked to include their photo and resume in a single PDF.
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Playing instruments may be an asset. Please list any instruments you play!
At this time SBTS is holding auditions in K'jipuktuk (Halifax, NS). Artists unable to audition in K’jipuktuk are welcome to submit, and may be invited to send a video audition.
For Travelling Artists:
“Out-of-town” artists are asked to please note that while we are happy to accept video auditions, SBTS prioritizes hiring local actors whenever possible. SBTS abides by the CAEA requirements for travelling artists, including providing a suitable list of housing options, however we are not able to offer any additional housing fees.
Applicants are asked to submit through the following Google Form (come here from Instragram? This link probably won't work, you'll need to open it in another browser):
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, September 21st at 5 p.m.
Please direct any questions to Drew Douris-O’Hara (he/him), Artistic Director: drew@shakespearebythesea.ca
SHOW DETAILS AND CHARACTER DESCRIPTION: THE WIZARD OF OZ
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
An SBTS Collective Creation Music and Lyrics by Garry Williams
Directed and Choreographed by Jade Douris-O’Hara
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
The Wizard of Oz continues Shakespeare by the Sea’s beloved tradition of creating big, playful family musicals for audiences of all ages. This lively adaptation features original country and bluegrass-inspired music, plenty of humour, and all your favorite characters of Oz. This is a new production of SBTS’ 2019 WIZARD OF OZ, the most popular production in SBTS’ 33 year history!
CHARACTER NOTES:
The score for the Wizard of Oz combines legit Musical Theatre comedy with conversational, story and character driven lyrics and stylistic nods to bluegrass and country. Some roles could be performed by performers with vocal ranges other than the ones listed below, e.g. changed or unchanged voices could perform the vocal part in either octave.
DOROTHY (Character Pronouns: she/her)
Bright, curious and determined, Dorothy is an adventurous young person who finds herself far from home and determined to find her way back. She brings warmth and heart to the journey, while discovering that courage, friendship and home may mean something different than she first imagined.
Vocal Part: mezzo-soprano/belter
Vocal Range: roughly A3-F5
Description: must sing with emotional depth, a strong comedic belt, and evoke a tone of bluegrass or country, with a secure sustained C#4
TOTO (Character Pronouns: he/him)
A proper Southern Gentle-dog, Toto is Dorothy’s loyal companion. Toto is a man-sized, talking dog who stands up for Dorothy at every turn.
Vocal Part: bass
Vocal Range: roughly Ab2-Eb4
Description: must be able to handle patter, minimal ensemble harmonies, written for a singing actor
SCARECROW (Character Pronouns: any)
A lovable, imaginative dreamer who desperately wants to be clever.
Possible ensemble roles: Wicked Witch of the East, Kansas Folk, Munchkin, Glinda.
Vocal Part: tenor (note: this role was played by an alto in the original production)
Vocal Range: roughly F3-F5
Description: must have a strong, clear voice and the ability to sing harmonies
TINMAN (Character Pronouns: he/him)
Bitter and angry about his condition, Tinman longs for a heart but often proves he has one already.
Possible ensemble roles: Wicked Witch of the East, Kansas Folk, Munchkin, Glinda.
Vocal Part: bari-tenor
Vocal Range: roughly A2-A4
Description: must have a strong, clear voice and the ability to sing harmonies
LION (Character Pronouns: any)
A big ol’ scardy-cat, Lion is terrified of everything around them.
Possible ensemble roles: Wicked Witch of the East, Kansas Folk, Munchkin, Glinda, Emerald City, Crystal Ball, Crows.
Vocal Part: bari-tenor
Vocal Range: roughly A2-A4
Description: must have a strong, clear character voice and the ability to sing harmonies
JENNIFER OF THE WEST (Character Pronouns: she/her)
The wicked, formidable villain of Oz: clever, commanding and completely unapologetic.
Possible ensemble roles: Kansas Folk, Emerald City, Crows.
Vocal Part: mezzo soprano/belter
Vocal Range: roughly G3-F6
Description: must have a strong, clear voice and requires the ability to belt to a C# and flip into head voice in the style of yodeling
AUNTIE EM (Character Pronouns: she/her)
Practical and grounded, Auntie Em is Dorothy’s connection to home, but she is hiding a big secret!
