Colorado Shakespeare Festival Seeks Dogs for 'Shakespeare in Love' Role

The festival is holding auditions for two small dogs to share the role of 'The Dog' in the 2026 production.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The University of Colorado Boulder's Colorado Shakespeare Festival has announced open auditions for two small dogs to share the role of 'The Dog' in the 2026 production of 'Shakespeare in Love.' The festival is seeking dogs under 20 pounds that can follow commands and are ready to steal the spotlight by jumping on actors and drawing a crowd. Casting includes a stipend and complementary tickets.

Why it matters

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a beloved cultural institution in Boulder, and the inclusion of canine performers is an innovative way to engage audiences and add whimsy to classic Shakespearean productions. This opportunity also highlights the growing trend of incorporating animals into live theater performances.

The details

Interested dog owners can complete the dog audition form by March 23, and selected applicants will be notified prior to the 3 p.m. auditions on March 28. For the application and more information, dog owners can visit the CU Presents website.

The dog audition form is due by March 23, 2026.
The dog auditions will be held on March 28, 2026 at 3 p.m.

The players