Directed by Jeremy Elman
Auditions for the first show of TUC’s 46th Season
Performances: August 27 – September 6
Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, a witty and heartfelt story of love, pride, deception, revenge, and the power of finding your soulmate against all odds. Filled with sharp dialogue, unforgettable characters, a large and vibrant ensemble cast, and some of Shakespeare’s most sought-after roles for actors, this fast-paced comedy remains one of his most entertaining and enduring plays.
Auditions will likely be held in a central Boulder location. You will be emailed the address after signing up.
AUDITION DATES:
Saturday, May 23rd, 1pm to 6pm TBC
Monday, May 25th 7pm to 9pm
Tuesday, May 26th 7pm to 9pm
SIGN UP FORM: SIgn Up Here
Please sign up for the audition date you wish to attend. On the form, indicate if there is a specific role you wish to apply for or if you would like to be considered for any suitable role.
WHAT TO BRING TO AUDITIONS:
Headshot and Resume
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS:
Principal Part: If there is a set principal part you wish to audition for please prepare a small section of a two-person scene of your choice and a short monologue. There will be a reader there to support you.
Ensemble: If you wish to be considered for any suitable role we will have set part ready for people to read. However, we would advise having a pre-prepared section.
Please note, where possible, we will allocate a time for you to arrive, this will be to save someone from having a long wait. However, please be prepared for some waiting around and we appreciate your patience in advance.
REHEARSAL DATES
Rehearsals will likely take place in Boulder, with a location to be announced closer to the time.
In general, rehearsals will take place Monday to Thursday, 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Week 1: 6/22/26
Week 2: 6/29/26 OFF WEEK – No Rehearsal
Week 3: 7/6/26
Week 4: 7/13/26
Week 5: 7/20/26
Week 6: 7/27/26
Week 7: 8/3/26
Week 8: 8/10/26
Week 9: 8/17/26
Week 10: 8/24/26 – Tech /Dress Rehearsal/ First Performances
The performance venue is the Carsen Theater in the Dairy Arts Center, 2590
Walnut St., Boulder.
CONFLICTS:
Having conflicts will not mean you cannot audition or be cast, we just need to know about them in advance. Please list any conflicts on the sign up form. You must be 100% available for every performance and during the tech and dress rehearsals.
The cast are required to help with strike (and move-in if available)
.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Email questions to the director at auditions@theupstartcrow.org
THE PRODUCTION:
The production will be set in Messina, Italy, in a timeless world inspired by classic Shakespearean staging but infused with a modern energy and emotional realism. The tone will feel dynamic, accessible, and alive for contemporary audiences. No specific accents are required for auditions.
THE CAST:
PLEASE NOTE: The director is eager for principal actors to be off-book as early as possible. When auditioning, please carefully consider the time commitment required, particularly for the larger roles.
Benedick – Soldier (Principal): A lord and soldier under Don Pedro; a confirmed bachelor. 25–40
Beatrice – Noblewoman (Principal): Leonato’s niece; a sharp-tongued woman and Hero’s close friend. 25–40
Leonato – Governor (Principal): The Governor of Messina; Hero’s father and Beatrice’s uncle. 50–60
Don Pedro – Prince (Principal): Prince of Aragon; the leader of the visiting soldiers. 35–45
Claudio – Soldier (Principal): A young count of Florence and a celebrated soldier. 20–30
Hero – Noblewoman (Principal): Leonato’s daughter; a gentle and virtuous young woman. 18–25
Dogberry – Constable (Comic Principal): The bumbling Master Constable in charge of Messina’s night watch. 40–55
Borachio – Follower (Villain): A follower of Don John; the architect of the scheme to slander Hero. 25–40
Don John – Nobleman (Antagonist): Don Pedro’s illegitimate brother and the play’s villain. 25–45
Anthony – Nobleman: Leonato’s brother and an elderly nobleman. 40–70
Margaret – Gentlewoman: A waiting-gentlewoman attending on Hero; unwittingly involved in the plot. 20–40
Friar Francis / The Sexton – Clergy / Official: A priest who performs the wedding and defends Hero’s honor. / The official who presides over the trial. 40–65
Balthasar – Attendant / Musician: An attendant to Don Pedro and a singer/musician. 20–35
The Watch – Officers: The town guards who discover the villainy. 25–60
Verges – The Watch (Comic): Dogberry’s elderly and dim-witted partner. 35–65
Ursula – Gentlewoman: Another waiting-gentlewoman attending on Hero. 20–35
Conrad – Follower (Villain): Another follower of Don John. 25–40
Tech/dress rehearsals:
Move-in to the theatre: Monday, August 24th.
Dress Rehearsals 25th and 26th
Opening weekend:
Thursday, August 27, through Monday, August 31st
Performances are 7:00pm; Sunday is a 2:00pm matinee
Second weekend:
Thursday, Sept 3rd through Sunday Sept 6th
Performances are 7:00pm; Sunday is a 2:00pm matinee
IMPORTANT:
All actors will receive a $35 stipend for the run of the production (not per performance).
Email questions to the director at auditions@theupstartcrow.org
SIGN UP FORM:
https://forms.gle/xHG2kTzmy5vnDcEJ6
Needed actors:
In our classical theatre productions, we recognize that traditionally characters have been portrayed within a binary gender framework. We are actively challenging this by inviting actors of all gender identities, including gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary individuals, to audition for any role they resonate with. We are also committed to racial and ethnic inclusivity. While some roles may have specific requirements based on the character’s background, we encourage actors of all races and ethnicities to apply. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and accommodating environment. If you have any specific needs, questions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your comfort and representation matter to us.
In order to promote a respectful and productive work environment, harassment of any kind is not acceptable at The Upstart Crow (TUC). TUC also prohibits harassment and discrimination based upon an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Harassment occurs when unwelcome verbal or physical conduct, because of its severity and/or persistence, interferes significantly with an individual’s work or safety, or adversely affects performance conditions. Harassment also occurs when a person uses a position of authority to engage in unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
We invite actors to attend open auditions for all of our regular shows. To receive reminders of upcoming auditions, sign up for our audition mailing list below. Unless otherwise specified, non-regional American dialect will be used for all shows.
The Upstart Crow Theatre Company is an actors’ company and actors are expected to help with tech work—set and/or costume construction weekend afternoons during the rehearsal period—and publicity. All actors are expected to help with move-in before opening and strike on closing night.
Like all theatre companies, we have a commitment to our ensemble members. Still, we always cast actors from outside our company. Act with us often enough and you’ll gain the benefits of membership.
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