Singing Audition for "Something Rotten" Show

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 who sings – tap dance skill a plus. Vocal range: top G4, bottom A2

Nick’s young​er 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: top A4, bottom Eb3

A renaissance rock star. Classic Mick Jagger type performer. ​William Shakespeare is both the real life author of many plays and rival to Nick Bottom. Shakespeare, also referred to as “The Bard” throughout the show, gets all of the praise and attention from his adoring fans leaving writers like Nick and Nigel in his shadow. ​Seeking a comedic actor with a pop/rock voice style, tap dance skills a plus. Vocal range: top Ab4, bottom Ab2

Nick’s wife and “Right Hand Man”. She loves and supports him despite his questionable decision making and lack of success. Bea resorts to dressing up like a male to make ends meet for her growing family. She is a strong leader and a powerful woman who is quite persuasive when she wants to be. She ultimately saves the day. Comedic acting a plus. Vocal range: top D5, bottom D3

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. ​Portia and Nigel set out to convince Jeremiah and the other puritans that they should be together rather than following the “star-crossed lovers” idea​. ​Comedic actress who sings well. Vocal range: top F#5, bottom G3

A soothsayer who “​almost”​ sees the future correctly. A bit loony. This character predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Seeking a comedic performer who sings and moves very well.

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. The performer playing the Minstrel will also play other roles in the show. Vocal range: top A4, bottom C#3

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. He despises playwrights, poets and all things ungodly. Seeking a comedic actor who sings. Vocal range: top G4, bottom G3

(non-singing role) Lord Clapham is a flamboyant theatre producer. Comic speaking role. Master of Justice is a judge who later over sees the Bottom Brother’s case. throughout the show.

(possible non-singing role) 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 must watch out or he could be hanged. An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt. Comic character.