Auditioning for the Genesius Guild productions is pretty straightforward. We typically hold 5-6 audition dates, with a mix of weekend and weekday auditions. Auditions generally take place at the end of May. Saturday and Sunday sessions run from 1 pm till 4 pm, and weekday auditions begin at 7 pm and last about 60 to 90 minutes. Tryouts cover all four plays, with directors hearing auditions in rotating sessions, using the main stage and areas in the park.

It is prudent to be at the first Sunday tryout to be given highest consideration for the productions. However, it is still possible to win a major role if you cannot make it until as late as the second Sunday session. (The Guild’s first “Hamlet” featured an actor who did not show up until 3:30 pm on the final day. He had no prior Shakespearean experience, but went on to become one’s of the Guild’s featured actors over several seasons.)

There are no requirements for any tryouts, and you do not need to prepare any readings. You should be ready to read scenes from the plays on the schedule. Since the plays are presented in open air, without amplification, careful attention will be given to vocal projection. An audition for one play may well suffice for all, provided you are seen and heard by all three directors.

You will be asked to fill out a short information sheet and have your picture taken. Final casting is scheduled for the final Sunday evening, with an option to continue on Monday if there are compromises to be made among the directors. In any event, you will be notified by Tuesday of these decisions and rehearsals will begin immediately.