Colorado Shakespeare Festival seeks dog

I think Crab, my dog, be the sourest-natured
dog that lives: my mother weeping, my father
wailing, my sister crying, our maid howling, our cat
wringing her hands, and all our house in a great
perplexity, yet did not this cruel-hearted cur shed
one tear: he is a stone, a very pebble stone, and
has no more pity in him than a dog. (2.3.1)

Calling all dogs!

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is seeking a dog—preferably two dogs—to share the role of “Crab” in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” by William Shakespeare in the 2022 summer season.

Shakespeare wrote one of his greatest clowns in “Two Gents”: the role of Launce, the servant and valet to Proteus. Launce’s best friend is his dog Crab. Crab is in three to four scenes in the play. He mostly comes onto the stage with Launce and lays down.

An older, calm dog who is not excited by large crowds, doesn’t mind bright lights or perhaps sudden noises is desirable. Opinionated barkers need not apply—this is a nonspeaking role.

“The Two Gentlemen of Verona” rehearses on the CU Boulder campus from May 17-June 5. The CSF company will give public performances in the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on the CU Boulder campus from June 5-Aug. 7. A list of specific dates and times can be found on the event page.

CSF is offering a stipend to the owner/handler of $300 for the rehearsal period (the dog won’t be needed at every rehearsal) and $50 per performance, plus 8 complimentary tickets to the season. The handler can also watch the show each night with a guest if seating is available. Backstage handling procedures of the dog will be discussed.

We are hoping to meet interested candidates at the Mary Rippon Theatre on March 27 at 10 a.m. Sign up here.

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting your show-stopping pup soon!