Poway Shakes.org
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Breakdown and Info
Bards with Blades is a one hour Theatre Event featuring five of Shakespeare’s legendary fights brought to life—from literal swordplay to a war of words. We are looking for dynamic actors, confident or curious about classical text to join the fray. This show requires interest and/or experience with combat or weaponry.
General Auditions: February 1st, 2026, from 5-8:30 PM
Callbacks: February 2, 5-8:30 PM
Possible Callbacks: Feb 3 and 10
Location: Poway Shakespeare in Old Poway Park.
Union Status: AEA and Non-Union
Request an Audition, or Questions: PowayShakes@gmail.com
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Please prepare a Shakespeare scene or monologue for your audition. We will provide a reader. You may choose your own or a scene from the breakdown. below.
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** Tapes accepted: If you are interested but cannot attend the initial audition, please submit a 1–2-minute video, via YouTube link or google drive link, of a Shakespeare monologue or scene of your choice by February 1 at 7pm.
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Rehearsals: A full company stage combat workshop is confirmed for 4pm on Feb 24, 2026. Rehearsals will be scheduled once a week in March and April, and twice a week in late April and early May. Tech is the week of May 5. Preview is May 11.
Pay is split receipts.
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Bards with Blades - “I went to see Shakespeare and a fight broke out!”
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act III, Scene ii)
Directed by Heather LaForge
Helena: female presenting age 16 - mid 20s; tall, grounded
Hermia: female presenting age 16 - mid 20s; shorter, feisty
Lysander: male presenting age 18 - 20s; under a love spell, love struck, wrestling with his own feelings
Demetrius: male presenting age 18 - 20s; under a love spell, willing to look foolish, while fighting for his love
Taming of the Shrew (Act II, Scene i)
Directed by Julia Giolzetti
Kate: Age range 20-45, any gender or ethnicity, bold, smart and confident
Petruchio: Age range 20-45, any gender or ethnicity, bold, smart and confident
Much Ado About Nothing (Act X, Scene XX)
Directed by Justin Lang
Beatrice: Age range: 25+ years, any gender or ethnicity
Benedick: Age range: 25+ years, any gender or ethnicity
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Romeo and Juliet (Act III, Scene i)
Directed by Eddy Lukovic
Benvolio: 18-35, any gender or ethnicity, bored, young
Tybalt: 18-35, any gender or ethnicity, wealthy, a bone to pick with Romeo
Mercutio: 18-35, any gender or ethnicity, a showman and a hothead
Romeo: 18-35, any gender or ethnicity, a lover
Henry V - Finale
Directed by Jacquelyn Ritz
Henry V: To play 25-45: any gender or ethnicity, a true leader
Chorus: Any age, gender, or ethnicity. A storyteller, a friend
Soldiers: Any age, gender or ethnicity.
Full Company