Auditions

Shakespeare on the Grass

A midsummer night’s dream

Get ready for magic, mischief, and midsummer madness! Overshadowed Productions is thrilled to announce auditions for our 3rd Annual Shakespeare on the Grass: a lively, outdoor theatrical event filled with romance, comedy, and enchantment.

This rollicking production dives headfirst into tangled love stories, mischievous fairies, bold dance moments, laugh-out-loud physical comedy, and the magic that (barely) holds it all together!

This is a joyful, high-spirited summer production built on ensemble energy, creativity, and fun. Whether you want to sing, dance, act, or just play in the Shakespearean sandbox - there’s a place for you here.

Come make magic with us.

Director: Kady Debelak

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  • About Auditions

  • AUDITIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

  • To reserve your audition time slot, please click the “Sign Up For Auditions” button to email Director Kady Debelak and specify your preferred date for either June 11 or 12, 2026.

  • This is a Non-Equity production.

  • We are seeking to cast actors of all experience levels, from Shakespeare newbies to seasoned performers who embrace physical comedy, are willing to play big and bold, can collaborate in a playful ensemble, and are open to singing and dancing elements.

  • Preparation notes

  • Please prepare a 60-90 second cut of a popular love ballad (1960s - present).

  • Please select and prepare a monologue from a Shakespeare play of your choice.

  • Bring personality, movement, and storytelling flair!

  • Do NOT exceed 90 seconds

  • Actors auditioning for (or called back for) fairies will participate in a dance audition. Think Spice Girls energy — bold, fun, and full of attitude.

Click to download Music for overall tone Kady's looking for

  • Audition Dates

    • June 11-12, 2026, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    • Callbacks, by invitation only, will be held on Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

  • Audition Location

    • Overshadowed Theatrical Productions — 900 Foster Ave, Medinah, IL 60157

Email about an Audition Inquiry

  • Rehearsal and Production Information

    • Please check your calendar and let us know your conflict dates when you cannot attend a rehearsal, so we can schedule rehearsals for specific scenes to minimize conflicts.

    • We want to point out that communication of subsequent conflicts needs to be as much notice as possible.

    • Participating in a show at Overshadowed is a serious commitment, and rehearsal attendance is essential. However, we understand that you are volunteering your time, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.

    • This is a Non-Equity production.

    • Rehearsal dates:

      • Approximately 20 rehearsals total beginning the week of June 15.

      • Two rehearsals per week

      • Tech Week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

      • Final rehearsal: Morning of performance at the outdoor site.

      • All tech rehearsals and performances are required for all cast members.

    • Production date:

      • August 15, 2026

      • Itasca, IL

Character Breakdown

    • THE ROYAL COURT OF ATHENS

    • Noble Duke; a fair and steady ruler

    • THE ROYAL COURT OF ATHENS

    • Fierce Queen of the Amazons

    • THE ROYAL COURT OF ATHENS

    • Strong-willed, in love with Lysander

    • THE ROYAL COURT OF ATHENS

    • Lovesick, loyal, and dramatic

    • THE ROYAL COURT OF ATHENS

    • Entitled nobleman with questionable judgment

    • THE ROYAL COURT OF ATHENS

    • Romantic and devoted

    • THE ROYAL COURT OF ATHENS

    • Court entertainer with refined tastes

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Chaotic, mischievous, unpredictable

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Powerful fairy ruler (flexible casting)

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Proud, passionate Fairy Queen

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Dreamy and distracted

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Curious and bold

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Graceful and ethereal

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Wild and fiery

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Sweet and whimsical

    • THE FAIRIES (HIGH ENERGY ENSEMBLE)

    • Dramatic with a hint of menace

    • THE MECHANICALS (COMEDIC GOLD)

    • Loud, confident, hilariously self-important

    • THE MECHANICALS (COMEDIC GOLD)

    • Organizer and reluctant leader

    • THE MECHANICALS (COMEDIC GOLD)

    • Loyal and weary

    • THE MECHANICALS (COMEDIC GOLD)

    • Shy, cast against type

    • THE MECHANICALS (COMEDIC GOLD)

    • Gentle, easily overwhelmed

    • THE MECHANICALS (COMEDIC GOLD)

    • Practical and observant

Sign up for Auditions