YOUNG SHAKESPEARE’S THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Rehearsals: Begin May 19, 2026
Performances: June 20 - 29, 2026
TBD
Young Shakespeare is an intensive summer performance group for students aged 13-19, but we definitely have had younger experienced students audition in the past. Please let us know if you have any questions. A month-long rehearsal period culminates in a student-performed, professionally-staged production at TBD. The program is now in its 18th consecutive year.
Video auditions accepted until May 10, 2026. youngshakespeare@austinshakespeare.org.
Email youngshakespeare@austinshakespeare.org to submit your headshot and resume to apply and please be sure to complete the form on this page. If you do not have a headshot, please send a recent picture. You can send a school picture or simply take a picture from the shoulders up.
The show is directed by Austin Shakespeare professional directors and students receive training in Shakespeare performance. Costumes, sets and lighting are professionally designed.
Young Shakespeare is a tuition-based program, with reasonable rates.
“Each summer we are amazed by the young talent that develops in this professional setting. Teens transform together through six weeks of training in Shakespeare text analysis, voice and diction, movement.”
− Nancy Owens, Former Co-Director Young Shakespeare
Rehearsal & Performance Dates:
Evening and weekend rehearsals begin May 20, 2026: Rehearsals are Monday-Thursday evenings and Saturday/Sunday afternoons. Rehearsal location(s) are yet to be determined.
There will be seven (7) performances June 21-30, 2026: Performances are Thursdays through Sundays at 8 pm at TBD.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Shylock A Jewish moneylender in Venice who has been embittered by years of abuse at the hands of Venetian Christians —- Antonio, the merchant, in particular. Shylock is an outsider, an immigrant, an alien driven to irrationality.
Antonio A prosperous Venetian merchant. Because of his love for Bassanio, borrows money from Shylock. Antonio agrees to guarantee the loan with one pound of his own flesh. Admirable, generous, kind - but not to Jews.
Portia A wealthy noblewoman who lives outside of Venice, attracted to Bassanio but frustrated by her father's will that binds her to marry whoever solves The Riddle of a Woman with three locked boxes. Beautiful, clever, and determined. Dresses as a man to perform as a lawyer in the famous trial.
Bassanio A Venetian nobleman and close friend to Antonio, wishes to pursue the noble Portia but cannot afford to do so, therefor Bassanio seeks a loan from
Antonio Charming, likeable, attractive - a hustler.
Gratiano An unrefined, loud friend of Bassanio, falls in love with Portia’s assistant, Nerissa
Jessica Shylock's daughter, longing to leave the restrictions of her culture, the Jewish ghetto and her angry, resentful father, she disrespects and robs him, eloping with Lorenzo, a Christian. She converts to Christianity.
Lorenzo A friend to Bassanio and Antonio, in love with Jessica. Lorenzo elopes with her, with no qualms about taking money and precious items that she has stolen from her father.
Nerissa Portia's assistant and confidante, ultimately marries Gratiano.
Launcelot Gobbo-Clown A clownish employee to Shylock, leaves Shylock to work for Bassanio.
Salerio A Venetian nobleman, friendly with Antonio, Bassanio, Gratiano, and Lorenzo.
Solanio A Venetian nobleman and good friend of Salerio.
Prince of Morocco and Prince of Aragon Suitors to Portia. Both fail to solve the riddle!
Duke of Venice Presides over the trial of Antonio, attempts to persuade Shylock to show Antonio mercy but eventually follows the law and doesn’t make an exception to help Antonio.
Old Gobbo-Clown Launcelot's blind father.
Tubal A Jew, Shylock's sole friend and confidante during the course of the play.
Balthazar Portia’s servant who obtains her letters of introduction and male costume. Balthazar is also the name Portia takes when she impersonates a male lawyer at court.