Actors Needed for "Something Rotten" Play Audition
Seeking talent for the "Something Rotten" play. See the details below. About the project: Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten. 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: Sunday, April 26th, 2:00 p.m. - 5 p.m. for callbacks as needed Performance Dates at The Theater at Violet Woods Event Center (formerly the Wigwam Event Center): July 10 - 19, 2026. You will be asked to fill out an audition form. You may attach a resume and picture if you wish (it is not required). Please bring a calendar that includes conflicts. You will have your picture taken, and a number will be assigned to you. Auditions will consist of a music audition and (if you are auditioning for a speaking role) a cold reading audition. Please prepare a song excerpt (approx. 1-2 minutes) for your music audition. Music should be Broadway or Jazz Standard style, but NOT a song from Something Rotten. You may bring your phone with lyrics, a CD, or sheet music for our accompanist. The Director requests that you do not sing a capella. The final cast list will be sent via email by Wednesday night, April 29th, and posted on our website. REHEARSALS: Rehearsals will be held on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, and Sunday afternoons beginning May 1, 2026. ALL cast members MUST attend the first rehearsal to receive their materials, take costume measurements, and complete any paperwork. Tech Week (Sunday through Thursday before Opening Night) will include weeknight rehearsals. If you are interested, please apply.
11 role s
The Bard. Over the top with a huge ego (It’s hard to be The Bard – sexy but hard). Rarely goes anywhere without his 4 back-up singers and dancers. Seeking a comedic actor (improv skills a plus) with a killer pop/rock voice, tap dance skills a plus. (Rock Tenor)
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. Seeking a great comedic actor (improv skills a plus) who sings, tap dance skill a plus. (Baritone)
Nick’s younger brother. A sweetly naïve young writer and poet, perhaps a little awkward. He falls in love with Portia and ultimately finds confidence in himself through art and love. Seeking a great comedic actor (improv skills a plus) who sings very well. (High baritone/tenor).
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 and to prove to Nick she can be an actor. Seeking a comedic (improv skills a plus) actress who sings very well. (Belter, mezzo-soprano/alto)
An adorably quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. They fall madly in love with each other over their mutual love for Shakespeare and poetry. Seeking a great comedic actress (improv skills a plus) who sings very well. (Youthful Soprano with a strong mix)
An older soothsayer who almost sees the future correctly. A bit loony. He predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Seeking a comedic actor (improv skills a plus) who sings and moves very well. (Baritone)
The Minstrel will not only sing the opening number but also plays some side characters throughout the show (TBA) and ensemble. Seeking charismatic comedic actor (improv skills a plus). (Baritone)
Portia’s father. A Puritan with deeply repressed homoerotic tendencies. He despises playwrights, poets and all things ungodly. Seeking a great comedic actor who sings. (Baritone).
An old Jewish moneylender. The Bottoms are in debt to him. Traditionally played by “Minstrel” but another member of ensemble may play this character.
A flamboyant theatre producer. Traditionally played by “Minstrel,” but another member of ensemble may play this character.
Seeking quirky character types who are singers. Seeking also a core group of dancers (tap a plus) but directors don’t expect everyone to be experienced dancers. Play multiple roles and special groups (The Bard’s back-up group, the Bottom’s acting troupe, etc…)
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