Audition Notice for MISS SHAKESPEARE
Miss Shakespeare
Written and Composed by Tracey Power
Musical arrangements by Tracey Power, Steven Charles & Benjamin Elliott
Director: Archie Ballantyne
Music Director: Alondra Vega-Zaldivar
Choreographer: Marissa Caldwell
Producer: Mel Hinch
A bold, all-female cast imagines the untold story of women in Shakespeare’s time, forbidden from the stage but full of talent and ambition. With wit and rebellion, they challenge history itself – and demand to be heard.
Characters
Judith Shakespeare – William Shakespeare’s 30 -year-old daughter, a determined, super creative, very spirited woman who has the courage to direct an illegal play. (soprano with a high belt mezzo range)
Susanna Shakespeare Hall – Judith’s older sister, a religious, morally upright, cautious young woman who tends to adhere to society’s expectations. (mezzo-soprano)
Quiney/Will Shakespeare – A 70- year-old tavern mistress who is up for something new. Doubles as the ghost of Will Shakespeare. (alto)
Isabel Loxley – A 28-year-old wild, independent, tomboy who lives life to the fullest and who wants to experience everything that society denies women. (mezzo-soprano/alto)
Hannah Sorley – A 33-year-old social outcast who is secure in her identity and defiant, despite how society treats her. Her child was taken away from her. (mezzo-soprano with a belt)
Katherine Rose (Tipping) – A 35-year-old woman who works hard to appear kind, gentle, and calm on the surface, but who is really suffering from grief, disappointment, and a great longing for a child underneath her surface demeanor. (mezzo-soprano/alto)
Margaret Moore – A 30-year-old woman who is rather socially awkward. She tends to isolate herself but really desires human connection. (mezzo-soprano/alto)
Show Dates
April 23 to May 9, 2027 on Friday/Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2pm at The South Simcoe Theatre, 1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario. Cast members are required to be available for the Q2Q, both dress rehearsals, the Preview, and all production dates without exception.
Audition Dates
Wed., Oct. 28 from 7 to 10 pm and Sat., Oct. 31 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Callbacks will be held on Mon., Nov. 2 from 7 to 10 pm. The auditions are open to actors aged 18 years and up.
Audition Location/Callback Location
In person at The South Simcoe Theatre (subject to change)
Audition Details
Please prepare an up-tempo musical theatre song (max of 3 min) that shows off your voice and acting ability. We would also like you to prepare a comedic monologue (max of 2 min.) Finally, you will be asked to do a short group movement audition - no preparation or experience is necessary. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing so that you don’t feel restricted during the movement part of the audition.
If you are unable to attend the audition dates above, video submissions will be considered. Please mention this in your email of interest. Once approved by the Producer, we will request video submissions be uploaded to the candidate’s own YouTube page by Oct. 27 at 8 pm. Please provide the link.
Request an Audition
Email the Producer, Mel Hinch to request an audition time at madrigal1.mh@gmail.com.
Rehearsal Information
First Meeting & Read Through - Tues., Dec. 15 (6:30 -10 pm).
Rehearsals – Tues/Thurs (7 to 10 pm) and Sundays (2 to 5 pm) There MAY be a rehearsal over Easter weekend, to be decided later. Sunday evening rehearsals from 6 to 9 pm will be added in late Feb. or early March.
First Rehearsal - Tues., Jan. 5 (7–10 pm)
Tech Week - Q2Q on Sunday., April 18, dress rehearsals on April 19/20 (7-10 pm), and Preview Wed., April 21 (7-10 pm).
Auditionees must declare any potential rehearsal date conflicts on the audition form. This will be taken into consideration when casting. NB: If you are cast, and your conflict dates change substantially from the information provided at the time of casting in such a way that it interferes with your ability to attend rehearsals regularly, The South Simcoe Theatre reserves the right to withdraw the casting offer.
Health & Safety
In keeping with Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit guidelines, this theatre will comply with any mandated health regulations.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The South Simcoe Theatre encourages inclusion and representation in all its endeavours. Everyone is welcome both on stage and off. In that spirit, we encourage diversity in our casting process.
Questions?
Email Mel Hinch, Producer, at madrigal1.mh@gmail.com
This is a NON-EQUITY, NON-PAYING production. Thank you.
