AUDITION NOTICE: Twelfth Night - Shakespeare Festival

Samantha Hancock
Jun 30
2 min read

Title: Twelfth Night

Presented By: 4MBS Classic FM Shakespeare Festival 2025

Genre: Shakespeare / Comedy

Synopsis:

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a hilarious and heartfelt tale of mistaken identities, shipwrecked twins, love triangles, and ridiculous revelry. With its gender-bending disguises, witty wordplay, and unexpected romances, this classic comedy explores the chaos of love and the joy of finding one’s true self—all set in the whimsical world of Illyria.

Audition Date: Saturday 26th July & Sunday 27th July, 2025

Audition Time: By appointment

Audition Location and Address: The Studio at 4MBS, 384 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo, QLD

Audition Self-Tape Due (if applicable): By COB, 26th July (for those unable to attend in person)

Audition Registration:

Email Laurene at Shakespeare@4MBS.com.au
Include your CV, headshot, and contact number for an audition timeslot.

Audition Requirements:

Prepare 1 Shakespearean monologue, no longer than 3 minutes
You will be given a cold read monologue on the day with time to prepare
Callbacks will involve scene reading with partners (no prep required)
Measurements may be taken at the audition
Please email your CV, headshot, and phone number to register

Performance Dates: Saturday 8th November & Sunday 9th November

Performance Location: Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre, Brisbane

Rehearsal Times: To be advised

Warnings:

Cross-gender performance, romantic intimacy, physical comedy
You may be asked to perform in outdoor conditions

Required Age: 18+

Creative Team :

Director / Designer: Xanthe Jones
Production Manager: Laurene Cooper-Fox

Available Roles:

VIOLA - A clever, resourceful young woman shipwrecked in Illyria. She disguises herself as a man, “Cesario,” to survive and finds herself caught in a love triangle. Strong text work and emotional nuance needed. Potential for gender-fluid casting.
DUKE ORSINO - The melancholic, poetic Duke of Illyria who believes he’s hopelessly in love with Olivia. He grows close to Cesario (Viola in disguise). Charismatic, emotionally expressive actor with strong verse delivery.
OLIVIA - A noblewoman in mourning who swears off men—until she meets “Cesario.” Requires strong comedic timing and confident presence.
SEBASTIAN - Viola’s twin brother, thought to be dead. His sudden arrival causes major confusion and resolution.
SIR TOBY BELCH - Olivia’s hard-partying, witty uncle. A mischief-maker who loves wine, women, and practical jokes. Excellent comic timing required. A strong physical actor ideal.
SIR ANDREW AGUECHEEK - Sir Toby’s ridiculous, awkward friend who tries (and fails) to woo Olivia. Physical comedy and precise characterisation key.
MARIA - Olivia’s sharp-tongued lady-in-waiting. Loyal to Olivia but loves stirring the pot. Witty, confident, and commanding with comedic savvy.
FESTE - Olivia’s “fool” – but don’t be fooled. Feste is the wisest character in the play. A singing jester with a sharp tongue and quick wit. Requires excellent comic delivery and musical ability (singing or instrument a plus).
MALVOLIO / HOLY FATHER - Malvolio is Olivia’s uptight steward who dreams above his station and is hilariously duped into thinking Olivia loves him. A tragicomic figure. May double as a priest/confessor character.
ANTONIO / SHIP’S CAPTAIN / ATTENDANTS - Antonio is a devoted friend and possible love interest to Sebastian.