For Artists

General Auditions

General auditions are held annually in the fall, at the NAC in Ottawa. Details on how to submit are posted here 4-6 weeks prior to the auditions. Actors may audition for Artistic Director Nina Lee Aquino a maximum of once every three years. Please note we do not accept self-tapes as general auditions.

2024 General Auditions: December 10-13. Learn more. 

Stage Management

Those interested in working with us in a stage management capacity (including apprenticeships) are encouraged to reach out to production@nac-cna.ca with an expression of interest.

Production pitches and script submissions 

NAC English Theatre welcomes production pitches and script submissions for further development or production consideration. All materials received during each season are carefully reviewed by the Artistic Director and a select group of professional dramaturgs (Dramaturg’s Circle) during our annual review period.

Submissions timeline: Our season generally runs from September to May, with our annual review period occurring from June to August. Submissions received after May 31 may be deferred to the review period for the following season.

Will I get a response to my submission? If you request a response, you can expect to hear back by the end of summer or early fall. If no response is requested and we’re not interested, you will not receive a reply. Rest assured, if we’re interested in your work, we will reach out using the contact information provided.

Submission requirements

To ensure proper assessment of your submission, please include the following details:

  1. Play title
  2. Creator(s)
  3. Point person
    If different from the creator, please include their name, position, the name of the theatre company/collective (if applicable), and their email address.
  4. Type of submission 
    Please indicate whether your submission is:
    • a new work seeking production partners for its premiere;
    • an existing production that has already premiered (or is slated to premiere) and you are seeking future presenters; or
    • a standalone script not currently slated for production; in this case, please clarify whether you are submitting for development or production consideration.
  5. Script submission format
    Attach your script to the email as a PDF.
  6. Production submission format
    Include a link to an archival video recording on either YouTube (unlisted) or Vimeo (include password if necessary).  
    • Important: Do not set expiration dates on the links, as the review timeline is flexible, and we need continuous access to your materials. We will treat all submissions with care and confidentiality, shared only with the Artistic Director and the Dramaturg’s Circle.
  7. Optional materials
    • Technical riders
    • Press clippings (features or reviews)

Make your submission personal

We encourage you to personalize your pitch by including the following:

  • What is your work about? What’s the original story or inspiration behind it?
  • Any development history for the work?
  • Are there any producing partners involved (pending or confirmed)?

Please share your relationship with the NAC (past or present). Why do you want to bring your work here? Why this piece? Why now? At English Theatre, we view every piece we stage as a love letter to a specific audience or community. Who is your work for? Don’t be afraid to be specific!

Where to submit?

Email all pitches and submissions to Nina Lee Aquino (she/her), Artistic Director, English Theatre

For further inquiries or to request accommodations with your submission, please contact Judi Pearl.