Orlando Shakes Theater Auditions

By: Nilo Cruz

Director: Nick Bazo

Salaries: AEA SPT 8: $761 (24/25 rates. 25/26 rates pending), Non-Union: $18 per hour

1st Rehearsal: 08/05/2025. Previews: 08/27/2025, 08/28/2025. Runs: 08/29/2025 – 09/21/2025.

Margeson Theater.

JUAN JULIAN (He/him. Cuban. 20s – 30s.) – Juan Julian is a charming and well-educated man. He exudes an air of sophistication and brings a sense of romance to the cigar factory. His presence as the lector introduces the workers to literature and serves as a catalyst for change in their lives.

CONCHITA (She/her. Cuban. 20s.) – Conchita is married to Palomo. She is passionate and introspective, finding solace and inspiration in the story of Anna Karenina. Conchita grapples with her desires, her role as a wife, and her longing for something more in life.

PALOMO (He/him. Cuban. 30s) – Palomo is Conchita’s husband who works alongside her in the cigar factory. He is traditional and proud, but also prone to jealousy and insecurity, particularly in response to Juan Julian’s presence and his wife’s growing infatuation with the lector.

SANTIAGO (He/him. Cuban. 40s – 50s.) – Santiago is the owner of the cigar factory, a businessman who values tradition but is open to new ideas, as evidenced by his decision to hire Juan Julian as the lector to boost morale among the workers.

MARELA (She/her. Cuban. 20s.) – Marela is Conchita’s younger sister. She is idealistic, romantic, and deeply affected by the story of Anna Karenina. Marela forms a close bond with Juan Julian and seeks to understand her own desires and dreams.

CHECHE (He/him. Cuban/American. 30s – 40s.) – Cheché is half Cuban, half American and Santiago’s half-brother who resents him and desires control of the factory.

OFELIA (She/her. Cuban. 40s – 50s.) – Ofelia is the powerful wife of Santiago. She is a proud woman, and critical of Santiago’s drinking and gambling.

ELIADES (He/him. Cuban. 30s – 40s.) – Eliades is a gamester who takes wagers on the local cockfights he runs.

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller

Based on the books by Eric Carle

Director: TBA

Salaries: Non-Union $18 per hour

1st Rehearsal: 09/23/2025. Previews: 10/15/2025, 10/16/2025. Runs: 10/17/2025 – 11/09/2025. Margeson Theater.

Orlando Shakes is seeking three talented puppeteers for its TYA production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. Inspired by Eric Carle’s timeless story, this show brings The Very Hungry Caterpillar and three other Eric Carle stories to life with over 75 dazzling puppets.

The puppetry requires puppets of all varieties – large, small, cumbersome and some more nuanced. There is not one style of puppetry in this piece.

Performers are visible the entire time, they cannot ‘hide’ behind the puppets, the puppets become extensions of their bodies.

PUPPETEER (three performers)(any gender, any age) a general all-rounder with great stage presence and a playful personality that is adept at long passages and doesn’t allow them to sound repetitive or monotone. Warm, confident and friendly energy that can appeal to children and adults alike. Each performer will puppeteer/operate at minimum thirteen puppets or objects throughout the performance. Should have excellent skills in multiple different styles of puppetry, vocal presence, and a strong sense of movement. Special skills, including juggling, are welcomed and encouraged.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Adapted by Jim Helsinger, Based on the novel by Charles Dickens

Director: Jim Helsinger / Music Director: John Cavazos

Salaries: AEA LOA/ LORT: $873 (24/25 rates. 25/26 rates pending.) Non-Union: $18 per hour

1st Rehearsal: 11/04/2025. Preview: 11/26/2025. Runs: 11/28/2025 – 12/24/2025.

Margeson Theater.

EBENEZER SCROOGE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 60s-80s.) A rich but cheap, conniving merchant, a cruel man that cares nothing for other people, who changes to a loving person overnight. British RP accent required.

MARLEY / OLD JOE / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/him. Any Ethnicity. 60s-80s.) Jacob Marley – The spirit of Scrooge’s business partner, now wearing the crushing chains of his sins. British RP accent. Old Joe – pawn shop owner, disgusting low-life, Cockney accent. Also plays various characters.

BOB CRATCHIT / MERCHANT 1 / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/him. Any Ethnicity. 40s-50s.) Bob Cratchit – Clerk to Scrooge. Middle class British accent. A very kind, humble, poor man. Merchant 1 – A rich disdainful merchant. British RP accent. Also plays various characters

GHOST OF XMAS PRESENT / FEZZIWIG / BELLE’S HUSBAND / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/him. Any Ethnicity. 40s-50s.) Christmas Present – An oversized giant of a spirit, strong, full of laughter and love. British RP accent. Fezziwig – Happy middle class merchant, laughing and jolly. British middle class or Irish accent. Belle’s husband – a kind, loving middle class man. John – a poor debtor to Scrooge. Cockney, Irish or Scottish accent. Also plays various characters.

