Southwest Shakespeare Company

Southwest Shakespeare Company Southwest Shakespeare Company performs at the Mesa Arts Center, on tour, and each spring at Taliesin West in North Scottsdale. Our 31st Season runs through May.

We create professional theatrical productions which entertain, educate, inspire, and elevate the the general public and educational communities of Arizona and the Southwest. We aim to Elevate and Educate and Entertain through storytelling — all communities in Arizona. We particularly stage historical text and/or contemporary plays that address events in history. All are welcome and expected!

UPDATE!!AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW!!There’s still time to schedule yours.Shakespeare’s COMEDY OF ERRORS is our upco...
06/12/2026

UPDATE!!
AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW!!
There’s still time to schedule yours.
Shakespeare’s COMEDY OF ERRORS is our upcoming Mainstage production and Educational Tour and will be holding auditions SATURDAY, JUNE 13th beginning at 11am.
Directed by Steve Abaroa

WHEN:
Auditions JUNE 13, 2026 - 11am
Callbacks TBD

WHERE: Mesa Arts Center 2nd floor - 1 E Main St in Mesa

SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION TODAY HERE:
https://forms.gle/5oWrUJuvoVJuae1M9

PREPARE: two contrasting Shakespearean character monologues (1-2 minutes each), 1 sonnet (can be read) put to music or sung a capella.

ABOUT THE COMEDY OF ERRORS:
Rehearsals start JULY, 2026, and the production performs in schools around Arizona for the entire school year. It sets down for matinees and Public performances in February in the Piper Repertory Theatre at the Mesa Arts Center and runs in rep with Julius Caesar. Public Performances are February 20, 21, 26 & 27 with weekday student matinees on 17, 18, 23, & 26 2027 at 10am. As one of Shakespeare's most farcical comedies this show boasts a high pace. Looking for actors with comedic timing. Those with a musical background and experience playing a musical instrument a plus but not required. Must be able to present different characters since you will be playing muti-characters and the ability to sing some lines. For some characters, being off tune is a must.

Casting:
We will be using a small cast with doubling in the show. All actors are encouraged to audition regardless of ethnicity or gender.

FAQ:
WILL YOU CONSIDER EQUITY SUBMISSIONS?
No

ARE ALL ROLES PAID?
YES.

IF WE CANNOT MAKE THE IN-PERSON AUDITION CAN WE SUBMIT VIRTUALLY?
YES. Submit by 10PM June 13th, 2026.
Subject: LASTName Audition
to [email protected]
Include Video Link, Headshot, Resume and Conflicts

Any additional questions: [email protected]

After a fabulous round of auditions this past weekend for our first three mainstage productions, we are next holding aud...
06/01/2026

After a fabulous round of auditions this past weekend for our first three mainstage productions, we are next holding auditions for our following Mainstage production and Educational Tour which requires a slightly different commitment…hope to see you there!

AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE COMEDY OF ERRORS EDUCATIONAL TOUR and MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION
Directed by Steve Abaroa

WHEN:
Auditions JUNE 12, 2026 - 6 - 10PM
Callbacks JUNE 13, 2026 - 10AM

WHERE: Mesa Arts Center 2nd floor - 1 E Main St in Mesa

SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION TODAY HERE:
https://forms.gle/5oWrUJuvoVJuae1M9

PREPARE: two contrasting Shakespearean character monologues (1-2 minutes each), 1 sonnet (can be read) put to music or sung a capella.

ABOUT THE COMEDY OF ERRORS:
Rehearsals start JULY, 2026, and the production performs in schools around Arizona for the entire school year. It sets down for matinees and Public performances in February in the Piper Repertory Theatre at the Mesa Arts Center and runs in rep with Julius Caesar. Public Performances are February 20, 21, 26 & 27 with weekday student matinees on 17, 18, 23, & 26 2027 at 10am. As one of Shakespeare's most farcical comedies this show boasts a high pace. Looking for actors with comedic timing. Those with a musical background and experience playing a musical instrument a plus but not required. Must be able to present different characters since you will be playing muti-characters and the ability to sing some lines. For some characters, being off tune is a must.

Casting:
We will be using a small cast with doubling in the show. All actors are encouraged to audition regardless of ethnicity or gender.

ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE, a twin to ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS

DROMIO OF SYRACUSE, a twin to DROMIO OF EPHESUS

ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS, a twin of ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE

DROMIO OF EPHESUS, a twin of DROMIO OF SYRACUSE

ADRIANA, the wife to ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS

LUCIANA, sister to ADRIANA

DUKE SOLINUS, the Duke of Ephesus

ANGELO, a goldsmith in Syracuse and a friend to ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS

EGEON, father to the two ANTIPHOLUSES

A MERCHANT, of Ephesus

EMILIA, an abbess and the long-lost wife of EGEON

AN OFFICER

LUCE, a maid at the house of ANTIPHOLUS OF EPHESUS

FAQ:
WILL YOU CONSIDER EQUITY SUBMISSIONS?
No

ARE ALL ROLES PAID?
YES.

IF WE CANNOT MAKE THE IN-PERSON AUDITION CAN WE SUBMIT VIRTUALLY?
YES. Submit by 10PM June 12th, 2026.
Subject: LASTName Audition
to [email protected]
Include Video Link, Headshot, Resume and Conflicts

Any additional questions: [email protected]

CALLING ACTORS!!Auditions are TOMORROW for our first three shows of the season:RICHARD III by William Shakespeare direct...
05/29/2026

CALLING ACTORS!!
Auditions are TOMORROW for our first three shows of the season:
RICHARD III
by William Shakespeare directed by Beau Heckman
WHISPERS IN THE DARK
by Edgar Allen Poe directed by Elizabeth Broeder
AMADEUS
by Peter Shaffer directed by Ron May
…there are still a handful of later afternoon slots available and we are accepting virtual submissions.
Details here: https://www.swshakespeare.org/auditions
Break legs!!

This afternoon is your last chance to catch MEASURE FOR MEASURE at Stagebrush.Your last chance to witness Angelo's unrav...
05/24/2026

This afternoon is your last chance to catch MEASURE FOR MEASURE at Stagebrush.
Your last chance to witness Angelo's unraveling and watch him literally put his hand to the flame.
Come see why.
After today, it's gone until August when we return for a brief run at Theatre Artists Studio.
But why wait?
Hope to see you there!
2:00pm.
🎟️: https://www.swshakespeare.org/measureformeasure
📸: by Devon C. Adams; Leroy Hood as Angelo

If you've ever been frustrated watching powerful people get away with things they shouldn't...Shakespeare has just the p...
05/23/2026

If you've ever been frustrated watching powerful people get away with things they shouldn't...
Shakespeare has just the play for that.
MEASURE FOR MEASURE is messy, funny, uncomfortable, and wildly relevant. It's about what happens when people in authority start believing the rules apply to everyone but themselves.
Join us tonight for the penultimate performance at Stagebrush Theatre at 7:30pm.
Tickets moving quickly.
Don’t miss out!
🎟️: https://www.swshakespeare.org/measureformeasure
📸: by Devon C. Adams

“Shakespeare pulls no punches in this raw and visceral show. The jokes are lewd with the drama high; the characters wild...
05/23/2026

“Shakespeare pulls no punches in this raw and visceral show. The jokes are lewd with the drama high; the characters wild but still human. Prostitutes and nuns, good cop vs. bad cop. Beneath the tumultuous state of humor in this text runs a current of scathing social commentary. We laugh, cry, and as we "hold a mirror up to nature". And we may not like all that we see.” - Keath Hall, Director
TWO chances to catch MEASURE FOR MEASURE today - a 2pm matinee and this evening at 7:30pm.
Remember performances are at Stagebrush Theatre in Scottsdale.
Join us for this limited engagement of Shakespeare’s rarely produced classic.
🎟️: https://www.swshakespeare.org/measureformeasure
📸: by Devon C. Adams

TOMORROW - MEASURE FOR MEASURE returns at 7:30pm and it will be a PAY-WHAT-YOU-WISH performance.All remaining seats will...
05/21/2026

TOMORROW - MEASURE FOR MEASURE returns at 7:30pm and it will be a PAY-WHAT-YOU-WISH performance.
All remaining seats will go on sale in the theatre lobby one hour prior to curtain - so 6:30pm for the 7:30pm performance.
Pay $1, Pay $12,000 - we will happily accept it all.
The most important thing is you joining us.
Hope to see many of you tomorrow!
📸: by Devon C. Adams

“Thoroughly enjoyed your adaptation of Measure for Measure!” - BDMake sure you get YOUR chance to catch Shakespeare’s mo...
05/20/2026

“Thoroughly enjoyed your adaptation of Measure for Measure!” - BD

Make sure you get YOUR chance to catch Shakespeare’s most infamous “problem plays.” (Plays that refuse to fit neatly into Shakespeare's traditional categories of comedy or tragedy. These are plays that feature complex, ambiguous tones and unsettling moral dilemmas.)

