The Merchant of Venice (Jesus College Shakespeare Project)
Content Warnings: frequent Anti-Semitic language and behaviour; xenophobic and racist language and behaviour; homophobia and repression of sexuality; coercive (and potentially predatory) behaviour; sexual innuendo; violence and allusions to death; weapons; loud noises
Venue/Dates of Show: 28-29 November (MT25 7th week), Jesus College Hall
Deadline: Sunday 12 October at 5pm
Audition Type: Self-tape (first round); In person (callbacks)
Link to Audition Pack: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4WqrMS2Sun
We are looking for a large, diverse, and gender-balanced cast from across the university to stage Shakespeare's powerful exploration of commerce and prejudice ‘The Merchant of Venice’ to open the 2025/2026 Jesus College Shakespeare Project season. Freshers and those new to OUDS encouraged especially to audition. To find out more about the Jesus College Shakespeare Project, head here.
We are pleased to have the involvement of the College’s EDI and interfaith teams and are planning events to run alongside it promoting interfaith dialogue, focusing on interrogating uncomfortable narratives and works of art, as well as the College’s development of training into countering Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. If you have any questions or ideas about this, please drop an e-mail to peter.sutton@jesus.ox.ac.uk.
Callbacks will be in 1st week with rehearsal beginning in 2nd week and performances at the end of 7th week MT25 (28-29 November) in Jesus College Hall (key dates on audition form link).
CASTING NOTE: we are looking for a diverse and gender-balanced cast of approximately 19 actors. For most parts, any actor can audition for any part regardless of identity and background. Please note that there are specific casting requirements for Shylock, Jessica, Tubal and the Prince of Morocco. We are particularly keen to encourage those from under-represented backgrounds to apply. You can find full information about the play, including synopsis and a character list, here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Merchant_of_Venice.