June 29 through August 22, 2026
Work With Us
DOOR SHAKESPEARE
Door Shakespeare is strongly committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all employees. We encourage actors of all gender identities, ethnicities, races, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities to audition for any role.
THE 2027 SEASON
Door Shakespeare presents two productions in alternating repertory from early July to late August. Rehearsals begin in early June, with prep week starting late May.
THE WORKPLACE
Door Shakespeare performs under the canopy of a Door County maple tree approximately 200 yards from Lake Michigan in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Rehearsals and performances take place outdoors in fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions.
REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Rehearsals are six days a week, usually during the day, shifting to evening hours during the week prior to opening.
Performances run Monday through Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
THE COMPANY
An ensemble of 8 actors and actor-musicians will play all roles. Specific tracks will reflect the skills and needs of the ensemble. Ensemble members may be cast in one show or both shows. Additional opportunities are available to understudy, work in the box office, front of house, or as teaching artists for Camp Will.
TRANSPORTATION
While Door County is a tourist destination known for its natural beauty, it does not have public transportation. During the 2027 season, company members will need to arrange their own transportation to, from, and within Door County.
HOUSING
Housing is provided for all out-of-town actors, and may be between 6 and 32 miles from the performance space.
Door Shakespeare is not able to accommodate companion animals in company housing.
CONTRACTS
Door Shakespeare offers four types of acting contracts:
- AEA SPT 6 – Work governed by the Actors’ Equity Association SPT 6 agreement.
- Non-Equity – Standard non-union acting contract to perform in one production, $300/week.
- Non-Equity – Standard non-union acting contract to perform in both productions, $500/week.
- Acting and Administrative Hybrid – Actors may be cast in one production while taking on additional responsibilities such as understudying the other production, working in the box office or front of house, or serving as a Teaching Artist in Camp Will. Compensation is adjusted accordingly.
- Intern Cohort – Opportunities for emerging professionals to gain experience.
EQUITY PRINCIPAL AUDITIONS
EPAs are typically scheduled in January and may be in Chicago, Milwaukee, or Door County. Once scheduled, sign-up information will be available here. We request a headshot and resume at auditions. Non-Equity actors are welcome to drop in and will be seen on a first-come first-served basis as the schedule allows. We typically have time to see everyone who drops in.
For additional information regarding EPAs, please visit Actors’ Equity Association.
DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS
Actors may submit digital audition materials for general casting consideration to Door Shakespeare.
- Headshots, resumes, and digital auditions may be sent to casting@doorshakespeare.com. Videos should be submitted via unlisted or private link.
- Please submit two contrasting monologues and a song (optional). One monologue should be Shakespeare. For the second monologue, a contrasting classical or heightened language piece of any period is requested. If you are able to self-accompany your song on an instrument, please do so.
- All resumes will be reviewed. Due to the volume of materials received, we cannot guarantee that every digital submission will be seen or viewed in their entirety. Reels are accepted. Individual pieces may be edited together or submitted separately. If submitted separately, please slate your name and audition piece at the top of each submission, and include all links in one email.
GENERAL AUDITIONS
Door Shakespeare is intending to participate in the 2027 Wisconsin Diversity Generals, and the Milwaukee General Auditions; dates and location TBD. Appointments for both will be available directly with the organizers. We will share information as we receive it.
AUDITION MATERIAL DETAILS
Monologue Submissions
- Please share a Shakespeare monologue and a contrasting classical or heightened language piece.
- We are particularly interested in strong characters and active choices based on truth, with a clarity of language and text. We are looking for character range and vocal technique.
- Please do not exceed three minutes combined.
Music Submissions
- This season will include onstage acoustic music and songs performed by actors.
- Interested performers should submit 16–32 bars of music from any cultural tradition. Musical theater pieces are also welcome.
- If you are able to self-accompany on a portable instrument, please do so.
- Multi-instrumentalists are encouraged to submit videos showing aptitude with 16–32 bars played on as many instruments as they competently play. We welcome the submission of music reels, but may not view the full reel.
- For actor/musicians: Please keep digital submissions to under 5 minutes (combined music and monologues). Reels of any length are welcome but may not be viewed in their entirety. For actors and actors who sing: Please keep digital submissions to under 3 minutes.
For both in-person and video auditions, please slate by introducing yourself and your piece(s).
CALLBACKS
Door Shakespeare will reach out to you directly if additional material is needed.
SAFETY
Door Shakespeare is a COVID-19 vaccinated workplace. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including the most recently available booster, is required for employment.
CONTACT
casting@doorshakespeare.com
Door Shakespeare
PO Box 351
Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Performance Venue: Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Ln., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Thank you for your interest in Door Shakespeare!