Casting Call: The Taming of the "Shrew"

It’s that TIME!! 

We are casting for a diverse, dynamic, exciting ensemble of female & non-binary performers to make up our 10-strong cast of The Taming of the “Shrew”. 

Taming of the “Shrew” will tour to Hope Mill Theatre, The Lawrence Batley Theatre & Shakespeare North Playhouse (Cockpit Theatre) this June / July, 2024.

Our productions are a celebration of local talent, with all rehearsals Manchester-based. We want to work with performers who enjoy collaboration and help to create a positive work space. 

With the direction and style of this piece, we only require submissions from actors who have at least one of the below skills / specialities:  

• Strong comedy bones and / or clowning experience
• Musicians 
• Singers
• Pole Dancers
• Dance

Please do not apply for the casting if you do not have any of the above skills and  a Manchester base.

Our ensemble will be made up of performers with varied experience in Shakespeare text / performance. We welcome seasoned Shakespeare performers, alongside those who have felt excluded from Shakespeare in the past.

Previous applicants and cast members are very welcome to apply.

HER Productions want to acknowledge that we have had many casting calls out publicly over the last few years, if you have applied for one of our previous productions, you are welcome to not include a cover letter / introduction. You can simply apply with a Spotlight link / CV and which of the skills you have that we have specified.

Dates: 
Cast Photoshoot (mandatory): 21st April 
Rehearsals: spanning 13th May - 14th June (3 days a week over 5 weeks - Actors will not be called all 3 days each week. We will construct a schedule around A/V of confirmed cast, but good availability in this timeframe is needed)
Tech / Dress: 16th June (mandatory - all day required)
Hope Mill Theatre performances: 17th - 30th June (off Mondays. Call time: 6pm)
Shakespeare North Playhouse (Cockpit Theatre): 9 - 13th July (9th - all day call). 
The Lawrence Batley Theatre: 17th & 18th July

Our Unseemly Shakespeare projects run on a profit share basis. We guarantee a minimum profit share of £400 per performer. We offer a semi-flexible part-time rehearsal process to ensure we can all work during rehearsals and performances. 

What to include in your application:

1. Spotlight Link and / or CV (if no Spotlight, please include a Headshot)
2. Which special skills / talents you have from our list provided
3. Any information that may be helpful to us regarding access needs & requirements
4. Please note: If you have applied to HER Productions before, or been a part of a HER Productions show, you do not need to include a cover letter / introduction. 

Deadline to apply: March 18th, 5pm
Casting dates: 8th, 9th & 10th April

Please send your application to: [email protected] 

We will acknowledge all applications, but cannot offer feedback / bespoke responses to all submissions as we are a very small team. If you are invited to audition, you will hear from us by 1st April, 5pm. 

Thank you so much in advance and we so look forward to hearing from you!