about Grassroots auditions
What to expect when you audition for a Grassroots Shakespeare production
You will need to fill-out a quick form and confirm that you have received the covid-19 vaccine. You will need to present a 1-minute Shakespearean monologue. If you are invited for callbacks, you will be notified that evening. At callbacks the following morning, auditioners will be split up into groups and perform a quick "jig" incorporating some elements of Original Practice. Following that, you will be asked to present your 1-minute monologue to the group. You will then be asked to perform the monologue again following "what if" prompts from the Grassroots producers and your fellow auditioners-- Likewise, you will be asked to provide "what ifs" to your fellow auditioners.
Grassroots often (but not always) casts shows collaboratively. This means that the people who audition will vote for who they think should be in the cast.
What it means to be in a Grassroots show
Should you be cast in a Grassroots show, You will learn how to engage in 'Original Practice' methods for presenting a Shakespearean work. Here is a very brief outline of what that looks like:
- No director-- All decisions regarding the production are cast decisions.
- No costume designer-- You will be responsible for putting together your own costume.
- Shorter rehearsal process. Rehearsals will be two weeks.
- Direct address-- Their is no fourth wall in Original Practice.
Additionally, Grassroots often opens a new production with an unrehearsed show. These are some of our most popular shows. You will be given a few weeks to memorize, and then you will be thrown out in front of an audience to make the most of it!
Our Partners
