YOUNGSTOWN, OH (March 9, 2026): The Youngstown Playhouse has announced auditions for the next production that will be performing at The Playhouse Downtown: The Shark is Broken. This will be the Playhouse’s second production in their newly updated Downtown Space on the third floor of the historic Morley Building above the Ballet Western Reserve studios (220 W. Boardman St. Youngstown, OH 44503). Director Brendan Boyle is seeking three male presenting actors to portray real life actors Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider in this hilarious comedy that takes us behind the filming of the first blockbuster – “JAWS”. Performers attending the auditions should be prepared to read scenes from the play with other actors. Auditions will be held from 6:00-9:00pm on Monday, April 6th and Tuesday, April 7th in the Moyer Room of the Youngstown Playhouse (600 Playhouse Lane Youngstown, OH 44511).

For a full character breakdown and to sign up for an audition slot, please visit youngstownplayhouse.org/audition. All roles are open. Questions regarding auditions will be answered by contacting the Production Stage Manager, Shawn Lockaton, at renthedd525@aol.com. Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, April 19th at a to be determined time. Performances of The Shark is Broken will take place June 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 7:30pm and June 21 and 28 at 2:30pm at The Playhouse Downtown located on the third floor above the Ballet Western Reserve Studios (220 W. Boardman St. Youngstown, OH 44503).

In The Shark is Broken, we step aboard the Orca during the filming of “JAWS” and find the lead actors – theatre veteran Robert Shaw and young Hollywood hotshots Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider – who are crammed into a too-small boat, entirely at the mercy of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star. Alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare on a chaotic voyage that just might lead to cinematic magic… if it doesn’t sink them all.

The production team for The Shark is Broken is committed to celebrating individuals’ talents and consciously creating equal and inclusive opportunities for performers. As such, performers of any and all races, nationalities, gender identities, sexual orientations, body types, religious affiliations, and performers with mental or physical disabilities are strongly encouraged to audition. If special accommodations are needed to support an audition and/or involvement in the production, please email Production Stage Manager Shawn Lockaton at renthedd525@aol.com before auditions so those accommodations can be arranged.