Possible ensemble roles: Munchkin, Glinda, Emerald City, Crystal Ball, Crows, Mouse.
Vocal Part: alto
Vocal Range: roughly F3-F5
Description: strong belt, must be able to sing in a character voice, evoke a tone of bluegrass or country, and have the ability to sing harmonies
DONNY THE WINGED MONKEY/WIZARD OF OZ (Character Pronouns: he/him)
Donny: A playful and high-energy Winged Monkey. Not very fast or very clever.
Wizard of Oz: A larger-than-life persona that hides an ordinary truth.
Possible ensemble roles: Kansas Folk, Munchkin, Emerald City, Crows, Mouse.
Vocal Part: bari-tenor
Vocal Range: roughly A2-A4
Description: must be able to sing ensemble harmonies
MARKY-MARK THE WINGED MONKEY (Character Pronouns: he/him or they/them)
A playful and high-energy Winged Monkey. Not very clever or very fast.
Possible ensemble roles: Kansas Folk, Glinda, Munchkin, Emerald City, Crows, Mouse.
Vocal Part: bass-baritone
Vocal Range: roughly Ab2-E4
Description: must be able to sing ensemble harmonies
SHOW DETAILS AND CHARACTER DESCRIPTION: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
By WIlliam Shakespeare
Adapted and DIrected by Drew Douris-O’Hara
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
This production of Much Ado About Nothing is set at a 1960s summer garden party, where folk music, friendship and romance bring a lively community together. At its centre are Hero and Claudia, a young couple whose love is tested by gossip and jealousy, alongside Beatrice and Benedick, whose famously combative relationship offers a very different path toward love and vulnerability.
CHARACTER NOTES:
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Character doubling is subject to (and likely to) change during the casting process. Should you only be interested in half of a “double-track” as listed, please indicate which role you are interested in.
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Character ages are not listed, as actors are invited to think outside of the traditional casting box for all characters.
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Character pronouns are only listed where the director has a distinct vision for the gender of that character, and all roles can be played by persons of any/every identity. We encourage actors to submit interest in any roles which they are drawn to.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
BENEDICK (Character pronouns: he/him)
A charismatic, quick-witted bachelor who hides his vulnerability behind humour and bravado. Benedick is Beatrice’s intellectual equal and sparring partner, but beneath the jokes is someone deeply capable of loyalty, tenderness and love.
BEATRICE (Character pronouns: she/her)
Sharp, funny, fiercely independent and unwilling to suffer fools. Beatrice uses wit as both a weapon and a shield.
CLAUDIA (Character pronouns: she/her)
A young woman deeply in love with Hero and eager to build a future with her. Passionate and sincere, Claudia is also vulnerable to jealousy and the pressures of reputation.
*We strongly encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as LGBTQ+
HERO (Character pronouns: she/her)
Warm, intelligent and quietly strong, Hero is often underestimated by those around her. Her relationship with Claudia is loving and sincere.
*We strongly encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as LGBTQ+
DON PEDRO (Character pronouns: he/him)
A charismatic leader and natural social organiser who loves bringing people together.
LEONATO or LEONATA (any pronouns)
The generous host of the garden party and parent/guardian to Hero. Leonato(a) is deeply invested in family and reputation, but their warmth can quickly turn to anger when those things are threatened.
DON JOHN/DOGBERRY
Don John (Character pronouns: he/him):
A charismatic outsider with a deep sense of resentment.
Dogberry (Character pronouns: he/him):
A wonderfully self-important local official who is convinced of his own brilliance.
MARGARET/VERGES/MESSENGER
Margaret (Character pronouns: she/her):
Clever and confident, Margaret is an employee of Leonato and one of Hero's closest friends.
Verges (any pronouns):
Dogberry's loyal and often bewildered partner in crime.
Messenger (any pronouns):
Delivers a message.
BORACHIO/FRIAR FRANCES
Borachio (Character pronouns: he/him):
Leonato(a)’s gardener who becomes Don John's willing accomplice.
Friar Frances (Character pronouns: he/him):
A compassionate and perceptive figure who sees beyond the immediate crisis.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, September 21st at 5 p.m.
Please direct any questions to Drew Douris-O’Hara (he/him), Artistic Director: drew@shakespearebythesea.ca