Are you a Fool? 👀
a Company of Fools is holding general auditions for its 2026 summer Shakespeare in the Park tour! We are also casting for an upcoming Theatre for Young Audiences tour in spring 2026. Actors will be auditioning for Artistic Director Kate Smith and Assistant Director Chelsey Prince. Auditions will be held at LabO (Studio 1201), 60 Waller St., on December 5 and 6, with callbacks scheduled for December 7. Professional actors whose artistic practice is based in Ottawa will be prioritized.
What we’re looking for:
Actors should have a strong handle on Shakespearean text and be able to work outdoors during a variety of weather conditions. Skills in singing, puppetry, movement, and the ability to play hand-held instruments are considered an asset - please note these in the body of your email. Actors must be able to work locally within Ottawa from June to August. A copy of the company’s Weather Policy will be available at the auditions.
Actors will need to prepare either 2 classical monologues (at least one must be Shakespeare) or 1 Shakespeare monologue and 1 song excerpt (preferably from the musical theatre canon, no more than 1 minute in length). Actors are asked to submit only if they have completed a performance training program or will complete one by June 2026. Please note that we will not be accepting self-tapes. If Ottawa actors are interested in working with us but cannot attend the audition dates, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
a Company of Fools encourages submissions from artists of all backgrounds, regardless of culture, race, colour, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To submit, please email your headshot and CV in one PDF with the file name in the format of “LAST Name, FIRST Name - CV & Headshot” to auditions@fools.ca by November 16th. Please indicate in your email if you are an Equity member. Audition appointments will be sent out by November 21st. Please note that only candidates selected for an audition will be contacted. We look forward to welcoming our newest crop of Fools!