Performances begin again Friday at 7:30pm, with two performances Saturday and one final performance Sunday afternoon before our move to Theatre Artists Studio in August.

📸: by Devon C. Adams
🎟️: https://www.swshakespeare.org/measureformeasure

CALLING ALL ACTORS!!AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR BEGINNING OF OUR 2026-2027 SEASON:WHISPERS IN THE DARKRICHARD IIIand AMADEUS...
05/18/2026

CALLING ALL ACTORS!!
AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR BEGINNING OF OUR 2026-2027 SEASON:
WHISPERS IN THE DARK
RICHARD III
and
AMADEUS

WHEN: May 30, 2026.

WHERE: Mesa Arts Center 2nd floor - 1 E Main St in Mesa

SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION TODAY: COMPLETE THE FORM AT THIS LINK: https://bit.ly/4uWbOVT

PREPARE: a 1-minute Classical monologue. You may prepare a bonus 1 min modern monologue but it is not required

ABOUT WHISPERS IN THE DARK:
Rehearsals for Whispers in The Dark start SEPT, 2026, and the production performs in the Nesbit-Elliot Playhouse and runs in Repertory with Richard III. Public Performances OCT 18 & 25th with weekday student matinees on October 14, 15, 20th, and 23rd 2026 at 10am.
The show features Edgar Allen Poe taking us on a journey through his stories.
Casting:
Edgar Allen Poe - Narrator, The Raven, Annabelle-Lee
Actor 2 Cask of Amontillado
Actor 3 The Tell Tale Heart
Actor 4 The Pit and The Pendulum
Actor 5 The Black Cat
​
ABOUT RICHARD III:
Rehearsals begin SEPT 7th, 2026 and the production performs in the Nesbit-Elliot Playhouse and runs in repertory with Whispers In The Dark. Public Performances OCT 10-24 with weekday matinees on Oct 13, 16 & 21 at 10am.
A classical play by Shakespeare featuring a would-be King murdering his way to the top.
Casting:
The part of Richard III has been cast.
Looking for 11 actors of all types to play various roles in the show.

ABOUT AMADEUS by Peter Shaffer
Rehearsals begin Oct, 2026 and the production performs in the Farnsworth Studio. Public Performances November 14-29 with possible matinees at 10am 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25.
In the court of the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, Antonio Salieri is the established composer. Enter the greatest musical genius of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri has given himself to God so that he might realize his sole ambition, to be a great composer. Mozart is a foul-mouthed, graceless oaf who has that which is beyond Salieri’s envious grasp: genius.
Casting:
Antonio Salieri
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Looking for 8-10 additional actors of all types to fill the rest of the cast.

Callbacks for all shows: May 31st As Needed

FAQ:
WILL YOU CONSIDER EQUITY SUBMISSIONS?
No

ARE ALL ROLES PAID?
Yes.

IF WE CANNOT MAKE THE IN-PERSON AUDITION CAN WE SUBMIT VIRTUALLY?
Yes. Submit by 10PM May 30th, 2026.
Subject: LASTName Audition
to [email protected]
Include Video Link, Headshot, Resume and Conflicts

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? [email protected]

“Thoroughly enjoyed your adaptation of Measure for Measure!” - BDThis afternoon you can discover your own enjoyment of M...
05/17/2026

“Thoroughly enjoyed your adaptation of Measure for Measure!” - BD

This afternoon you can discover your own enjoyment of MEASURE FOR MEASURE and also witness what can happen when the people enforcing morality are the least moral people in the room.

Matinee this afternoon at 2pm.
Great seats still available.
🎟️: https://www.swshakespeare.org/measureformeasure
📸: by Keath Hall

Address

PO Box 30595
Mesa, AZ
85275

Telephone

+14806446500

Website

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