Austin Shakespeare Auditions: Much Ado About Nothing – EPA 2026

February 14, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

Austin Shakespeare is holding auditions for its upcoming production of “Much Ado About Nothing” on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The audition call is designated as an Equity Principal Audition (EPA), seeking actors holding membership in Actors’ Equity Association.

Audition Details

Auditions will take place from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Tapestry Studios, located at 2015 East Riverside, Building 7, in Austin, Texas, 78741. A continuous, unbroken schedule is planned, with no scheduled breaks. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by emailing [email protected].

Contract and Compensation

The production will operate under a SPT (Small Professional Theatre) contract, offering a weekly minimum of $333 (SPT 1). Actors of all races, ethnicities, and genders are encouraged to participate, with a specific encouragement for local Austin actors to audition.

Did You Know? Rehearsals for the production are scheduled to begin on April 13, 2026, with the show opening on April 30, 2026, and running through May 24, 2026.

Role Breakdown

The production is seeking actors for a variety of roles in “Much Ado About Nothing,” including Benedick (30s), Don Pedro (middle aged), Claudio (ingenue, late 20s), Hero (ingenue, late 20s), Dogberry (age open), Beatrice (25-40s), Leonato (age open), Margaret (age open), Borachio (comic, age open), Don John (age open), Friar Francis (age open), Conrad (age open), Verges (age open), Antonio (age open), Balthasar (youthful), Ursula (age open), and Sexton (age open).

Preparation and Submission

Auditionees are asked to prepare a 1-2 minute piece relating to Shakespeare, memorized or read with familiarity. Using text from the scripts under consideration is permitted, and familiarity with the play is encouraged. Video submissions are also accepted at [email protected] for those unable to attend in person.

Expert Insight: The absence of an Equity Monitor at this audition places the full responsibility for running the audition process on the producer, requiring careful adherence to Equity guidelines and fair audition practices.

Director Ann Ciccolella is expected to be in attendance. Additional information can be found at www.austinshakespeare.org. It is important to bring your Equity Membership card to the audition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of audition is this?

This is an Equity Principal Audition (EPA).

What is the minimum weekly salary offered?

The weekly minimum salary is $333 (SPT 1).

Where are the auditions being held?

Auditions are being held at Tapestry Studios, 2015 East Riverside, Bldg 7, Austin, TX 78741.

As Austin Shakespeare prepares to cast its production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” what role might this classic play have in engaging contemporary audiences?