Drunk Shakespeare Phoenix currently accepting Video Audition Submissions through September 26

Brass Jar Productions PHX LLC (Drunk Shakespeare)

Phoenix, AZ

The hit Off-Broadway comedy, Drunk Shakespeare is seeking versatile performers for the attached 5 roles.

Each night, five performers of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society” gather to put on a play. One of them actually drinks several shots of liquor at the start of the play. This show is a bit of a ‘play within a play’... an immersive party combining Shakespeare, pop culture, comedy, and audience connection!

Since 2014, Drunk Shakespeare has been entertaining audiences from all over the world with productions in NYC, Chicago, DC, Phoenix, and Houston. Drunk Shakespeare is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and the Chicago Tribune said it “may just wind up being one of the most enjoyable ways to experience a tragedy.” Alumni from the cast have gone on to perform on Broadway, in the West End, Blue Man Group, The Deuce, Billions, Sunnyside, and on national tours.

Drunk Shakespeare is performed in a hidden “speakeasy library,” and craft cocktails are served throughout the performance.

AUDITION DATE AND TIME

VIDEO submissions with IN-PERSON callbacks to follow.

HOW TO SUBMIT

1) Email headshot, resume, and brief cover letter highlighting any special skills/talents to jobs@brassjar.com with the following in the subject line: PHX- “[YOUR NAME], [THE ROLE(s) YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR]”

2) Please include a video (roughly 2-3 minutes) to showcase both a portion of Shakespeare's text and any special skills as outlined below.

VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

Videos should be sent via shareable link (Youtube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.) but please ensure no password or account is needed and no download is required. Do not attach a video file to your Email.

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 a 1-2 minute video showcasing your special skills. Examples could include: dialects, impressions, dance, acrobatics, musical abilities, speaking multiple languages, etc. Let your imagination run wild! You can incorporate your skills into a speech or use a more freestyle approach.

Deadline for audition submission: 9/26/23 at 10 p.m. Submissions may not be considered after this date.

BREAKDOWN

We are actively seeking a diverse array of performers who bring their individuality and artistic gifts to the ensemble. We encourage performers of all backgrounds and identities to apply for any role(s) that excite them.

As part of this rotating ensemble of players, you will have the opportunity to work with the director to curate aspects of your character to showcase you as a performer - celebrating your personality and strengths.

All performers must have excellent comedic chops, commanding stage presence, special skills, a love for Shakespeare, and a desire to play and work as an ensemble.

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

ROLES BEING CAST:

HOST

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. Seeking a charismatic performer with the ability to listen and connect to an audience and a love for hosting a party. They also have the opportunity to showcase an arsenal of impressions, dialects, and characters!

*Note: This track is NOT required to drink on stage.

MACBETH

The character through which the audience experiences the arc of the narrative. Macbeth is a soldier returning home from a war that is enticed by vaulting ambition (and a very convincing wife). Seeking imposing 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.

“THE DRUNK ACTOR”

The ‘Drunk Actor’ rotates through all of the tracks with the exception of the Host. Having a different actor/character in this role each show keeps each performance fresh. When you are the drunk actor, you are the conductor of chaos with the power to issue challenges to your cast-mates, perform curated “Drunk Challenges” and be the force the audience roots for. We want you to have fun and let the audience have fun with you. This is an opportunity to bring an elevated version of yourself outside the boundaries of Shakespeare’s text.

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 audiences. 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 PHX LLC does not promote irresponsible drinking, and strict drunk performance 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 a 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.

Performance Schedule: Drunk Shakespeare typically runs seven days a week with 10+ performances. Cast members are not guaranteed a minimum number of shifts, but are guaranteed at least 1 day off per week. There will be a rotating cast to cover all performances as the schedule expands and there is great potential for learning additional tracks. Management will do their best to work with you and other cast members to allow some flexibility with schedule requests.

Compensation: Begins at $70/show, and increases based on a total number of performances.

$15/hr for rehearsals.

SALARY

$70.00 – $150.00 per show

HOW TO APPLY

APPLY BY EMAIL to  jobs@brassjar.com