Auditions
SVS is seeking actors of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, body types, and actors with disabilities for productions in our 2025 season.
The Tempest
directed by Drew Benjamin Jones
Banished to a mystical island, Prospero has spent years honing his magical powers. Driven by a thirst for vengeance, he conjures a powerful storm to wreck a passing ship carrying his enemies, who soon find themselves at the mercy of his supernatural abilities.
Reimagined through the inventive lens of a Dungeons & Dragons gaming campaign, SVS infuses Shakespeare’s classic with thrilling adventure and boundless fantasy, offering a fresh, family-friendly experience guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages.
Richard III
directed by Doll Piccotto
Richard of Gloucester longs to be King and his ambition threatens the lives of all those around him. Manipulation, deceit, and cold-blooded murder take the stage as he claws his way to the crown.
Set against the backdrop of a film noir world with an all-female and nonbinary cast, SVS explores this tale of treachery and revenge with intrigue and classic SVS innovation.
Summer 2025 just got a whole lot darker.
Please note that Richard III will be an all-female and nonbinary identifying cast.
Emma
directed by Erin Southard
Emma Woodhouse is clever, educated, and energetic… and in imminent danger of going mad with idleness. In a time when respectable ladies are expected to sit quietly at home, she desperately needs projects—and prides herself on matchmaking, much to the chagrin of her friend Mr. Knightley. But where Emma’s considerable energies focus, the screwball comedy follows… A fresh feminist take on a treasured classic, this Emma breaks down convention, expectation, and even the fourth wall with vibrant comic flair—leading audiences “forward, onward, and upward!”
AUDITION DATE
Saturday, January 18, 2025
9 AM-2 PM
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY**
Click here to sign up:
**Video submissions will be accepted for actors unable to attend generals. Please find instructions here and submit all required information and video audition by Saturday, January 11, 2025.
WHAT TO BRING
Please prepare two contrasting monologues up to 4 minutes long, combined. At least one monologue must be by William Shakespeare. If only auditioning for Emma, monologues may be by any playwright. If you do not have a classical monologue prepared, a contemporary monologue is acceptable with an additional cold read of a classic side linked here.
Bring your resume, headshot, and calendar to list conflicts. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to complete the necessary paperwork.
AUDITION LOCATION
ComedySportz San Jose
5440-D Thornwood Dr
San José, CA 95123
CALLBACK DATES
The Tempest
Saturday, February 1, 2025
10 AM-1 PM
Richard III ➕ Emma
Saturday, February 8, 2025
10 AM-4 PM
PRODUCTION DATES
The Tempest
directed by Drew Benjamin Jones
First rehearsal: Monday, April 28
Rehearsals take place M-F, 7-10 PM for the first 3 weeks, and then 6:45-9:45 PM once moved to the park. (Memorial Day: OFF)
Opening: Friday, June 6
Runs Friday-Sunday, 7 PM
Closing: Sunday, June 22
Performs in San José at Willow Street Park
Richard III
directed by Doll Piccotto
First rehearsal: Monday, June 9
Rehearsals take place M-F, 7-10 PM for the first 3 weeks, and then 6:45-9:45 PM once moved to the park.
No rehearsals on Juneteenth or the Fourth of July
Opening: Friday, July 25
Runs Thursday-Sunday, 7 PM
Show Dates: 7/25, 7/26, 7/27, 8/9, 8/10, 8/14, 8/15, 8/23, 8/24, 8/28, 8/29 (runs in rep with Emma)
Closing: Friday, August 29
Performs in Saratoga at Sanborn Park
Emma
directed by Erin Southard
First rehearsal: Monday, June 9
Rehearsals take place M-F, 7-10 PM for the first 3 weeks, and then 6:45-9:45 PM once moved to the park.
No rehearsals on Juneteenth or the Fourth of July
Opening: Friday, August 1
Runs Thursday-Sunday, 7 PM
Show Dates: 8/1, 8/2, 8/3, 8/7, 8/8, 8/16, 8/17, 8/21, 8/22, 8/30, 8/31 (runs in rep with Richard III)
Closing: Sunday, August 31
Performs in Saratoga at Sanborn Park
PAY
Actors are volunteers who receive a courtesy per diem for each performance night. Willow Street actors receive $280 (total for 9 performance nights). Sanborn Park actors receive $320 (total for 11 performance nights).
SVSN CASTING PHILOSOPHY
It is our responsibility as arts leaders in our community to provide a safe creative space for seasoned professionals to practice their art and for emerging artists to grow in their craft. For every community member to fully experience the beauty of each story, the people telling the story must reflect our community. That is why SVS makes the conscious choice to ensure the following casting commitments throughout each season:
At least 50% of our casting for the season represents our BIPOC community
At least 50% of our casting for a season represents underrepresented genders, and every other season one show is entirely dedicated to 100% casting of systemically minoritized groups
A wide spectrum of physical and personal identities are represented, including age and body type
Every summer SVS holds space for acting trainees who in addition to being cast in a main stage show receive mentoring in the form of monologue coaching, resume review, and complimentary professional headshots (taken by SVS photography artists!) to set them up for future success. Emerging young artists gaining experience from the wisdom of seasoned professionals and more mature artists being invigorated by the passion and drive of artists at the early stages of their careers is truly a thing of beauty.
At SVS we recognize that cultivating the next generation of artists and gaining insight from their fresh perspective is important and crucial to the future success of the arts.
Theatre and the stories they tell are for everyone and it is our responsibility as artists to reflect that on our stage and in the artistic team behind the scenes. We hope that if we were to turn a mirror to our beloved audience, we would see the same thing… a beautiful tapestry of our community, each bringing their unique perspective and heart to the beautiful experience of live theatre.