Pups Take the Stage: CSF holds dog auditions for “Shakespeare in Love”

Twenty-three pups competed for a starring role in the 2026 Colorado Shakespeare Festival production of Shakespeare in Love—one of first events in the newly renovated Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival (CSF) welcomed some of Boulder’s most talented four-legged performers to campus March 28 for a unique casting call: auditions for the role of “The Dog” in the 2026 production of Shakespeare in Love.

Twenty-three dogs competed for the spotlight at the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, which hosted its first official event since closing in 2023 for a two-year, $105 million renovation. Two small dogs will share the role, with the winners announced in April.

“So many adorable, amazing pups auditioned,” said Tim Orr, producing artistic director for CSF. “This will be a tough decision.” The lucky pups will be announced in April.

The auditions offered a sneak peek at the upgraded Rippon Theatre, which will reopen to the public in June with improved accessibility, modern amenities and enhanced audience experiences as part of the Hellems Arts and Sciences building project.

Season and single tickets for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival are on sale now at coloradoshakes.org.