A LITTLE SHAKESPEARE
Engaging young artists with the work of the Bard in an adaptation directed and designed by professional artists, performed and supported backstage by high school students.
Each season, Two River Theater produces a 75-90 minute adaptation of a Shakespeare play—directed and designed by theater professionals, and performed and supported backstage by high school students. Student participants are selected through auditions and interviews, and rehearsals take place over a 2-3 month period. Performances are open not only to the public; four school-time shows engage students as young as 4th grade, often serving as their introduction to Shakespeare. Since 2013, 238 students from 36 schools have participated in twelve Little Shakes productions, performing for thousands of audience members as young as 9 years old.
THIS YEAR'S PRODUCTION
A Little Shakespeare: As You Like It
The Forest of Arden is full of possibilities! Banished by her uncle and disguised as a boy, Rosalind and her beloved cousin Celia journey into the woods and discover new friends, love letters, music, and ultimately, themselves. Director Noelle Marion (last season’s A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest) returns to helm this lively frolic through the forest.
Now accepting Auditions and Interviews!
Student Actors, Musicians, and Backstage Crew – see all information below.
Auditions for Actors
Actors will audition with a monologue at Two River Theater on Sunday, October 5 or Monday, October 6 by appointment only. If you are unable to attend those days, please email bbutler@trtc.org to make arrangements to attend Callbacks. Callbacks will be held on Tuesday, October 7.
WHAT TO DO: (all steps are required)
- Read through the Little Shakes: As You Like It Rehearsal and Performance Schedule and make sure that you are available to commit to this production. Make note of all rehearsal conflicts you already know of and bring them with you to your in-person readings. If we can work around your conflicts, we will!
- Fill out this form with your contact info and experience/interest. When you submit your form, you’ll get a link to sign up for your 5-minute audition spot for Sun. Oct. 5 or Mon. Oct. 6.
- Student actors should prepare 15-20 memorized lines of text from any Shakespeare play. If you sing or play an instrument, please prepare a brief song as well.
AUDITIONS FOR MUSICIANS
Musicians will audition with a song at Two River Theater on Sunday, October 5 or Monday, October 6 by appointment only. If you are unable to attend those days, please email bbutler@trtc.org to make arrangements to attend Callbacks. Callbacks will be held on Tuesday,
October 7.
WHAT TO DO: (all steps are required)
- Read through the Little Shakes: As You Like It Rehearsal and Performance Schedule and make sure that you are available to commit to this production. Make note of all rehearsal conflicts you already know of and bring them with you to your in-person readings. If we can work around your conflicts, we will!
- Fill out this form with your contact info and experience/interest. When you submit your form, you’ll get a link to sign up for your 5-minute audition spot for Sun. Oct. 5 or Mon. Oct. 6.
- Student musicians should prepare to play and/or sing a 2-minute acoustic song on whatever instruments you feel most comfortable. Original folk music will be written for this production and played by student musicians, so the song you prepare should have a folky vibe.
BACKSTAGE OPPORTUNITIES
We will schedule interviews for Directing Assistants, Assistant Stage Managers, Design Assistants, and Run Crew in October/November 2025.
WHAT TO DO: (all steps are required)
- Read through the Little Shakes: As You Like It Rehearsal Performance Schedule and make sure that you are available to commit to this production. Time commitments vary; see below.
- Read the descriptions and time commitments below, and fill out this form with your contact info and experience/interest by Monday, October 6.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Directing Assistants / Swings
We will need 1-2 high school students to assist our director throughout the rehearsal process and performances. DA/Swings will also understudy all roles in the show. Students who have an interest in directing and who want to learn more about it should apply. Make note of any rehearsal conflicts you already know of and be ready to disclose them in your interview.
Assistant Stage Manager(s)
We are looking for one or two assistant stage manager(s). Enhance your skills as an organized and professional stage manager as you work with the director and cast throughout the rehearsal process to bring the show to life. Make note of any rehearsal conflicts you already know of and be ready to disclose them in your interview.
Costume Assistant, Lighting Assistant, Sound Assistant, Scenic/Props Assistant, and Run Crew
We will need responsible, organized people to work backstage as assistants to the Designers (Costumes, Lighting, Sound, and Scenic/Props). If you are interested in any areas of theater design or technical theater, you could have the opportunity to assist a professional designer in translating the director’s vision to the stage, and running the show during performances. The time commitment for these positions starts when technical rehearsals begin in early January 2026 and continues throughout the run. Design Assistants and Run Crew must be available for all technical rehearsals and performances.
If you have read through all of the above and have questions, please email us at kcordaro@trtc.org or bbutler@trtc.org.
Recent Productions
A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest
The only thing stronger than Prospero’s magical spells might be the power of love and forgiveness. Back for its 12th year, Two River’s most popular education program transports you to an enchanted island where anything is possible. A Little Shakespeare presents an abridged version of the Bard’s bewitching tale, adapted and directed by Noelle Marion in our 24/25 season.
A Little Shakespeare: Love's Labour's Lost
A raucous celebration of head versus heart! The King of Navarre and his classmates swore an oath to hit the books and swear off dating for three years – until the arrival of the Princess of France and her charming friends threatened their vow. Adapted and directed by Tai Thompson in our 23/24 Season.
A Little Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
What if Romeo and Juliet were not the first Montague and Capulet to fall in love? This fresh adaptation by director Diana M. Fathi explored the audacity of a new generation to defy an inherited family feud in our 22/23 Season.
A Little Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing
In the 21/22 Season, we presented a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic Much Ado About Nothing, adapted and directed by Rakesh Palisetty.
Tiny Shakes: Romeo and Juliet
In our 20/21 Season, the program used the limitations of 2021 as a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into the play and give them the agency to tell the story in their own way, filming scenes from home. Over the course of the program, 21 students partnered with industry professionals to learn more about acting, visual design, music, fight choreography, and filmmaking. The result is an eclectic and energetic production of Romeo and Juliet featuring original music, TikTok dances, FaceTime calls, and more.
