Now accepting submissions for Stone Soup Shakespeare's 2026 Tour of Merry Wives. Interested performers can audition in-person or submit a virtual submission for consideration.
Chicago In-Person Audition Date: Monday, April 27, 4-8PM (Filament Theatre)
Stone Soup's 2026 Tour is looking to cast 4 ensemble members to play multiple characters in a 6-person ensemble version of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Seeking non-AEA actors of all backgrounds, and strongly encouraging performers of all ethnicities, sizes, and genders to submit. All actors must be at least 18 years of age.
Stone Soup Shakespeare tours each summer with one mission: to bring beautifully-told, engaging stories to Midwest communities. Tour life is fast-paced and social, but not without moments of peace and nature. If you like your Shakespeare with a healthy dose of adventure and fresh air, this might be the perfect fit!
A small stipend will be paid to all performers ($400 +$20/tour performance), with necessary travel, room, and partial board being covered.
First Read (hybrid): Wednesday, May 27
Text sessions (hybrid): May 28-June 5 (to be scheduled)
June Residency
Chicago: June 6-11 (weekend intensive followed by Mon-Thur primarily evening rehearsals)
Carbondale: June 12-21 (travel on 6/12 and 6/21, ~6 hours of rehearsal daily)
Southern Illinois - Test Performances: June 19-20
Chicago re-rehearsal: September 9-16 (schedule to be finalized)
Tour schedule (still being finalized) | NOTE: Performances will primarily be outdoors in parks and other public spaces across Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
9/18-9/19
9/25-9/26
10/1-10/9
10/30-10/31
Monologue - comic Shakespeare is preferred, but we are most interested in seeing you perform a piece you enjoy, regardless of what it is.
Song - no accompanist will be provided. We are eager to see you sing a capella even if you don't consider yourself a singer. If you play an instrument, we welcome you to accompany yourself OR play something without singing
Auditions will begin with a group warm-up and "play" session, followed by individual viewing of prepared material, and possible work with text from Merry Wives
PLEASE NOTE: Auditions will be taped.
Contact Info:
Chicago In-Person Auditions: Chicago (4/27, 4-8PM) | Filament Theatre
Please submit your headshot and resume in advance by filling out the below form. If selected, we will email you with confirmation of audition date/time. We ask all auditioners to prepare a monologue and a song, and come prepared to play.
Virtual Auditions: Please submit by 4/28 at 11:59PM.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns at auditions@stonesoupshakespeare.com.
Website: forms.gle/tPWL7X1g4Xc4uXRn8