FRED / DICK WILKINS / MERCHANT 2 / ENSEMBLE (He/him. Any Ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Fred – Scrooge’s nephew, a kind young businessman, determined to keep up his spirits. Merchant 2 – A rich disdainful merchant. Also plays various characters. British accents required.

YOUNG SCROOGE / FUTURE / ENSEMBLE (He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 20s.) Young Scrooge – A young, neglected man whose keen eye for business undermines his heart and humanity. British RP accent. Future – the most formidable and terrifying of the spirits. Silent, ominous. Also plays various characters.

MRS. CRATCHIT / MRS. FEZZIWIG / CHARITY COLLECTOR / ENSEMBLE

(She/her. Any Ethnicity. 40s-50s.) Mrs. Cratchit – wife of Bob Cratchit, a kind woman, crushed by poverty. British middle class accent. Charity Collector – a rich jolly woman, collecting donations for the poor. British RP accent. Also plays various characters.

BELLE / LAUNDRESS / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(She/her. Any Ethnicity. 20s.) Belle – Scrooge’s fiancée, a strong young woman who breaks their engagement. British RP accent. Laundress – lowlife of London, steals Scrooge’s belongings after his death and pawns them. Cockney Accent. Also plays various characters.

PAST / MARTHA / CAROLINE / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(She/her. Any Ethnicity. teenage-early 20s.) Martha – Bob Cratchit’s oldest daughter, fun loving but poor. British middle class accent. Christmas Past – A kind, playful spirit, childlike. British RP accent. Caroline – debtor’s wife. Cockney, Irish or Scottish accent. Also plays various characters.

FRED’S WIFE / CHARWOMAN / CHARITY COLLECTOR / ENSEMBLE (She/her. Any Ethnicity. 30s-40s.) Fred’s Wife – loving, devoted, full of fun. British RP or Irish accent. Charwoman – lowlife or London, steals Scrooge’s belongings after his death and pawns them. Cockney Accent. Charity Collector – a rich woman, collecting donations for the poor. Also plays various characters.

CHILD ACTOR ROLES:

FAN / LUCY / ENSEMBLE (She/her. Any Ethnicity. 7-9 years old.) Fan – Scrooge’s sister, she is dying but still luminous with love. British RP accent. Lucy Cratchit – Full of hope and fun loving. British middle class accent. Also plays various characters. British accents required.

BELINDA / ADDY / BEGGAR / ENSEMBLE(She/her. Any Ethnicity. 12-15 years old.) Belinda Cratchit – Full of hope, but also a bit sassy, a teenager. British middle class accent. Addy – he/him/his. A young student at Scrooge’s boarding school. British RP accent. Also plays various characters. British accents required.

TINY TIM / JOHN / ENSEMBLE (He/him. Any Ethnicity. 7-9 years old.) Tiny Tim – young, sickly son of Bob Cratchit. Very sweet and kind to others, cherubic. British middle class accent. John – he/him/his. A young student at Scrooge’s boarding school. British RP accent. Also plays various characters.

PETER / BOY SCROOGE / TURKEY BOY / ENSEMBLE (He/him. Any Ethnicity. 11-13 years old.) Peter Cratchit – one of the Cratchit children. British middle class accent. Boy Scrooge – A young schoolboy. British RP accent. Turkey Boy – an excitable young street urchin. Cockney accent. Also plays various characters.

By William Shakespeare

Director: Monica Long Tamborello

Salaries: LOA/ LORT: $873 (24/25 Rates. 25/26 rates pending.) Non-Union: $18 per hour

1st Rehearsal: 12/23/2025. Previews: 01/14/2026, 01/15/2026. Runs: 01/16/2026 – 02/08/2026.

Margeson Theater

CASTING NOTE: We are seeking a diverse company of versatile actors. Performers of all ethnic backgrounds and gender identities are encouraged to submit. Most actors double multiple characters.

JULIET: (She/her. Any ethnicity. Late teens/20s.) The only daughter of the Capulets, a powerful family in Verona. In love with Romeo. Kind and compassionate. Headstrong and willful.

LORD CAPULET: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 30s-50s.) Head of the Capulet family and father of Juliet. Stern and demanding.

LADY CAPULET: (She/her. Any ethnicity. 30s-50s.) Lord Capulet’s wife. She married young. Juliet’s mother.

NURSE: (She/her. Any ethnicity. 30s-60s.) Juliet’s nurse and closest companion who raised her from a baby.

PETER / ENSEMBLE: (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 20s-40s.) Servant to the Nurse. Accompanies her when she goes out of the house, partly as protection, partly to carry her fan.

