The Players 2027 Audition Brief

Bell Shakespeare is holding auditions for The Players in 2027.

THE ENGAGEMENT

• The Players are Bell Shakespeare’s touring Education ensemble and a core part of the Company.
• There will be a one-week workshop, prior to rehearsal, from 7 - 12 December 2026. This will be a week of intensive training, focusing on text, voice, ensemble-building, knowledge of Shakespeare, script reads and workshopping.
• The full engagement dates are 15 March – 3 October 2027. Please note, this is a continuous period of employment.
• Rehearsal will take place over the following dates: 15 March – 25 April 2027.
• The tour will run from 26 April – 3 October 2027.
• The ensemble will be based in Sydney and will tour to all states and territories of Australia including metropolitan and regional areas.
• Please note that this is not a general audition for Bell Shakespeare.  We ask for expressions of interest directly related to The Players engagement only.

THE DETAIL

• We are looking for actors who are passionate about working with young people, passionate about Shakespeare, and interested in sharing that passion with students.
• The ensemble of six actors will work as two teams of three, touring to schools and delivering Bell Shakespeare’s in-schools performance program. While on tour The Players will be a self-contained unit interacting with teachers and schools, setting up staging and props and logging daily reports. 
• There are early starts, long days, and some Sundays where you may be travelling.
• It is hard work, and immensely rewarding and satisfying. Being a member of The Players builds your stamina as a performer, hones your craft, and is an incredible training ground for an early career actor.
• It is a health and safety regulation that all actors in this program MUST be able to drive. Please only submit if you have your FULL driver’s licences (i.e., not P plates) and no more than six (6) demerit points currently on your driving record.
• All actors in this program will be required to pass state- and territory-based Working With Children checks as relevant to the national Players' tour.
• Due to the nature of this engagement and the requirement to interact with young people, Bell Shakespeare reserves the right to conduct a pre-employment background check on all applicants.

THE PERFORMANCES

• In 2027 The Players will perform three 50-minute shows for school audiences across a range of age groups. Two performances will be aimed for secondary students, and one performance for primary students.
• These shows are performed in venues such as school auditoriums, theatres, halls, and gyms up to three times a day, five days a week, as well as other community and theatre venues on occasion.
• The Players also have the opportunity to work with Bell Shakespeare’s Artistic team during Creative Development week/s.

SUBMISSIONS

• Submissions will open on Monday 31 August 2026 and be open for two weeks only.
• Please complete the submission form with all details requested by 5pm on Friday 11 September 2026. Forms that do not contain all requested materials cannot be considered.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019ece4e8fe67b5ea74c50778cab7c59

In making our selection for auditions we will ideally adhere to the criteria of: 

• A demonstrated interest in Shakespeare
• A desire to work with young people
• Three years training at drama school or equivalent industry experience

Please understand that due to a high volume of interest in The Players, not everyone who submits will receive an audition. This is not a general audition for Bell Shakespeare.

It takes diversity of thought, culture, background, and perspective to make Shakespeare accessible to all Australians. We strongly encourage actors with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to apply for The Players.

AUDITIONS

• Should you be successful in securing a first-round audition, you will be sent a date and time along with materials to prepare by Monday 21 September at the latest.  
• In-person first-round auditions will be held on Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7, and Thursday 8 October in Sydney. We have a strong preference to see everyone in person, however we understand that this is not always possible so we will accept taped auditions for the first round only, and only if being seen in person is impossible. First round audition tapes will be due on Thursday 8 October.
• Call backs will be held on Monday 2 November. You must be available to attend in person in Sydney for the group call back otherwise you cannot be considered.
• For any enquiries, please email:  *********@bellshakespeare.com.au