Switch Theatre Company is holding auditions for our upcoming production of Shakespeare in the Parks: OTHELLO, a 90-minute outdoor theatrical production playing in several locations across the Triangle.
| SHOW | Shakespeare in the Parks: Othello |
| DIRECTED BY | Asia Mark |
| FORMAT | 90-minute outdoor production |
| REHEARSALS | Mar. 8 – May 2, 2025 Hayti Heritage Center |
| PERFORMANCES | May 3 – Jun. 16, 2025 |
| LOCATION | Fred Fletcher Park, Raleigh Durham Central Park, Durham Knightdale Station Park, Knightdale Sertoma Amphitheatre, Cary Halle Cultural Arts Center, Apex Town Common, Tarboro |
Casting breakdown
Switch Theatre Company encourages actors of any ethnicity, identity, and ability to audition for any role. If the production requires strict adherence to any characteristic(s), those will be listed in the character description.
Seeking performers with strong classical acting skills. All roles are open except where noted – we are seeking swings/understudies and may double-cast based on actor availability. Swings are guaranteed performances in each of their roles.
MICHAEL CASSIO – Male, any ethnicity, 25-35. Youthful, dashing, officer material. Immature and headstrong, egotistical. Stage combat experience a plus.
BRABANTIO and MONTANO – White, 40+, one actor to portray both roles. Brabantio, a rich and powerful senator, and Desdemona’s parental figure; Montano, a career soldier.
OTHELLO (understudy/swing) – Male, Black, 40-50. Military lifer, a North African, intelligent and charming, has mastered life among the Europeans. Stage combat experience a plus.
IAGO (understudy/swing) – Male, white, 35-40. Military lifer, a sergeant, the go-to guy in his unit. Enjoys a special friendship with the General, until one day that all goes away. He is filled with jealousy, anger, and spite directed at everyone. Will also understudy Brabantio and Montano.
EMILIA and DESDEMONA (understudy/swing) – Female actor to cover two roles: Desdemona, a young daughter of the nobility; and Emilia, the pragmatic wife of misogynist Iago, confidante to Desdemona.
Audition Info:
Auditions will be held in person on Wednesday 2/26 , from 6-9pm at: Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27701 . Alternatively, actors may submit a video audition, uploaded to YouTube or other video hosting service. Performers only need to sign up for one audition slot.
Please prepare a 30-60 second Shakespeare monologue of your choice, preferably memorized. In person auditionees may be asked to do cold readings as well.
Stipend and travel allowance will be provided, and actors will be provided with body mics for all performances.
Callbacks:
Callbacks, if needed, will be held in person on Saturday, 3/1, from 2-5pm at the Hayti Heritage Center. Actors will be provided sides at callbacks. We anticipate announcing the casts for each production by SUNDAY 3/2.
Rehearsal information:
Rehearsals will take place on three weeknights and Saturday afternoons weekly, depending on actor availability. All rehearsals will take place at the Hayti Heritage Center.
Additional information:
Email info@switchyardtc.org , or call 919-926-9906 with any questions!