Ethnocultural mandate or casting statement:
Shakespeare in the Ruff is dedicated to decolonizing the Shakespearean canon by challenging who creates these stories, and who they are for. Our work strives for the integration of our Five Key Values: Creative Audacity, Education, Accessibility, Anti-Racism and Decolonized Practice, and Respect. We create original, radical adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, seeking to flip the Eurocentric, colonial gaze and give platform to marginalized voices. We encourage submissions from IBPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and Disability communities.
Additional information:
Shakespeare in the Ruff is auditioning for various roles in our summer 2026 production of “As You Like It”, adapted by Jeff Ho and directed by Warona Setshwaelo. The adaptation contains both new writing by Jeff Ho and original language from Shakespeare’s play.
First day of rehearsal: July 13th, 2026
Opening: o/a August 15th, 2026
Closing: August 30th, 2026
Fee: $833/week under the CAEA D.O.T. Policy.
Please note: Shakespeare in the Ruff rehearses and performs outdoors in Withrow Park, Toronto. Weather policies are in place for safety. Because we perform in a public park, the cast is also part of the setup and teardown crew. We will always strive to assign tasks based on access needs.
Deadline to apply: Tuesday February 17 2026
Audition dates: Monday March 2nd, Tuesday March 3rd, Thursday March 5th.
Role:
Rosalind – (she/her/they/them) – Daughter to Duke Senior. Is banished alongside cousin and bff, Celia, where chaos, delight, joy, and LOVE ensues. Disguises themselves as “Ganymede” for LOVE (and with Orlando).
Celia / others (TBD) – (any gender) – Rosalind’s cousin, child of Duke Frederick. Fabulous, a bag of sass and more, and astonishingly bright and fiery. Is banished alongside Rosalind. Falls for Oliver, or is it the other way around?! This role will be shaped alongside the performer’s gender, so welcome submissions from any folks who identify with this track.
Oliver / others (TBD) – (he/him) – Orlando’s brother, who tries to have him exiled. Total bro, I mean his name is Oliver, after all. Wears old spice, says it all, doesn’t it. BUT – goes through a redemption arc, earns and grants forgiveness, and falls in love and becomes a great companion for Celia.
Jacques – (any gender – TBD – role will be shaped around the performer) – Perceptive. Speaker of truths with a melancholic slant. And a voice of the here, the now, and an observer of the frustrations and celebrations of the best and worst of human nature. Funny without knowing it
Please email in A SINGLE DOCUMENT a photo, resume and one page (max) letter to submissions@shakespeareintheruff.com.
Deadline to apply is Tuesday, February 17. A huge thank you to all that apply but we will only be contacting via email those we wish to invite for an audition.
Accessibility:
Audition, rehearsal, and performance spaces are physically accessible.