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 Minjerribah intensive (February 17th, 2025).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 $920 (including membership), which covers training plus mentorship from experienced company members (valued at over $2000). Payment plans are available. The Apprentice program runs from February 9th to July 13th, 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 (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.
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 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 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).
• Apprentices must be available the second Sunday evening of each month from March through July.
• 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 Core Ensemble
Learn more about the Advanced Apprentice Program