Description:

The hit comedy, Drunk Shakespeare, is now casting in Chicago! We are seeking unique and versatile actors to join our company.

Each night, five performers of "The Drunk Shakespeare Society" gather to put on a play - with one of them actually drinking several shots at the top of the evening. Inhibitions are released, the muse is invoked, and the spirits flow freely. Pop culture, current events, the whole canon of plays, music, drinks and more take over a hidden library speakeasy in The Loop.

COVID PROTOCOL: At this time, all patrons and staff must be fully vaccinated. You can find the company and production's current protocols here: www.drunkshakespeare.com/coronavirus. Any adjustments will be updated on this page.

BREAKDOWN

We want actors who are excited about the opportunity to get involved with a long-running show by bringing fresh ideas and excitement. Performers should be well-versed in Shakespeare, comfortable with improv and audience-interaction, possess outstanding comedic chops, commanding stage presence and an up-for-anything attitude.

This is an ensemble piece. Actors must possess a positive attitude with a strong sense of teamwork and ensemble sensibility.

Note: Actors playing Macbeth will be required to get tipsy/drunk on stage approximately once a week.

Drunk Shakespeare is actively seeking performers of all backgrounds, ages, sizes, racial identities, physical abilities, and gender-identities (and/or non-conforming). We value diversity and seek to create a welcoming space for all.

HOST
The Master of Ceremonies and impressions extraordinaire. They welcome the audience into the society and wrangle the drunk actor while keeping the show in motion. Seeking a charismatic performer with the ability to listen and connect to an audience and a love for hosting a party. They also have the opportunity to showcase an arsenal of impressions, dialects and characters!
*Note: This track is NOT required to drink on stage.

MACBETH
The character thru-which the audience experiences the arc of the narrative. Macbeth is a soldier returning home from war that is enticed by vaulting ambition (and a very convincing wife). Seeking imposing performers with excellent Shakespeare chops and the ability to drive the play.
Macbeth often ends up shirtless at the end of the play.
This role will be required to drink on stage approximately once a week.

LADY MACBETH
Lady M uses everything at her disposal to influence her husband, entice and impress the audience, and drive their mutual rise (and ultimate fall) in power. You also get to play a pretty gnarly witch. Seeking a bold and charismatic actor with a strong command of Shakespeare's text.
This role will be required to drink on stage approximately once a week.

BANQUO (AND OTHERS)
This track plays multiple parts including the best friend; the hungover & flirtatious porter; a puppet, a witch, Bill Pullman, and more. Seeking performers with a broad character range and a love for the outrageous. Improvisation and puppetry skills are a major plus!
This role will be required to drink on stage approximately once a week.

MACDUFF
Macduff is the catalyst that drives the final act of the play. Seeking physical and energetic performers that are compelling movers and must have an impressive musical talent. This track also gets to play a fun witch and do a little puppetry.
This role will be required to drink on stage approximately once a week.
A NOTE ON DRINKING
In addition to performing a role in Macbeth, each actor is expected to take on the designation of 'Drunk Actor' no more than once per week (advance notice given). There are numerous internal systems in place to ensure the well-being of performers and audience. The "Drunk Actor" receives free safe transportation home.

When you are the drunk actor, you are the conductor of chaos with power to issue challenges to your castmates and perform curated "Drunk Challenges." As the force the audience roots for, we want you to have fun while bringing the audience along on the ride. This is an opportunity to present an elevated version of yourself outside the boundaries of Shakespeare's text.

Finally, we acknowledge that everybody has a different relationship to alcohol. We seek to celebrate joy, laughter, and libations as people have done through time. Only you know if this is the right environment for you. Performers begin with an initial 4-week trial period so that both the performer and production can determine whether this is a great fit. Meme Juice Productions IL LLC does not promote irresponsible drinking; all cast and crew must follow strict performance safety guidelines. We do not condone alcoholism. If you believe you may have a problem, please do not apply.

By submitting for this casting, you acknowledge that you are over 21 years of age and that you want to drink while performing Shakespeare on stage approximately once a week.

Pay Rate: Rehearsal: $20/hr | Performance: $90/show