Colorado Shakespeare Festival Seeks Small Dog Stars

Festival to hold auditions for two canine performers in "Shakespeare in Love" production

Feb. 25, 2026 at 2:07am

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The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is holding auditions for two small dogs under 20 pounds to appear in its upcoming production of "Shakespeare in Love." The festival is seeking dogs that can follow commands and steal the spotlight by jumping on actors. Selected applicants will be notified prior to the March 28 auditions, and the chosen pups will receive a stipend and complimentary tickets.

Why it matters

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a beloved cultural institution in the state, and the inclusion of canine performers in one of its productions is an innovative way to engage audiences and bring a fresh perspective to the Bard's works. The festival's return to the newly renovated Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre is also an exciting development for theater-goers in the region.

The details

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is seeking two small dogs under 20 pounds that can follow commands and are ready to steal the spotlight by jumping on actors during its production of "Shakespeare in Love." Interested dog owners can complete an audition form by March 23, and selected applicants will be notified prior to the March 28 auditions. The chosen pups will receive a stipend and complimentary tickets.

  • The Colorado Shakespeare Festival's 2026 season runs from June 7 to August 2.
  • "Shakespeare in Love" opens on June 28 and runs through August 1.

The players

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

A beloved cultural institution in Colorado that is returning to the newly renovated Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre for its 2026 season.

"Shakespeare in Love"

A production based on the Oscar-winning film that will be part of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival's 2026 season.

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What’s next

The festival will hold dog auditions on March 28, and the selected canine performers will be announced prior to that date.

The takeaway

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival's decision to include small dogs in its production of "Shakespeare in Love" demonstrates the institution's commitment to innovation and engaging audiences in new and exciting ways. This move also highlights the festival's role as a cultural touchstone in the state and its ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its Shakespearean roots.