About The Hanover Theatre Repertory
An initiative of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep) engages, entertains and energizes audiences with dynamic theatrical events made in and for Worcester, MA with a focus on classics, modern-classics and classics-inspired works.
About Worc at Play
Worc at Play welcomes applicants ages 18+ for a tuition-free classical actor training and performance program, offered in partnership with The Hanover Theatre Conservatory.
Applicants of all backgrounds and all skill levels are warmly encouraged to apply, including absolute beginners.
Ideal Worc at Play applicants are:
- Residents of greater Worcester/Worcester county 18 or older
- Diverse in age, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation, immigrant status and lived experience
- Not affiliated with or a member of Actors’ Equity Association
- Comfortable speaking and reading English as a first, second or subsequent language — accents welcome
- Disciplined, rigorous and reliable
- Available for and eager to commit to a demanding schedule
Selected applicants form a small cohort that studies with Livy Scanlon, the artistic director of THT Rep, during a four-week training period. Students learn the fundamentals of acting in classical texts, such as Shakespeare, and at the end of the training period, join the cast of a THT Rep production.
Additionally, Worc at Play trainees receive:
- Full student benefits of The Hanover Theatre Conservatory
- Professional headshot
- $500 stipend (returning students only)
Worc at Play is fully subsidized, meaning the program is available at absolutely no cost. Selected applicants receive professional, conservatory-style actor training and a professional performance opportunity, all tuition-free.
Due to the professional nature of the program, trainees are required to meet rigorous standards regarding attendance and preparation. Failure to meet expectations will result in dismissal from the program.
Worc at Play 2025 Dates and Production
The 2025 training period is from Wednesday, February 12 – Monday, March 10, 2025. Class will be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights from 6pm – 9pm on the campus of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory, including the Jean McDonough Arts Center. Validated garage parking is available.
The 2025 production is Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Brendon Fox.
Worc at Play 2025 Audition Information
Audition date and time:
Thu Jan 30, 2025
15 Minute Appointments Between 6 PM – 9PM
Jean McDonough Arts Center
20 Franklin Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Federal Plaza Garage
570 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
For your audition, please memorize and be prepared to act 10-20 lines of Shakespeare to the best of your ability, even if you’re an absolute beginner! We want to see your natural instincts, talents, stage presence and potential for growth as a performer.
Please note: Your 10-20 lines should be in the form of a monologue, meaning all the lines appear in a row and are spoken by the same character. For a convenient listing of monologues, visit www.shakespeare-monologues.org/.
Additionally, please be prepared to share any other performance skills you may have, like juggling, singing, dancing, magic, etc.
Finally, please be prepared to share why you want to be part of this program.
Please click here or copy and paste https://forms.office.com/r/arLpnHwnVD into your browser, then follow the instructions provided. If you have a question or need assistance, please email [email protected] with subject line Worc at Play Auditions. Thank you!