02/16/2026
The Frederick Shakespeare Festival, in association with Unstrung Harpist Productions and Ardeo Theatre Company, invites actors to sign up for a one-hour audition block on Sunday, March 8 (11am-3pm) or Monday, March 9 (7-10pm) for their summer repertory of Shakespeare plays. This summer we will be casting for two shows: Unstrung Harpist’s Henry IV, Part One and Ardeo Theatre Company's Much Ado About Nothing.
Our intention is to cast actors in rep for both shows, and our cast breakdowns below include our initial ideas of pairings for roles in each production. We may change around our pairings based on our actor pool, however. Actors cast in both shows will be paid a stipend of $700. Actors who are only cast in one show will receive a stipend of $350.
Henry IV, Part One
- directed by Evan Crump, produced by Unstrung Harpist
- performed indoors at Hood College's black box Avalon Theatre
- first rehearsal no earlier than 5/26
- tech 7/6-7/9
- 8 performances 7/10-7/18
Much Ado About Nothing
- directed by Aaron Angello, produced by Ardeo Theatre Company
- performed outdoors at Hood College's Hodson Outdoor Theatre
- may rehearse a few times during H4 rehearsal period; bulk of rehearsals begin 7/13
- tech 8/17-8/20
- 8 performances 8/21-8/30
See the attached graphic for a list of available role tracks. Note that while we have suggested age ranges and gender presentations for tracks, we encourage non-traditional casting and invite anyone to audition for any role for which they feel suited. Actors from historically minoritized groups are especially encouraged to audition. Smaller roles may be added to these tracks following initial casting.
To submit, follow this link (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BACA82FA0FAC34-62367661-frederick) to sign up for a 1-hour audition block on 3/8 or 3/9. In the comments section, please indicate which track(s) you are interested in auditioning for and let us know whether you are available for both shows or only one. Auditions will be held in the black box at Tatem Arts Center on the Hood College campus in Frederick, MD.
Auditions will consist of sides from the scripts and will be provided prior to the audition. You may submit your headshot and resume electronically to [email protected] prior to the audition or bring a hard copy on the day. We do not anticipate callbacks, but if necessary we will reach out to actors after auditions.
If you cannot attend auditions in person, we invite you to submit a headshot/resume, two contrasting classical monologues, a list of tracks for which you wish to be considered, and a list of any conflicts for rehearsal and show dates to [email protected]. We may ask for a follow-up Zoom audition at a time convenient to all parties.
Thanks so much! Please email [email protected] with any questions.
