Much Ado About Nothing (Jesus College Shakespeare Project)
Content Warnings: misogynistic language, sexual innuendo, grief, weapons, loud noises
Venue/Dates of Show: 20-21 February (HT26 5th week) Jesus College Hall, and on tour, 14 March (HT26 8th week) Solihull School Shakespeare Festival
Deadline: Monday 1 December at 12noon
Audition Type: Self-tape (first round); In person (callbacks)
Description: We are looking for a large, diverse, and gender-balanced cast from across the university to stage 'Much Ado About Nothing', Shakespeare's great comedy relocated to Regency England as the second production of the 2025/2026 Jesus College Shakespeare Project season. Freshers and those new to OUDS encouraged especially to audition.
Following callbacks in 8th week HT26, rehearsals will start in 0th week HT26 with performances in Oxford at the end of 5th week HT26 and then a further performance as part of our Access and Outreach work for the Solihull School Shakespeare Festival on 14 Mar (end of 8th week) with some revision rehearsals in 8th week (key dates in the form below). Please note we are looking for the same cast for both the Oxford run and tour performance.
Please note: the characters of Beatrice and Benedick, and Claudio and Hero have on-stage kisses which will be directed by a professional intimacy co-ordinator.
You can find full information about the play, including synopsis and a character list, here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Much_Ado_About_Nothing
*TO AUDITION (DEADLINE: MON 1 DECEMBER AT 12NOON)*
1) Please fill in the audition form in the link
2) Send a self-tape of you performing TWO of the SIX speeches in the Google Doc link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qNR0wQ5ZNX_DlvHS4gV7IASDFLSge8jbCq8P48P50Xw/edit?usp=sharing to peter.sutton@jesus.ox.ac.uk.
Callbacks will take place on Thursday 4 December at 12noon (until around 2.00pm) and at 6.00pm (until around 8.00pm) in the Habakkuk Room, Jesus College. Those not selected for callbacks will also be informed. If you are unavailable for either of these callback times, please let us know to organise a separate time in 8th week.
Link to Audition Pack: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Q2J8XfSj0s