AUDITIONS for Actors 11-19!
Marin Shakespeare’s Teen Company Fall 2026
Into the Woods
Book by James Lapine
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Director: Elana Kepner, MSC Education Director
Musical Director: Gillian Eichenberger
First Round of Auditions:
Monday, July 13, 4:30-7:30pm
Sign up to audition by Sunday, July 12.
If you are unable to attend in-person auditions, please indicate that on your audition form and plan to send your audition on video by 5 PM on July 14.
We will hold an additional day of auditions in August, focused on casting any remaining roles and filling out the ensemble.
Schedule | Audition Expectations | Audition Requirements
ABOUT THE PLAY: The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
ABOUT OUR PRODUCTION: Our production of Into the Woods will emphasize ensemble storytelling, imagination, transformation, and actor-driven theatricality. We are excited to explore the humor, darkness, and emotional complexity of the play through collaborative performance and inventive staging.
CASTING NEEDS: Casting 12-25 actors of any gender, non-singing roles available. Depending on the final size of the cast, actors may be cast in multiple roles. We are looking for versatile, creative performers who can build distinct characters and work effectively in an ensemble. As long as they can sing the designated voice part of the character, actors of any identity, body type, and ability may audition for and be considered for any role.
SCHEDULE
Because this is a collaborative ensemble-based production, regular attendance is essential. Please review the calendar carefully before auditioning and list all conflicts on your audition form. Students with 3 or more conflicts may have fewer casting options available, particularly for principal roles.
No conflicts after October 29th will be accepted.
First Rehearsal / Parent Meeting:
Monday, August 24, 4:30–7:00pm
Music Rehearsals:
Wed 8/26, Mon 8/31, Wed 9/2, 5:00–7:00pm
Regular Rehearsals:
Aug 24 – Oct 7, Mon–Wed, 4:30–7:30pm
Oct 12 – Oct 29, Mon–Thu, 4:30–7:30pm
Tech & Dress Rehearsals:
Sun 11/1, 12:00–6:00pm
Mon 11/2 – Thu 11/5, 4:30–8:30pm
Performances:
Fri 11/6 | 7:00pm
Sat 11/7 | 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sun 11/8 | 2:00pm
PARTICIPATION FEE: $1000, A non-refundable deposit of $250 is due upon accepting a role.
Need-based scholarships are available for all Marin Shakespeare Company classes.
Email Elana (education@marinshakespeare.org) for information before auditions.
OUR CASTING TIMELINE
As part of a new and more streamlined enrollment process, students will typically receive casting decisions within 48–72 hours of their audition. Families will then have a short window (usually 2–3 days) to accept their role, register, and submit the program deposit in order to secure their place in the production. This updated timeline helps us finalize the company, continue welcoming additional ensemble members as needed, and begin rehearsal planning well before our September start date.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AUDITIONS
Auditions are designed to be supportive, collaborative, and low-pressure. Students will:
- participate in a group warm-up and ensemble exercises
- perform their prepared song selection
- read or perform their prepared text
- potentially receive direction or adjustment during the audition process
We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for creativity, preparation, collaboration, and willingness to take risks.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Please prepare:
- One of the character monologues or lines from this packet. You do not need to be memorized, but you should be very familiar with the text and have made some choices about the character. If you are interested in a principal role, prepare a monologue. You may be asked to read a different piece of text than the one you have prepared.
- A musical selection of 30-45 seconds/ 16 bars. Choose EITHER one of the song cuts provided OR a contemporary musical theatre selection that highlights your voice. We will provide recorded accompaniment for the song cuts and a speaker for your recorded accompaniment for other songs, but feel free to bring your own speaker. Please choose an accompaniment track without vocals. If you are not interested in a role with solo singing, you may sing with a partner.
Video Audition Guidelines:
Record a brief video that includes:
- A brief introduction, including your name, and a little about you.
- Your song choice
- Your monologue choice
- (optional) Anything else you think we need to know or see, like a demonstration of special skills, etc.
Film in horizontal, with adequate lighting, and make sure to frame yourself from the waist or chest up. Send a link to a Google Drive file or unlisted YouTube Video to education@marinshakespeare.org by 5 PM on July 14.
Questions? Contact Education Director, Elana Kepner, education@marinshakespeare.org, 415.499.4487