*Cleveland Shakespeare Festival Announces Auditions for their 18th Season of Free Outdoor Theater* We are seeking a company of intelligent, energetic and imaginative actors of all races and ethnicities for two touring outdoor productions: *The Life of Timon of Athens* – adapted and directed by David Hansen Performance Dates June 5-28 Rehearsals begin May 3 Touring to twelve different outdoor venues across Northeast Ohio *Seeking 5 men/4 women* 4 MEN 20s 3 WOMEN 20s 1 MAN 40-60 1 WOMAN 40-60 Also, we are seeking an additional actor who is a skilled guitarist (M or F). Musicians, please be prepared to perform eight bars, preferably late 1960s R&B Timon was the most admired man on campus — and generous to a fault. Betrayed by his friends, he abandons civilization and goes “back-to-the-land”. As unrest grows in Athens, both sides appeal for his help. Set at a certain state university in 1970 against a backdrop of unpopular war and student unrest, “The Life of Timon of Athens” is a hilarious history of hip hypocrisy. *The Merchant of Venice* – adapted and directed by Scott Miller Performance Dates July 17 – August 2 Touring to eight different outdoor venues across Northeast Ohio *Seeking 7 men/4 women of various ages* Also, we are seeking an additional actor who is a skilled guitarist (M or F). Musicians, please be prepared to perform eight bars, preferably classical Filled with contrasts and controversy, containing comic elements mixed with trenchant comment on the nature of intolerance, justice and forgiveness, this is a play not easily categorized. The merchant Antonio is approached for a loan by his dear friend Bassanio so that he may woo an heiress in another city. Antonio, cash-poor until his ships return from their trade route, in turn borrows from the moneylender Shylock, who sees in this arrangement the possibility to exact a gruesome revenge for the years of injustice he’s suffered at the hands of Antonio and the rest of the city. Auditions will be held at CleveShakesFest Headquarters: Coventry Commons (formerly known as Coventry Grammar School) Ensemble Theater Center 2843 Washington Blvd. Cleveland Hts. OH 44118 *Evening Auditions on Friday, April 10 – 6pm to 9pmAfternoon Auditions on Sunday, April 12 – 2pm to 5pm* No appointment necessary. Artists will be seen in the order of sign in. There are no AEA contracts available. No housing is provided. All actors and production staff are paid a modest stipend. Actors may participate in either or both productions. Prepare two contrasting monologues. Total delivery time of both monologues combined should not exceed three minutes. At least one of your two monologues must be from the works of Shakespeare. For consideration, bring TWO COPIES of each - head shot & resume, and please also bring *any & all possible* known conflicts between the dates of May 3 & July 16 AND Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through August 2. *Call Backs* will be Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30pm For more information about auditions and our full touring schedule, visit our website at www.cleveshakes.org. If you have questions, are interested in volunteering or joining us in any other capacity, please email info@cleveshakes.org. We hope to see you there. Break a Leg!