Looking for Shakespeare

Looking for Shakespeare is an intensive Shakespeare summer program for high school students from around the country. This summer’s program will be unique in that ensemble members will meet virtually, via online video platforms, to work with the director, production team, and graduate assistants to mount a full virtual production of The Winter’s Tale. 

Looking for Shakespeare is seeking neuro/psychodiverse actors, movers, and musicians to join the inclusive ensemble of our production. Offering individualized support and a trained staff, the LFS program aims to advance essential skills and spotlight the natural aptitudes of each performer. This exciting new model will provide a rewarding, collaborative experience for participants of all abilities, gender identities, and/or racial, ethnic, or national backgrounds.    

As part of the program, participants will have access to NYU online student resources and will receive training in Shakespeare analysis, acting for the camera, and video production.

The program will run Monday to Saturday from June 29 through July 25. Rehearsals will take place each day from 1:30-4:30pm EST, with variable call times for some participants. A detailed schedule will be provided to participants in June. The experience will culminate in a virtual production of The Winter’s Tale for all families and friends to enjoy.

Audition Information

Video Auditions:

Video auditions should be submitted along with the MPAP Summer Programs application no later than Friday, May 1.  To submit a video audition, upload the file to the Digital Portfolio section of the application. A follow-up video interview with the LFS program staff will be scheduled with each applicant individually.

Audition Instructions:

For your audition, please prepare 2-3 of the following audition materials:

•  Perform a monologue 
  • Perform a 1-minute Shakespearean monologue or sonnet.  
• Sing

  • Sing a 1-minute cut (verse & chorus) of any song in the Indie-Rock genre.

• Play an instrument

  • Play 1-minute cut (verse & chorus) of any song in the Indie-Rock genre

• Move
  • Creatively move for 1 minute to a piece of Shakespearean text.   
  • Movement can include ASL, dance, or general interpretation using the body and face.  You don’t have to be a trained dancer; we just want to see you use your body to be expressive! 
  • You can choose to have someone read the text as you move, or you can use an audio recording of someone else reading the text (available upon request).  

Notes for singers and musicians

• Please prepare a song you enjoy singing/playing! 

• Don’t feel like you have to replicate a song as it was originally sung or played. In fact, we’d like to see how you interpret the song and make it your own!

• If you are a singer AND an instrumentalist and would like to submit separate songs for each discipline, you may do so.  Individuals who wish to accompany themselves on their instrument while singing are also welcome to do so.

• The music in the show will have an acoustic coffeehouse vibe, so please pick songs from the Indie-Folk/Indie-Rock genre. Consider artists such as Philip Phillips, Amy Winehouse, Sara Bareilles, Billie Eilish, Ben Folds, Mumford & Sons, Jason Mraz, Aloe Black, Leon Bridges, Ingrid  Michelson, Marc Broussard, Her, Wailin’ Jennys, Hozier, Michael Kiwanuka, and Teagan & Sara.

• You can find backing tracks on YouTube and then convert the video into an mp3 audio file using websites such as YTMP3.

• Sheet music can be found online.

Each young actor should feel free to perform the monologue and song of their choice. In an effort to set students up for success, LFS staff members will gladly provide guidance upon request. Email looking4shakespeare@nyu.edu to request monologue options and text recordings, as well as sheet music, chord charts, and/or backing tracks to several pre-selected songs.

Learn more about the new Looking for Shakespeare model, including how we intend to support and include all performers on the LFS Statement of Inclusion and Support.