APPLICANTS TO THE ADVANCED APPRENTICE PROGRAM must have completed QSE’s Apprentice Program, ideally prior to 2024. The Advanced Apprentice program includes company and weekend training alongside the Core Ensemble and Apprentices, guaranteed involvement in the mainstage production, mentorship in an area of company operations, and specialised monthly sessions exploring the theory and practice of ensemble theatre.
The cost of the Advanced Apprentice program is $1050. Payment plans are available. The Advance Apprentice program runs throughout 2025 (periods of absence may be able to be accommodated).
HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted by e-mail only to info@qldshakespeare.org (if electronic submission is not possible, please contact QSE at the same e-mail address well in advance of the deadline to request an alternative).
Make sure that your application includes ALL required documentation, or it cannot be accepted. Each of the following should be a separate document, ideally JPEG for the headshot and PDF for other documents.
Applications should include:
- your headshot (ideally A4 size/high resolution)
- your acting CV
- a one-page cover letter, as a separate attachment (i.e. not in the body of the e-mail) that:
- Clearly states whether you are auditioning for the Core Ensemble, Apprentice Program, Advanced Apprentice Program (or wish to be considered for several)
- Includes contact details; specifically mobile and/or home phone numbers and an e-mail address
- Indicates if you have a preference for a particular audition time
- Details why you would like to work specifically with QSE
- Assesses your strengths and challenges as an actor
- If you have specific time restrictions for your initial audition on November 30th or December 1st, please make these explicit in the cover-letter, otherwise we cannot guarantee you a specific time.
- If applying for the Advanced Apprentice program, your cover letter may be up to two pages, and should include a statement of how you have made use of the skills and knowledge gained in the Apprentice Program since you completed it, as well as a clear articulation of what benefit you would hope to get from the Advanced Apprentice program.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS.
Please ensure you have read the ‘Crucial Dates’ section prior to applying.
Once we have received your application we will send you an e-mail acknowledging receipt. Your audition time will be e-mailed to you on or by November 29th and more detailed information about 2025 activities and events will be provided prior to the audition.
Please note that not all applicants will necessarily be offered auditions.
PREPARING FOR YOUR AUDITION
Applications must be received by 5pm on November 22nd, must be complete, and are to be submitted electronically.
Initial auditions will take place at the University of Queensland (St Lucia) and will consist of 15-minute slots in the following sessions, by appointment only:
2-6pm Saturday November 30th and 2-6pm Sunday December 1st.
Prepare two pieces from any of Shakespeare’s plays, one comic piece and one dramatic piece (not necessarily from a comedy and a tragedy/history, just one piece with a comic tone and one with a darker/heavier tone). Each piece should be between one and two minutes long, and speeches do not need to be age/gender appropriate. Choose something with which you feel a personal connection.
Callbacks will take place at the University of Queensland (St Lucia) and will consist of a group session 6-11pm on Monday December 2nd that will include voice, Shakespeare, group work and improvisation. You MUST be available for the entirety of this callback to be considered for the Core Ensemble or Apprentice programs.
CRUCIAL DATES
To be accepted into the Advanced Apprentice Program, you must be available for the following dates in 2025:
• Initial company meeting: Sunday February 9th, 6-10pm.
• Residential Training Intensive at Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island): February 17th-23rd (dates include travel days).
• Regular Advanced Training: 6-10pm Wednesday nights from February 26th to April 16th, with a public sharing the week after Easter (must be available evenings April 22nd-26th).
• Advanced Apprentices must have general availability on the first and fourth Sunday evenings of each month (6-10pm)
• Voice and acting training weekends on March 1st/2nd, 8th/9th, and 15th/16th from 9am to 5pm on each day.
Back to Auditions Homepage
Learn more about the Apprentice Program
Learn more about the Core Ensemble