Brass Jar Productions TX LLC (Drunk Shakespeare)
Houston, TX
US

DESCRIPTION

Houston- The hit Off-Broadway comedy, Drunk Shakespeare is seeking versatile performers for the attached 5 roles.

Every evening, a group of five skilled performers, members of The Drunk Shakespeare Society, gather to put on a mesmerizing play. But here's the thrilling twist: one among them bravely indulges in multiple shots of liquid courage, setting the stage for an unforgettable performance.

Since 2014, Drunk Shakespeare has been entertaining audiences from all over the world with productions in NYC, Chicago, DC, Phoenix, and Houston. Drunk Shakespeare is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and the Chicago Tribune said it “may just wind up being one of the most enjoyable ways to experience a tragedy.” Alumni from the cast have gone on to perform on Broadway, in the West End, Blue Man Group, The Deuce, Billions, Sunnyside and on national tours.

We're on the lookout for an eclectic mix of performers, each bringing their unique flair and artistic prowess to our ensemble. No matter your background or identity, we invite you to apply for roles that interest and excite you. Joining our dynamic troupe means being part of a rotating cast, collaborating closely with the director to sculpt your character, putting forth your individuality, and spotlighting your strengths as a performer. It's a celebration of you! Here, comedic brilliance, a magnetic stage presence, specialized talents, a fondness for Shakespeare, and a fervent commitment to ensemble play are the keys to unlocking this exhilarating experience.

The company is located in Downtown Houston, in a new performance venue, “The Emerald Theatre”, featuring a hidden library speakeasy installation.

PERSONNEL

• Producer: Scott Griffin
• Directors / Artistic: David Hudson - Director; Lori Wolter Hudson - Director; Sean Graney - Artistic Producer
• City Manager / Local Director: Zac Kelty

AUDITION INFO

Currently running - open-ended run. Non-Equity actors for roles in DRUNK SHAKESPEARE HOUSTON (see breakdown).

Website:
https://www.drunkshakespeare.com/welcome

BIPOC actors and femme-presenting actors are encouraged to audition.

Note: All roles will be required to drink alcohol on stage approximately once a week.

HOW TO SUBMIT

1) Email headshot, resume, link to your video (information below) and brief cover letter highlighting any special skills / talents to [email protected] with the following in the subject line:

“[YOUR NAME], [THE ROLE(s) YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR]”

Sumbit by March 1st, 2026

VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

Videos should be sent via shareable link (Youtube, Vimeo, google drive etc.) but please ensure no password or account is needed and no download is required. Do not attach a video file to your Email.

MATERIAL TO PREPARE

MONOLOGUE - Shakespeare, 1-2 minutes in length. We would like to meet YOU through this text, so approach it in a contemporary way that allows your personality to shine while honoring Shakespeare's intention.

SKILLS SHOWCASE - Prepare a 1-minute video showcasing your special skills. Examples could include: dialects, impressions, dance, acrobatics, musical abilities, speaking multiple languages, etc. Let your imagination run wild! You can incorporate your skills into a speech or use a more freestyle approach.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS - Feel free to send links to any other material you'd like us to view.

Deadline for audition submission: 2/24/22. Submissions may not be considered after this date.

SEEKING:

JULIET: Juliet, a luminous spark of youthful passion, transforming from wide-eyed innocence to fierce determination in the span of a heartbeat. While her family longs for her to be very demure, very mindful, her FYP may be full out Fifty Shades. Fiery presence, rich emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to the thin line between comedy and tragedy.

ROMEO: A hopeless romantic with a flair for the dramatic and zero chill. He falls in love faster than you can say “star-crossed,” and he means every word, every time. His FYP is an emotional rollercoaster: sad boy poetry, shirtless sword tutorials, and POVs where he stares longingly into the camera. Emotional range, comedic instincts, and the ability to commit 100%—whether kissing, killing, or spiraling in a monologue about fate. Charisma, charm, and sex appeal are a must, and should leave the audience wondering if they’re watching Shakespeare...or just catching feelings.

FRIAR/MERCUTIO: The chaotic philosopher and the wild card poet—two sides of the same coin. Slings high-minded wisdom with stoner energy and drops filthy verse with the confidence of someone who’s definitely tried absinthe. The Friar dreams of peace but might be microdosing. Mercutio? A brilliant, sex-crazed agent of chaos who lives to provoke, seduce, and stir the pot. With swagger, sharp comedic timing, and a gift for flipping the tone on a dime.

NURSE/TYBALT: One minute, you're Juliet’s ride-or-die, over-sharing, sex-positive confidante. The next, you're the Prince(ss) of Cats—furious, flashy, and ready to throw hands. Delicious split between bawdy comic relief and hot-blooded rage, demanding precision timing, physical comedy chops, and the ability to fight with both swords and sex toys. A dream role for a fearless performer who can serve up raunchy one-liners, then turn around and start a vendetta. Must be bold, dynamic, and ready to swing—emotionally and literally.

HOST/PRINCE: The ultimate authority figure meets the ultimate hype person. As Prince, you lay down the law with gravitas and theatrical flair. As Host, you're the connective tissue of the show—welcoming the audience, steering the chaos, and making it all feel like a wild party with Shakespeare at its core. Standup comedian with hosting chops a plus, a slew of high-quality impressions in their back pocket, and the ability to hold an audience in the palm of their hand.

“THE DRUNK ACTOR”

The ‘Drunk Actor’ rotates through all of the tracks with the exception of the Host. Having a different actor/character in this role each show keeps each performance fresh. When you are the drunk actor, you are the conductor of chaos with power to issue challenges to your cast-mates, perform curated “Drunk Challenges” and be the force the audience roots for. We want you to have fun and let the audience have fun with you. This is an opportunity to bring an elevated version of yourself outside the boundaries of Shakespeare’s text.

There is one drunk actor per show and the schedule is organized to ensure no performer drinks more than once a week. There are numerous internal systems in place to ensure the well-being of performers and audience. The “Drunk Actor” receives free safe transportation home.

Finally, we acknowledge that everybody has a different relationship to alcohol. We are seeking to celebrate joy, laughter and libations as people have done through time but 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 decide if this is a great fit. Brass Jar Productions TX LLC does not promote irresponsible drinking, and strict drunk performance guidelines will be adhered to. By submitting for this casting you are acknowledging that you are over 21 years of age, and that you want to drink and perform Shakespeare on stage approximately once a week. We do not condone alcoholism. If you believe you may have a problem, please do not apply.

TIME COMMITMENT:

Holiday availability and flexible schedule are a must! Initial rehearsals will be held during both day and night.

Rehearsals will begin in March and actors will begin with an initial 4-week trial contract, followed by an extension with the opportunity for an open-ended run.

Performance Schedule: Initially 3-8 shows/week: (1 show Wednesday, 1 show Thursday, 2 shows Fridays, 3 shows Saturdays and 1 show Sundays) with potential to expand up to 10 shows/week. (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun). There will be a rotating cast to cover all performances as the schedule expands and there is potential for learning additional tracks.

Actors will always be guaranteed at least 1 day off per week. Management will do their best to work with you and other cast members to allow some flexibility with schedule conflicts.

Compensation: $80/show. $15/hr for rehearsals.

DURATION

Apr 1, 2026 -

SALARY

$15.00 – $80.00 per hour

APPLY BY EMAIL

emerald…
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