Proposals for 2026 season due by February 21, 2025
Shakespeare in Delaware Park (SDP) is seeking directors “with a clear artistic vision or interpretation of a Shakespeare play” for their 2026 summer season.
Since the retirement of the SDP founder, Saul Elkin, the popular summer theater has gone to a model in which a volunteer panel of theater industry professionals and community members review submissions from directors, outlining production concepts for a Shakespeare play.
After an initial scoring round, candidates may be asked to present their concept and interview with the panel as finalists. Two are chosen for full production in the summer season.
Past selections have included Kate Powers’ rendering of The Winter’s Tale and Lawrence Gregory Smith’s “Laugh-In” inspired Comedy of Errors in 2024; and Virginia Monte’s musicalized 1940s rendition of Measure for Measure, and Chris Kelly’s youthful Romeo and Juliet in 2023.
Entries must be submitted by February 21, 2025
The “Artistic Panel” will review materials this spring.
Find the application at:
Submission Requirements:
● The production must be a play written by William Shakespeare
● The performance length should not exceed 2 hours and 15 minutes
● The cast size should not exceed 20
Successful Submissions:
● Present a clear concept focused on Audience Appeal, Artistic Merit, Organizational Identity, and Feasibility
● Demonstrate a strong understanding of the play and its complexities
● Are inclusive of diverse audiences and reflect conversations on inclusivity
● Provide clear vision for casting (i.e., gender, age, race, etc.)
Proposals must include:
● Resume & Bio
● Application
● Written Concept - including what, when, where, etc. (not to exceed 2 pages)
● Any additional materials – i.e., “Look Book,” visual concepts
The scoring rubric used by the SDP artistic panel can be found here:
Submit all materials to: sdpoffice@shakespeareindelawarepark.org