Shakespeare’s most underrated rom-com. Four noble bros take a vow: no women, no distractions, just scholarly study. Cue the arrival of the Princess of France and her fierce lady friends, and the real education begins. Witty wordplay, foolish disguises, and a supporting list of in-lovable oddballs. Rated “S” for Shakespearean shenanigans, swoons, and self-discovery.

Think brainy banter, bad ideas, and a reminder that sometimes love takes its sweet time. We’re looking for sharp tongues, quick wits, and anyone ready to out-bard the boys who aren’t invited this time around (sorry, guys!).

Audition Information

Please fill out the online audition form at this link and make sure to attach your headshot/resume, along with a video submission of: one comedic Shakespearean monologue of your choice (male or female, no longer than 90 seconds please) Also, if you sing/play an instrument we would love to see that, please include 16 bars of any song of your choosing (monologue and song may be on the same video) by Sunday, May 18th.

In-person callbacks are by invitation only and will be held on Sunday June 8th at Baker Memorial Church in St. Charles from 4-8PM (invited actors will be emailed a time slot and sides to prepare.)

Actors will be paid a $100 stipend.

When/Where  

First read-through is Monday, August 18, 2025. Rehearsals begin August 25 and run 4 days per week, located in downtown Elgin.

Tech week is Sunday, Sept 28 through Thursday, October 2.

Performance dates are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm, running October 3-19th at Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., in downtown Elgin.

Character Breakdown

“The Bros”: 

(20s-40s) 

King Ferdinand, King of Navarre: noble, passionate, maybe a bit nerdy. A natural leader with a “vision”… and no plan B. 

Longaville, friend of the King: blunt, perhaps overconfident, believes he is secure in a bro’s world. Would definitely start a “no girls allowed” club. 

Dumaine, friend of the King: young, eager, naive, wants to be a “bro”. Learning the ropes, but tripping over them. 

Berowne, friend of the King: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) 

The Women: 

(20s-40s) 

Princess of France, Aquitaine: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) 

Rosaline, friend to the Princess: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) 

Katherine, friend to the Princess: An independent woman, most unlikely to fall in love; snarky, quick to battle, a woman’s woman. Smiles when she roasts you. 

Maria, friend to the Princess: most likely to fall in love but hide it; a hopeless romantic but still batting for the girls. Probably has a secret Pinterest wedding board. 

The Players: 

Boyet, Lord of the French court: (40-60s) The princess’ advisor/hype man; perceptive, loves to banter, and knows everyone’s secrets. 10/10 would live-tweet the entire plot if he could. 

Costard, the clown: (40-60s) a comical scoundrel, uneducated, who finds many delights daily and does not take the oath of study, or anything really, even a bit seriously. (Maybe even a bit Benny Hill-ish) 

Jaquenetta: (30-50s; potential singing role) the flirtatious wildcard who accidentally kicks off half the drama. Comfortable with who she is, faults and all; living her best life. Weak spot only for Armado. *Note: This role has been expanded in this adaptation. 

Anthony Dull: (40-70s; potential singing role) Serves as Constable with a well-earned last name. Dry, deadpan humor. Keeps leaving the group chat but is still getting notifications. *Note: This role has been expanded in this adaptation. 

Don Adriano de Armado: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) 

Moth: (teen-20s; singing role, might play an instrument): Armado’s clever page; though “little,” Moth is a sharp-tongued, musically inclined pot-stirrer. Smarter than everyone, keeps receipts. 

Holofernes: (50-70s; potentially a singing role) scholar and self-proclaimed philosopher; speaks in high-tongued phrases and toots his own highly embellished horn. Thank you for coming to his TED talk. 

Sir Nathaniel: (50-70s; potentially a singing role) the local vicor, a friend and, more appropriately, fanboy of Holofernes. Though kind, believes an educated person is better than others. Absolutely terrified of women. The only person at Holofernes’ TED talk.