Play Date

A No-Pressure Afternoon of Theater

Share your work and get to know Shakespeare & Friends

August 17
1-4 PM
Tryon Depot Room * 22 Depot St, Tryon, NC

  • Just like a traditional audition, you'll perform your piece when it’s your turn—sharing it with fellow performers and the Shakespeare & Friends directors. Each performer will have 3 minutes, whether presenting a solo monologue or part of a scene (e.g., 2 people = 6 minutes, 3 people = 9 minutes). Time permitting, additional selections may be allowed.

  • Sign Up Here!

    Advanced sign-ups are encouraged but not required. Participants will be assigned an audition slot at either 1 PM, 2 PM, or 3 PM.

    We encourage all participants to be present as long as possible and support fellow performers. At the end of each hour, there will be time for informal discussion, networking, and-importantly-snacks.

    Time permitting, we may be able to accommodate multiple performances. Please sign up for each selection separately.

  • You may present a scene or monologue from any medium—TV, film, a classic or contemporary play, or even an original work. Pieces should be kept to a PG-13 rating. You’re welcome to perform with a script or memorized.

    Selections should be approximately 3 minutes or less per person.

    If you're performing a scene and need additional readers, let us know—we’re happy to help pair you up.

    Need help choosing a piece? Reach out and let us know!

    Depending on time, we may be able to accommodate multiple selections. Please sign up for each scene separately.

  • The Play Date will be held at the Tryon Depot, at 22 Depot Street. Ample free parking is available in the adjacent lot or along the surrounding streets.

    The Depot Room is an indoor space with ramp access.

    The Depot Room is in walking distance of Tryon’s restaurants and coffee shops, so get to town early!

  • If you require additional details, please email us or text or call production manager Michelle Newman at 828-817-2897.

You know that scene you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t had the chance to be in the show? Is there a monologue you’ve been saving, but the right audition hasn’t come around? Or have you always wanted to try out theater without the commitment of a production?

Join us for our first PLAY DATE, a no-pressure afternoon of theater and community. Perform a scene or monologue from any play, movie, or other medium that’s caught your imagination. All experience levels are welcome-just bring us your best work.

This is not your typical audition. We’re not casting for a specific show—we’re creating space to meet new actors, reconnect with familiar faces, and spark creative conversations. Think of this as a chance to show us what inspires you, and to hear what others in the community are excited about.

We are building future seasons, and we want to know: What roles light you up? What kinds of stories do you want to tell? Come share your voice, meet fellow artists, and help shape what’s next for Shakespeare & Friends

Save your performance spot