AUBURN – Open auditions for two one-act plays directed by Araminta Star Matthews and produced by Toby Haber will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 28-29, at the First Universalist Church.

There will be cold readings only at the auditions, scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. The First Universalist Church is at 169 Pleasant St.

One play, “When Shakespeare’s Ladies Meet,” by Charles George, offers opportunities to play one of Shakespeare’s leading ladies. The wise and loving Portia of “The Merchants of Venice.” Confident and self-assured Katherine of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Savvy and powerful Cleopatra in “Antony and Cleopatra.” Scattered and tragic Ophelia of “Hamlet.” “Betrayed Desdemona of “Othello.” Or, an altruistic Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet.”

The other play, “Best Bed,” by Tim Kelly, features a cast of 8 women, including Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s modest and devoted wife despite their long separation; Dorothy, Anne’s loyal and sometimes snide housemaid; and Shakespeare’s daughters, Susanna and Judith, both beloved of their belated father. Also, Marchette, sister of Shakespeare’s lawyer and a town gossip; and Virginia, Prudence and Nell, Anne’s busybody neighbors who are eager to learn how Anne is dealing with her husband having left her only his “second best bed” in his will.

Some actors chosen for one play may be asked to perform in both. Men are welcome to audition for female roles, as was often done in Shakespearean times. While both plays are suitable viewing for youth ages 12 and up, auditioners should be 14 or older. Production will be mounted in mid-October.