South Hill Park is looking for a brilliant company of performers, aged 18 and above, to join our upcoming production of Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Full of wit, romance, deception and some of Shakespeare’s sharpest exchanges, our production will bring the world of Much Ado to life with a distinctive 1930s-inspired style, incorporating music, movement and a strong sense of ensemble.
We’re looking for enthusiastic performers who enjoy working collaboratively and bringing bold ideas into the rehearsal room. There are roles of all sizes across the production, and we’re interested in building a strong ensemble as much as finding our Beatrices, Benedicks, Claudios and Heroes. You don’t need to be an experienced Shakespeare performer. We’re interested in character, storytelling, comic instinct and your ability to connect with the text and other performers.
Auditions will primarily take the form of a relaxed group workshop. You’ll work on extracts from the play, explore characters and scenes, and have the opportunity to read for a number of different roles. You don’t need to prepare or memorise a Shakespeare speech in advance. There will also be a short movement session. You don’t need to be a trained dancer — this is simply an opportunity for us to explore movement, rhythm and how the company might work together physically.
Those being considered for Beatrice and Benedick may also be invited to work on some additional material individually or in pairs.
Music will play a part in the production, although this is not a musical and you do not need to sing or play an instrument to audition. If you are a confident singer or musician, however, we’d love to know! There will be an opportunity at the audition to demonstrate this if you wish. The production has a 1930s musical influence, so material from or inspired by the period would be particularly welcome, but you’re equally welcome to show us something in another style. Choosing not to sing or play an instrument will not disadvantage you in casting.
Rehearsals will principally take place on Thursday evenings, with some Sunday rehearsals as we move closer to the production.
To fill out the Audition Request Form, please visit here.
Auditions will take place on either 1 or 4 October 2026. The first rehearsal will take place on the evening of Thursday 15 October. Production week is 2-7 March 2027.
0 Comments