APPLICANTS TO THE APPRENTICE PROGRAM do not need any previous experience performing Shakespeare. Apprentices must be at least 18 years of age by the beginning of the Stradbroke intensive (January 29th, 2024). There is no upper age limit. The ideal apprentice is a theatre artist who wants to enrich their craft by immersion in classical text and its performance. Apprentices receive extensive training in the Linklater voice method, movement, and QSE’s approaches to working with classical text, as well as having the opportunity to engage in a range of activities and tasks involved in putting on a production and running a theatre company.

The cost of the Apprentice Program is $895 (including membership), which covers training plus mentorship from experienced company members (valued at over $2000). Payment plans are available. The Apprentice Program runs from January 21st to August 11th, and is a part-time commitment other than during the intensive training periods outlined below.

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 (ie not in the body of the e-mail) that:
    • clearly states whether you are auditioning for the Core Ensemble, Apprentice Program, or both
    • includes contact details; specifically a phone number and an e-mail address
    • if you have specific time restrictions for your initial audition on December 2nd or 3rd, please make these explicit in the cover-letter, otherwise we cannot guarantee you a specific time
    • details why you would like to work specifically with QSE
  • assesses your strengths and challenges as an actor

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, along with information about QSE and our 2024 activities. Your audition time will be e-mailed to you on or by November 29th. 

Please note that not all applicants will necessarily be offered auditions.

PREPARING YOUR AUDITION

Applications must be received by 5pm on November 24th, 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 December 2nd and 2-6pm Sunday December 3rd.

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 4th 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 program.

CRUCIAL DATES

In order to be accepted into the Apprentice program, you must be available for the following dates in 2024:

  • Initial company meeting: Sunday January 21st 6-10pm.
  • Residential Training Intensive at Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island): January 29th through February 4th (dates include travel days).
  • Regular Advanced Training: 6-10pm Wednesday nights from February 7th to March 27th, with a public sharing the week after Easter (must be available evenings April 2nd–6th).
  • Voice and Text training: the weekends of February 10th/11th, 17th/18th, and 24th/25th from 9am to 5pm on each day.
  • Apprentices meet as a group with the Artistic director on the second Sunday of each month 7-10pm from March to August.

More detailed information about 2024 activities and events will be provided prior to the audition. 


If you have questions, please e-mail QSE at info@qldshakespeare.org or leave a message on 0411 172 390.

APPRENTICE SCHOLARSHIP

In 2024, QSE is offering a scholarship covering the program fee for one Apprentice. The scholarship is intended to support an applicant from a background that has been traditionally excluded from classical theatre, whether on the basis of race/ethnicity, gender/sexual identity, disability, socio-economic status, or another factor. It is intended to make participation in our training accessible to someone for whom it otherwise would not be.

Applicants for the Apprentice Program who wish to be considered for this scholarship should state how they believe they meet the criteria of a non-traditional or excluded group in their cover letter. Previous recipients of QSE scholarships have included Indigenous and justice-involved artists.

The value of the scholarship is $895 and there is no cash alternative.

Please contact info@qldshakespeare.org should you have any questions.

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