TYBALT / ENSEMBLE: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) The nephew of Lady Capulet. Fiery and hotheaded. The family’s chief troublemaker.

SAMSON / ENSEMBLE: (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Servant to the Capulets. Clown.

GREGORY / ENSEMBLE: (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Servant to the Capulets. Clown.

ROMEO: (He/him. Any ethnicity. Late Teens/20s.) The only son of the Montagues, a powerful family in Verona. Falls in and out of love easily. In love with Juliet.

LORD MONTAGUE / ENSEMBLE: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 30s-50s.) The head of the powerful Montague family and father to Romeo.

LADY MONTAGUE / ENSEMBLE: (She/her. Any ethnicity. 30s-50s.) Romeo’s mother, who dies of grief over her son’s banishment.

BENVOLIO / ENSEMBLE: (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Romeo’s friend and cousin and Lord Montague’s nephew/niece.

PRINCE ESCALUS / ENSEMBLE: (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 30s-50s.) The Prince of Verona who oversees a troubled city beset with family entanglements.

MERCUTIO / ENSEMBLE: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Mercutio is a friend of Romeo’s and a relative of the prince, murdered by Tybalt.

COUNTY PARIS / ENSEMBLE: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Paris is a count, kinsman to the prince, suitor of Juliet.

FRIAR LAWRENCE: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 40s-60s.) A brother of the Franciscan order, Romeo’s confessor, and a guide and advisor to Romeo and Juliet.

By James Ijames

Director: Roberta Emerson

Salaries: SPT 8: $761 (24/25 rates. 25/26 rates pending.) Non-Union: $18 per hour

1st Rehearsal: 02/10/2026. Previews: 03/04/2026, 03/05/2026. Runs: 03/06/2026 – 03/29/2026.

Margeson Theater.

JUICY (he/him. Black. 20s.) is thicc. Beautiful. Lonely. Smart. Haunted. A kind of Hamlet.

TEDRA (she/her. Black. 40s-50s.) is Juicy’s mother. She is a good mother. A kind of Gertrude.

REV/PAP (he/him. Black. 40s-50s.) REV is Tedra’s new husband, her dead ex-husband’s brother. Juicy’s uncle. Pig farmer and pit master. Electric. A kind of Claudius. PAP is the Ghost of Juicy’s father. Was in prison for killing someone ‘cause their breath stank, ‘til he got shanked on the way to dinner. A kind of Hamlet’s father. The same actor plays REV and PAP.

OPAL (she/her. Black. 20s.) is one of Juicy’s only friends. She loves and worries about him. A kind of Ophelia.

LARRY (he/him. Black. 20s.) is a boy that is attracted to Juicy. A marine trying to heal from PTSD. Has a secret. Awkward. A kind of Laertes.

RABBY (she/her. Black. 40s-50s.) is Larry and Opal’s mother. Tedra’s friend. Semi-churchy, but honestly she just wanna drink and praise the Lord. A kind of Polonius.

TIO (he/him. Black or Afro-LatinX. 20s-30s.) is Juicy’s cousin and oldest friend. A kind of Horatio.

By William Shakespeare

Director: N/A

Salaries: AEA LOA/ LORT: $873 (24/25 Rates. 25/26 rates pending.) Non-Union: $18 per hour.

1st Rehearsal: 03/24/2026. Previews: 04/01/2026, 04/02/2026. Runs: 04/03/2026 – 04/19/2026.

Goldman Theater

Henry VI, Part 3: The Rise of Richard continues the Fire and Reign series at Orlando Shakes – 8 plays in order from Richard II through Richard III. This production is an “original practices” or “bare bard” production with no director or designers. It features a short rehearsal process and performance run. All rehearsals, blocking, and design are determined by the actors. Actors with experience with this type of Shakespearean production are particularly encouraged to apply.

CASTING NOTE: We are seeking a diverse company of versatile actors. Performers of all ethnic backgrounds and gender identities are encouraged to submit. Most actors double multiple characters.

KING HENRY THE SIXTH / ENSEMBLE: (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED) (He/him. Any ethnicity. 30s.) Head of the Lancastrian party, Margaret’s husband, Prince Edward’s father, and the desperately peace-loving monarch of a war-torn country.

QUEEN MARGARET / ENSEMBLE: (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED) (She/her. Any ethnicity. 30s.) King Henry’s wife. She is the mother of Prince Edward and the strongest defender of the Lancastrian cause. Fierce and protective of her son and the throne.

RICHARD PLANTAGENET, DUKE OF YORK / SOMERSET / ENSEMBLE: (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED) (He/him. Any ethnicity. 50s-60’s) York: Head of the Yorkist party. Strong, capable leader, commanding. Claims to be heir to the throne and leads the House of York toward the crown. Father of Edward, Earl of March and Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Somerset: Supporter of King Henry

EARL OF WARWICK / ENSEMBLE: (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED) (He/him. Any ethnicity. 40s-50s.) The Duke of York’s greatest supporter and friend, and later the chief power behind the throne to King Edward IV..

