DREAM IN HIGH PARK 2027 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

CALL FOR ACTOR SUBMISSIONS

Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Gregory Prest

Please submit using the methods below by 5 p.m. on Wednesday November 4, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged.

As part of our commitment to inclusive casting, we are intentionally seeking actors of all ethnicities, people of all gender identities, and those of all ages (18+). You are encouraged to apply for the role that resonates most with you.

DATES

Auditions will be held November 16 & 17, 2026. Callbacks will be held November 20, 2026.

All will be IN PERSON in Toronto.

Rehearsals begin June 15, 2027.

Previews begin July 11, 2027. Opening is July 15, 2027. Closing is Sept. 5, 2027.

**All dates are subject to change.

****Please note the pay scale for this venue is CTA “A House” rate.

****Please note this theatre is OUTDOORS. Actors must be comfortable rehearsing and performing outside.

If you have any questions, or any access needs for your audition, please contact Hannah Antaki at casting@canadianstage.com

Show synopsis

An emotionally rich and comedic 90-minute staging of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing - a story of unexpected love, deception, jealousy, and the beautiful folly of falling in love when you least expect it.

Set in Messina, where soldiers return from war to a world eager for celebration, romance, and new beginnings, Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy about love, unlikely lovers, and the surprising, messy, and sometimes painful business of opening oneself up to another person.

This version uses an ensemble of 12 performers who embody the full world of Messina.

Submission Notes

• Seeking a game ensemble of good, fun people with strong classical text skills, comedic instincts, and openness to collaboration.

• All performers contribute to the musical and physical life of the play. Musical ability (singing and/or instrument) is an asset for all but not necessary. As ideas develop, the ensemble may be an essential driving force in the play. Performers must be game to explore various modes of theatrical storytelling as ensemble members, assisting with scene changes, peopling the world of Messina, filling out the sonic world of the play, and working together to build an ensemble-driven, emotionally rich telling of the story that embraces humour, romance, lightness, and beauty, even within its darker moments.

• ACTORS MUST BE TORONTO LOCAL.

• TO SUBMIT, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS LINK: https://casting.canadianstage.com/register/much-ado-about-nothing-muoa9o7o/submissions

Audition Information

We are currently accepting submissions for the following roles:

Borachio – 25–35, male identifying, any ethnicity

A soldier and follower of Don John who uses his sexual relationship with Margaret to orchestrate the destruction of Hero and Claudio's marriage. Swaggering, sensual, and dangerous. A drinker with an appetite for pleasure, mischief, and betrayal. Must possess a strong physical presence, sexual confidence, and the ability to find pleasure in manipulation and cruelty, while accessing the darker emotional weight and consequences of his actions. A performer comfortable navigating both charm and villainy.

Understudy Tracks: Claudio, Dogberry

 

Conrade / Friar Francis – 25–35, male identifying, any ethnicity

Conrade is a soldier, attendant, and lover to Don John. Loyal, attentive, and eager to please, he follows Don John into mischief and betrayal. More follower than instigator, he is devoted to keeping his prince happy and remains complicit in his schemes. Doubles as Friar Francis, whose intelligence, compassion, and clear understanding of human behaviour help guide the play toward resolution. Requires an actor with excellent classical text skills, emotional intelligence, and the versatility to inhabit two contrasting characters. Strong singing ability and/or musical instrument skills a significant asset.

Understudy Track: Don Pedro

 

We thank everyone for their interest; however, only those selected for an audition will be contacted. Due to the volume of submissions, we are not able to respond to inquiries about the status of your application.

Deadline: Wednesday November 4, 2026

SUBMISSION LINK: https://casting.canadianstage.com/register/much-ado-about-nothing-muoa9o7o/submissions

No late submissions will be considered.

No phone calls or hard copy submissions please.