David Conrad (Richard II) with Non-Equity Company members Maria Kelly (Queen Isabel) and Michael Earle (Green) in the Main Stage production of Richard II. Photo: Gerry Goodstein, 2004.

The Non-Equity Company is the highest tier of summer training for young professional actors at The Shakespeare Theatre. Each season, approximately five to ten actors are selected to participate in this experiential program, serving as the principal support for The Shakespeare Theatre’s Equity Company in all productions, and earning EMC points.

During the Summer Professional Training Program, members of the Non-Equity Company also have the opportunity to appear in Late-Nite Series performances, including directing intern projects and the company cabaret.

In general, members of the Non-Equity Company have earned or are in the final stages of completing their MFA in acting, or have equivalent experience, including participation in other training programs at The Shakespeare Theatre.

Admission to this highly selective program is by audition or invitation only.

Select from the following menu of links to learn more about being a member of the Non-Equity Company:

• Housing
• Stipends
• Audition/Application Process
• Typical Roles
• Future Opportunities at The Theatre

Housing for Non-Equity Company members may be located on the Drew University campus or in rental houses in the town of Madison, a short walk from The Theatre. Each company housing location includes a single bedroom, access to a shared living area, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry facilities.

All company members enjoy access to campus facilities, including the library and athletic center, as well as to Madison's charming downtown.

Stipends

Because the Non-Equity Company is an experiential program, with participants honing their craft in the rehearsal room and on stage with seasoned professionals, there is no tuition for this program. Limited stipends are available for members of the Non-Equity Company.

Audition/Application Process

Admission into the Non-Equity Company is by audition only. Auditions are by appointment, and are scheduled from February through April. You may call 973-408-3278 with additional questions.

To be considered for the Non-Equity Company, please submit a resume, headshot and cover letter to:

Joe Discher, Associate Artistic Director

ATTN: Non-Equity Company
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
36 Madison Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940

Typical Roles
Specific roles obviously change from season to season, but here are some roles performed by members of the Non-Equity Company and Non-Equity Company alumni in the 2006 season:

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Non-Equity Roles:
Alfred, Tragedians, Horatio, Soldier

The Taming of the Shrew (On the Outdoor Stage)
Non-Equity Roles:
Hortensio, Bianca, Nathaniel, Gregory, Merchant, Haberdasher

Equity roles played by Non-Equity Company Alumni:

Petruchio, Tranio, Biondello,Peter, Philip, Widow

The Cherry Orchard

Non-Equity Roles:

Yasha, Dunyasha, Tramp, Station Master, Post Office Clerk, Servants

Equity roles played by Non-Equity Company Alumni:

Anya, Trofimof

The Rivals

Non-Equity Roles:

David, Thomas, Errand Boy, Maids, Servants

Equity roles played by Non-Equity Company Alumni:

Bob Acres, Faulkland, Captain Jack Absolute, Fag

Richard III
Non-Equity Roles:
Herbert, Brackenbury, Bishop of Ely, Surrey, Dorset, Catesby, Blunt, Norfolk, Rivers, Tyrrel, Grey, Prince Edward, Duke of York

Pride and Prejudice
Non-Equity Roles:
Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Georgianna Darcy, Maria Lucas, Charlotte Lucas, Sir William Lucas, Lady Lucas, Mrs. Hurst, Harriet Long, Colonel Forster, Anne DeBourgh, Miss Bingley, Mr. Blake, Capt. Denny, Mr. Hurst, Lucy, Dorrie
Equity roles played by Non-Equity Company Alumni:
Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Collins, Lydia Bennet

Cymbeline
Non-Equity Roles:
Caius Lucius, Philario, Soothsayer, Gaoler, Second Lord, Frenchman, Spaniard, Ghosts, Soldiers

Equity roles played by Non-Equity Company Alumni:
Guiderius, Arviragus, Posthumus Leonatus, Pisanio, Cornelius, First Lord,

Future Opportunities
Actors who participate in the Non-Equity Company are considered for future Main Stage productions and the Shakespeare LIVE! touring company in subsequent seasons. Numerous Non-Equity members have returned to The Shakespeare Theatre in subsequent seasons, and many have gained their Equity cards in subsequent seasons at The Shakespeare Theatre.