EDWARD, EARL OF MARCH / ENSEMBLE: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 30s-40s) Son of the Duke of York, later King Edward IV. Blinded by his new power, Edward secretly marries Lady Grey and alienates himself from his advisors and the nobles.

RICHARD, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER / ENSEMBLE: (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED) (He/him. Any ethnicity. 30s-40s. Visibly disabled.) Son of the Duke of York. Hates the Lancastrians. Will become Richard III. Richard self-describes that nature did corrupt him “to shrink mine arm up like a wither’d shrub; To make an envious mountain on my back, Where sits deformity to mock my body; To shape my legs of an unequal size. Note: Actors with visible physical disabilities are encouraged to audition.

GEORGE, DUKE OF CLARENCE / ENSEMBLE: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 30s) The second son of the Duke of York. Fickle and politic. First of the Yorkist party, then of the Lancastrian, then of the Yorkist again.

EXETER / LADY GREY / ENSEMBLE: (She/her. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s) Exeter: Grand Uncle to King Henry. Lady Grey: A widow who has lost her lands when her husband was killed fighting on the Yorkist side. She becomes Queen Elizabeth once married to Edward IV.

CLIFFORD / LEWIS VI / EARL OF OXFORD / ENSEMBLE: (He/him. Any ethnicity. 20’s) Clifford: An angry and vindictive man, bent only on avenging his father’s death at Yorkist hands, and determined to slaughter the entire family of York. Lewis VI: King of France. Oxford: Supporter of King Henry.

PRINCE EDWARD / LADY BONA / ENSEMBLE: (Any/All. Any ethnicity. 20’s) the son and heir to Henry VI. Lady Bona: Sister of the French Queen

RUTLAND / LADY BONA / RIVERS / ENSEMBLE: (She/Her. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s) Rutland: Young child of York, murdered by Clifford. Lady Bona: French princess, possible bride to Edward. Rivers: brother to Elizabeth.

NORTHUMBERLAND / HASTINGS / ENSEMBLE: (Any/All. Any ethnicity. 30’s-50s) Northumberland: Supporter of King Henry. Hastings: Yorkist supporter.

Book: Mo Willems, Mr. Warburton

Lyrics: Mo Willems

Music: Deborah Wicks La Puma

Director: TBA

Salaries: Non-Union $18 per hour

1st Rehearsal: 03/24/2026. Previews: 04/15/2026, 04/16/2026. Runs: 04/17/2026 – 05/01/2026.

Margeson Theater.

CASTING NOTE: We are seeking a diverse company of versatile actors. Performers of all ethnic backgrounds and gender identities are encouraged to submit. Most actors double multiple characters.

TRACK 1: THE PIGEON – Character is male. Vocal range top: G4 – Vocal range bottom: C3. The snappy, sassy, and demanding bird who never gets what he wants, but that doesn’t mean he’ll ever stop trying.

TRACK 2: THE BUS DRIVER – Character is female. Vocal range top: D5- Vocal range bottom: F3. The bus driving professional who loves her work and, eventually, The Pigeon. Prides herself on being driven and ALWAYS on time.

TRACK 3: THE BUSINESSMAN – Character is male. Vocal range top: E4- Vocal range bottom: D3, Doubles as: HOT DOG VENDOR – A guy that just loves sharing hot dogs. But not with Pigeons, PASSENGER: Business Man- A no nonsense man in a suit off to his new job. Hope he’s not late.com, BACKUP DUCKLING 1, and AIRPLANE ENGINE.

TRACK 4: THE DUCKLING – Character is female. Vocal range top: C5- Vocal range bottom: D4. THE DUCKLING – An adorable duckling who gets a hot dog by just asking politely. Plays several other versatile characters including: 2ND PIGEON – Twin to The Pigeon, THE BUS ENGINE (must be able to vocalize a variety of bus sounds), THE BUS, BUS DRIVER’S MOM, and PUPPY.

TRACK 5: THE CITY WORKER – Character is male. Vocal range top: C5- Vocal range bottom: D3. CITY WORKER -A grumpy worker just doing his job putting up signs around town. Plays several other versatile characters including: PASSENGER TEENAGER- A kid who can’t wait to go see the latest superhero movie that’s opening RIGHT NOW, and BACKUP DUCKLING 2.

TRACK 6 – THE LITTLE OLD LADY – Character is female. Vocal range top: D5-Vocal range bottom: C4. Doubles as: PASSENGER LITTLE OLD LADY -Very excited to go see her newborn grandchild at the hospital, and BACKUP DUCKLING 3.