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 NYU coaches to mount a full virtual production at the end of the workshop.

Looking for Shakespeare is seeking young actors 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 virtual theatre production.

The program will run weekdays from Friday, July 2nd through Friday, July 30th, with additional Saturday rehearsals on July 17th, 24th, and 31st. Rehearsals will take place each day from 10:00am-3:00pm EST, with variable call times for some participants. A detailed schedule will be provided to participants in June. The 2021 production will be announced in January.

Program Dates

July 2 – July 31, 2021

Application Deadline

April 12, 2021 (Rolling Admission)

Costs and Fees

$55 (Non-Refundable Application Fee)
$100 (Reduced Tuition)
Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

In-Person Audition Dates:

Due to NYU's decision to conduct remote classes, the in-person auditions are canceled. Please video-record all audition materials, upload, and submit them with your application. See the instructions below for more information about what to submit.

Audition Information

Please video-record all audition materials, upload, and submit them with your application. See the instructions below for more information about what to submit.

Video Auditions:

Video auditions should be submitted along with the MPAP Summer Programs application no later than April 12. 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 of the following audition materials:

Monologue
- Perform a 1-2 minute Shakespearean monologue.
Vocal
- Sing a 1-2 minute cut of any song.
Instrumental
- Play a 1-2 minute cut of any song.
Movement
- Creatively move or dance for 1 minute to any song.
- Movement can include dance or creative gesture 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!

Notes for singers and musicians

Please prepare any 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.

Email looking4shakespeare@nyu.edu if you have any questions.

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.