Feb 20, 2026 - News

CU Boulder seeks dogs for Shakespeare role

Mitchell Byars

Black and white dog wearing a paper mask of a man with a ruffled collar, partially obscuring the dog's face, standing on a paved surface with another dog in the background. — A dog wears a William Shakespeare mask in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Photo: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

Where art thou, Fido? The University of Colorado Boulder is searching for two dogs to star in this summer's Colorado Shakespeare Festival.

Why it matters: You always thought your dog was destined for the spotlight; now is your chance to prove it.

State of play: The Colorado Shakespeare Festival will cast two small pups to play the part of "The Dog" in a production of "Shakespeare in Love," based on the 1998 film.

Dogs must be less than 20 pounds and able to follow commands, including jumping on actors.
The dogs' humans will get a stipend and complimentary tickets.
Owners must complete the dog audition form by March 23, and finalists will move on to auditions March 28.

If you go: The Colorado Shakespeare Festival this year runs from June 7 to Aug. 2.

The festival opens in the newly renovated Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre "Twelfth Night," followed by "Julius Caesar" follows at the Roe Green Theatre.
The season concludes with two contemporary works: "Shakespeare in Love" and "Friends/Romans/Countrymen."

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CU Boulder seeks dogs for Shakespeare role

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