Applicants for the Core Ensemble will be skilled actors with a solid foundation in training, a passion for performing Shakespeare, and a strong desire and capacity for being part of an artist-managed ensemble. The Core Ensemble, as the name suggests, is the heart and soul of QSE, and drives our artistic and business activities. Core Ensemble members not only want to participate in high quality theatre, but to be involved in its creation and in the creation of the conditions and communities in which it can thrive.

Applicants should be familiar with QSE’s activities and philosophy, and ideally would have some previous experience with QSE’s training. It is unlikely, though not unheard of, that an applicant who has not previously performed or trained with QSE would be invited to audition for the Core Ensemble.  

The ideal Core Ensemble member has the following qualities:

  • a passion for performing Shakespeare
  • respect and commitment to QSE’s work and training
  • skilled and energetic in their work on-stage and off
  • able to receive and incorporate feedback into their practice
  • a mix of artistic and business/administrative skills
  • able to fill a gap in QSE’s current skill profile
  • a team player, more concerned with the creation of artistic community than in furthering their own commercial career
  • long-term commitment to the advancement of QSE and theatre in Queensland

Core Ensemble members are given first priority, where possible, for any paid work within the company. In return, Core Ensemble members are expected to make QSE their first artistic priority, and not allow other artistic activities to preclude them from QSE activities.

In addition to artistic commitments, Core Ensemble members are expected to commit an average of 8 hours per week to their management portfolio across the year.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted electronically only, by e-mail 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).

Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 21 November and must be complete.

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 non-acting CV or short description of your non-acting experience that outlines your administrative, managerial, and/ or computer skills
  • 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 or Apprentice Program (or wish to be considered for both)
    • includes contact details; specifically mobile and/ or home phone number/s 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
    • makes it clear why you want to be involved in Independent Theatre in Queensland
    • assesses your strengths and challenges as an actor
    • if you have specific time restrictions for your initial audition on Saturday 29 or Sunday 30 November, 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, along with information about QSE and our 2026 activities. Your audition time will be e-mailed to you on or by Monday 24 November. 

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

PREPARING YOUR AUDITION

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.

Initial auditions will take place at the Avalon Theatre (University of Queensland, St Lucia) and will consist of 15-minute slots in the following sessions, by appointment only: the afternoons of Saturday 29 November and Sunday 30 November.

Callbacks will take place at the Avalon Theatre (University of Queensland, St Lucia) and will consist of a group session from 6-11 pm on Monday 1 December 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

In order to be accepted into the Core Ensemble, you must be available for the following dates in 2026:

  • Portfolio meeting: Sunday 18 January, 6-10pm
  • Initial company meeting: Sunday 8 February, 6-10pm.
  • Residential Training Intensive at Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island): February 16 -22 (dates include travel days).
  • Regular Advanced Training: 6-10 pm Wednesday nights from February 25 to April 15, with a public sharing in April (must be available evenings April 21 –25).
  • Members of the Core Ensemble must have general availability the first and third Sunday evenings of each month (6-10 pm) for business, planning, and artistic meetings.
  • New Core Ensemble members: training in voice and acting on the weekends of Saturday 28 February/Sunday 1 March 1, Saturday 7 March/ Sunday 8 March, and Saturday 14 March/ Sunday 15 March from 9am to 5pm on each day.

Rehearsals and creative development sessions are generally held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturday during the day. The relevant periods for 2026 are May 3-July 29 and August 24 – November 29. Please note that while QSE encourages its Core Ensemble members to gain experience through other performance opportunities, priority must be given to QSE artistic activities throughout the year.

More detailed information about 2026 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.

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