Volunteer for our 2026 summer season
Auditions April 18-19

The Shakespeare by the Sea Festival (SBTS) is a community-based, charitable theatre company operating in the St. John’s metro region.

Our vision is that everyone - yes, everyone! - have the opportunity to enjoy and engage with Shakespeare through work that resonates beyond the stage.

Auditions will be held in person on April 18th and 19th at the St. John’s Arts & Culture Centre.

We also welcome self-tape submissions for those who are unable to attend or who prefer to submit virtually - please email [email protected] for instructions on how to submit a self-tape.

All acting positions are held on a volunteer basis, and all involved must sign the company agreement of shared best practices.

Read throughs and rehearsals will begin in early May, and run until show opening - a tentative schedule will be available at auditions.

Our company is committed to gender-inclusive casting.

Auditions will be held in a room that is mobility-accessible.

All sides will be sent to registered auditioners in advance.

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or require accommodations to support your success in these auditions.

We are seeking volunteer community actors of all identities, backgrounds and levels of experience (ages 19+) to audition for the following shows:
Henry IV - Part One
by William Shakespeare

directed by Luke Rowe
Sunday and Monday evenings 
July 12-August 2

Notes from Luke:
  • Henry IV, Part 1 is a play of parallels: the lives that one could have lived, and the lives that one could still live.
  • Though the story surrounds late medieval royalty, the fundamental truth of this family dramedy is universal.
  • Our production will exist simultaneously in two distinct eras, while Hal searches for a future of his own.
  • For this show, we are also in search of a musician/actor, ideally playing the bass guitar, guitar, or drums, but open to whatever you got!
  • Please also note if you have any uncomfortabilities or potential access needs for stage combat.

Access information:
  • This show will be performed outdoors, on even-flagstone, in a mobility accessible venue with ready access to accessible washrooms.
  • Parking is available in a private, underground parkade for a cost.
  • Street parking is also available nearby.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
by William Shakespeare

directed by Sharon King-Campbell
 Friday and Saturday evenings 
July 17-August 8

Notes from Sharon:
  • Two Gents is an early comedy, which I think Shakespeare used to workshop some of the best stuff in Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
  • Our production will centre big, broad, slapstick comedy and move at a clip.”

Access information:
  • This show will often be performed on grassy and sometimes uneven surfaces.
  • Some parts require touching and/or kissing; an intimacy coordinator will be engaged to guide us.
  • Content warning: sexual assault - please contact SBTS for more information.
Binja
by Nabila Qureshi and Abdullah Omar Saif
​
directed by Santiago Guzmán
Saturdays at 11am and 1pm
​July 17-August 7

Notes from Santiago:
  • Binja follows four animal friends on a journey of self-discovery in pursuit of a super awesome future.
  • This 45-minute Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) play invites audiences of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on what community is like while embracing our differences, to examine our biases, and personal and collective growth through the power of theatre.
  • I am particularly interested in the anthropomorphic nature of this story, and how to achieve it with the human body.
  • I’ll be guiding this process with joy, kindness, anti-racism, care, curiosity, equity and a sense of play; prioritizing our wide range of audiences: from the little ones to the not so little ones!
  • No previous experience in acting or movement is required, but a strong sense of curiosity and desire to grow artistically will be expected.

Access information:
  • This show will often be performed on grassy and sometimes uneven surfaces.