Casting Call for "Something Rotten" Musical Show
The company is holding auditions for upcoming production of "Something Rotten" and looking for performers, please see the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. About the project: Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Additional info: Please prepare 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Please no pre-recorded music. *Don’t know your vocal range? No worries. Bring your prepared song, and the Music Director might also ask you to sing some scales on the piano.* All auditionees will be asked to learn jazz and simple tap combinations so please bring/wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate to move in (i.e. sneakers or jazz shoes). The show utilizes traditional Broadway-style tap. If you have tap experience, great. If not, that’s ok. Directors will teach you as well as provide you with shoes should you get cast. Please download and fill out the following paperwork to bring with you to the auditions (please see the attachment) If interested, please apply.
19 roles
Male presenting. Tenor or High Baritone. The main protagonist of the show. A struggling renaissance writer at the end of his rope. Nigel’s older brother. Incredibly jealous of the success of William Shakespeare and will do anything to beat him. He is responsible for creating the first musical, Omelette, after guidance from the misguided Nostradamus. Seeking a comedic actor, tap dance skill a plus but not required. Vocal Range bottom: A2, Vocal Range top: G4
Male presenting. A renaissance rock star. He oozes swagger. Think Mick Jagger, Prince, Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz. Seeking a comedic actor with a killer pop/rock voice, tap dance skills a plus but not required. Shakespeare is both the real life author of many plays and rival to Nick Bottom Vocal Range bottom: A2, Vocal Range top: Ab4
Tenor or High Baritone. A soothsayer who “almost” sees the future correctly. A bit loony. This character predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Seeking a dynamic comedic performer who sings and moves very well. Vocal Range Bottom: C3, Vocal range top: F#4
Male presenting, Nick’s younger brother. A sweetly naïve young writer and poet, perhaps a little awkward. He’s not very confident, as shown when he doesn’t think his work is very good despite the outstanding quality of his writing. He is very gullible and can easily be manipulated. He falls in love with Portia and ultimately finds confidence in himself through art and love. Seeking a comedic actor who sings very well. Vocal Range Bottom: Eb3, Vocal range top: A4
Female presenting, A quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. Portia is the only daughter of Brother Jeremiah and the love interest to Nigel Bottom. They fall madly in love with each other over their mutual love for Shakespeare and poetry. Seeking a comedic actor. Vocal Range Bottom: G3, Vocal range top: F#5
The Minstrel is a narrator of sorts for the show with the main purpose of introducing the cast and welcoming the audience to the Renaissance era of the show. This performer opens the first and the second act. Seeking a charismatic actor with a thousand faces. The performer playing the Minstrel will also play other roles in the show. Vocal Range Bottom: C#3, Vocal range top: A4 (ad. Lib. To C5)
Male presenting, The Puritan father of Portia and secondary antagonist in Something Rotten! He is very strict and refuses to let his daughter engage in “fulfilling her lustful desires.” He shows nothing but disrespect towards everyone, but especially playwrights like Nick and Nigel. A deeply repressed Puritan. Seeking a comedic actor. Vocal Range Bottom: G3, Vocal range top: G4
All Voice Types. These characters are individual members and characters within Nick Bottom’s theatrical troupe. Although these particular characters must present as male, they can be played by either male or female performers.
Male presenting. Tenor or Baritone. Member of Bottom’s theatrical troupe who always plays the female characters.
All Voice Types. Lord/Lady Clapham is a flamboyant theatre producer. Comic speaking role. This character may also play other singing/dancing roles throughout the show.
Baritone. Jewish landlord/tax collector who loves theater more than anything. It was illegal at that time to hire someone who was Jewish, so when Nick is forced to hire Shylock, he has to watch out or he could be hanged. An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt. Comic character.
All Voice Types. This small group of singers/dancers play Shakespeare’s entourage. Strong dance abilities preferred. Featured Ensemble Roles
Performers with tap dance training for A Musical, Make an Omelette, The Black Death, and more! Featured Ensemble Roles
Singing and dancing Puritans in the number, We See the Light, as well as other scenes. Featured Ensemble Roles
Actor / Singers who make an appearance in Welcome to the Renaissance Featured Ensemble Roles
Singing / Dancing Ensemble in Will Power Featured Ensemble Roles
Actors / Singer Ensemble in Shakespeare in Court Featured Ensemble Roles
Small Actor / Singer Ensemble in Welcome to America Featured Ensemble Roles
Aside from a few principal characters, most of our cast will also play varied townspeople in different scenes, as well as singing and dancing ensembles. Vocal range for Ensemble males: at least an F4 (some with A4) Vocal range for Ensemble females: at least F5 (More mix & belt as opposed to “legit”) Featured Ensemble Roles
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