Experienced professional actors that are interested in being part of the Core Ensemble are encouraged to apply for an audition.

Applicants will be skilled actors with 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.

Applicants for the Core Ensemble should be familiar with QSE’s activities and philosophy, and ideally would have some previous experience with QSE’s training. It is unlikely 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 would have 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 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.
  • a non-acting CV or a short description of your non-acting experience that outlines your administrative, managerial, marketing and/or computer skills

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 FOR 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 Core Ensemble, 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).

• Members of the Core Ensemble must have general availability the first and third Sunday evenings of each month (6-10pm) for business, planning, and artistic meetings.

• NEW Core Ensemble members: training in voice and acting on the weekends of February 10th/11th, 17th/18th, and 24th/25th from 9am to 5pm on each day.

Rehearsals are generally held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturday during the day. Rehearsal and performance periods for 2024 are April 27th – July 28th (Production 1) and August 24th – November 24th (Production 2). Please note that although 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 2024 activities and events will be provided prior to the audition. If you have questions, please e-mail QSE (info@qldshakespeare.org) or leave a message on 0411 172 390.

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Learn more about QSE’s Apprentice Program

Learn more about our 2024 Apprentice Scholarship