Drunk Shakespeare Open Call

Employment Type
Contract
Position Type
Performer
Salary
$80/show, $20/hr for rehearsal. Compensation increases based on the number of performances
Apply By

LOCATION
The Sage Theatre
1100 13th St NW Suite 105, Washington, DC, 20005 (Off L St)

AUDITION DATE AND TIME
OPEN CALL on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 from 12:00-5:00 pm.
*If you would like to reserve a specific time slot, please email jobs@brassjar.com and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Additionally, if you can’t attend in person, please submit a self-tape of the requested materials to the email above.

MATERIAL TO PREPARE
MONOLOGUE - Shakespeare, 1 minute in length. We would like to meet YOU through this text, so approach it in a contemporary way that allows your personality to shine while honoring Shakespeare's intention.
SKILLS SHOWCASE - Prepare to showcase your special skills. Examples could include dialects, impressions, dance, acrobatics, musical abilities (please bring any instrument or vocal track you may need), speaking multiple languages, etc. Let your imagination run wild! You can incorporate your skills into a speech or use a more freestyle approach.
Please bring a hard copy of your headshot and resume.


ROLES AVAILABLE:
Note: With the exception of The Host, all roles will be required to drink alcohol on stage approximately once a week.

HOST
Meet the Master of Ceremonies and impressions extraordinaire. They welcome the audience into the society and wrangle the drunk actor while keeping the show in motion. We are seeking a magnetic performer with the ability to listen and connect to an audience and a love for hosting a party. Picture wielding a vast repertoire of impressions, effortlessly slipping into diverse dialects and characters, all while ensuring the show pulses with excitement and laughter.
*Note: This track is NOT required to drink on stage.

MACBETH (Leading Man)
Our leading man thru-which the audience experiences the arc of the narrative. Macbeth is a valiant soldier returning home from war who is enticed by compelling allure of ambition (and a very convincing wife). Seeking commanding performers with excellent Shakespeare chops and the ability to drive the play. Macbeth often ends up shirtless at the end of the play. (Dependent on the comfort of the actor).
This role may be required to drink on stage approximately once a week.

LADY MACBETH (Leading Lady)
Lady M, a captivating force wielding every tool to sway her husband, seduce the audience, and propel their joint ascent (and inevitable descent) into power. You also get to play a pretty gnarly witch. Seeking a bold and enchanting actress with a strong command of Shakespeare’s text, ready to mesmerize audiences with every compelling twist of the tale.
This role may be required to drink on stage approximately once a week.

BANQUO (AND OTHERS) (Jokester)
Get ready for a rollercoaster of roles! This track is a whirlwind—shifting from the confidant best friend to the hilariously hungover, flirtatious porter; a puppet, a witch, and more. Seeking performers with a broad character range and a love for the outrageous. Improvisation and puppetry skills are a major plus!
This role may be required to drink on stage approximately once a week.
 
MACDUFF (Anti-hero)
Macduff is the pivotal force behind the play's climactic crescendo. We’re in search for performers with physical dynamism and electric energetic. You should be a compelling mover and must have an impressive musical talent. This track also gets to play a fun witch and indulge in a little puppetry. Whether you're a singer or a wizard with a guitar, this role promises an exhilarating fusion of movement, music, and mystique.
This role may be required to drink on stage approximately once a week.

Drinking on Stage
Every night, one of our performers becomes 'The Drunk Actor,' orchestrating controlled chaos by issuing challenges, performing their own curated 'Drunk Challenges,' and becoming the audience's champion. This role allows you to bring an elevated version of yourself beyond Shakespeare's boundaries, fostering a fresh and engaging show every time.

There is one drunk actor per show and the schedule is organized to ensure no performer drinks more than twice a week. There are numerous internal systems in place to ensure the well-being of performers and audience. The “Drunk Actor” receives free safe transportation home.

Finally, we acknowledge that everybody has a different relationship to alcohol. We are seeking to celebrate joy, laughter and libations as people have done through time but only you know if this is the right environment for you. Performers begin with an initial 4-week trial period so that both the performer and production can decide if this is a great fit. Brass Jar Productions does not promote irresponsible drinking, and strict drinking guidelines will be adhered to. By submitting for this casting you are acknowledging that you are over 21 years of age, and that you want to drink and perform Shakespeare on stage approximately once a week. We do not condone alcoholism. If you believe you may have a problem, please do not apply.

 
TIME COMMITMENT:
Holiday availability and flexible schedule are a must! Weekend availability is required. Initial rehearsals may be held during both day and night.

Actors will begin with an initial 4-week trial contract, followed by an extension with the opportunity for an open-ended run.