Something Rotten!
Title of Show: Something Rotten!
Synopsis: 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. Please note that this show contains
kissing, sexual innuendo, some swearing, and a dangerous amount of iambic pentameter.
Consider it PG-13
Director: Kristina McCloskey
Music Director: Juan-Carols Alarcan
Choreographer: Nathan Mittleman
Ages Called: adults
We are seeking a group of passionate and talented folks to join us on this mission to bring an over-the-top, goofy and genuine musical to life. We encourage actors of all backgrounds to
audition and are seeking an inclusive cast featuring folx of all body types, abilities, gender
identities, and ethnicities.
AUDITIONS
Tuesday, April 19 (6-9 PM) @ SBCT
Callbacks: Wednesday, April 20 (6-9 PM)
Callbacks will include a dance call (learning a short piece of choreography together) with our choreographer and some scene work with our director. We may ask you to sing some songs from the show as needed depending on character.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
- First Rehearsal: May 16, 2022
- Rehearsals are Sunday-Thursday; 6:30-9:30 PM
- Tech Week: July 9-15, 2022
LIVE SHOWS
- Friday, July 15 @ 7:30 pm
- Saturday, July 16 @ 7:30 pm
- Sunday, July 17 @ 2:00 pm
- Wednesday, July 20 @ 7:30 pm
- Thursday, July 21 @ 7:30 pm
- Friday, July 22 @ 7:30 pm
- Saturday, July 23 @ 7:30 pm
- Sunday, July 24 @ 2:00 pm
- Friday, July 29 @ 7:30 pm
- Saturday, July 30 @ 7:30 pm
- Sunday, July 31 @ 2:00 pm
What to prepare
- Please prepare 16-32 bars of a song that you have a whole helluva lot of fun singing. We will have an accompanist available during auditions, and you are also welcome to bring a recorded backing track if you’d like. We will also have some short scenes from the show for you to read with us – no need to memorize.
Advice for Audtions
- Stuck in your head? Take some deep breaths and stretch your arms up above your head. Doing some jumping jacks or some pushups against a wall can help you connect with your diaphragmatic breath and get into your body.
- Commit commit commit! If you’re aiming to create a memorable and funny character or humor moment, the best advice I can give is to fully commit and make it real and very serious to your character. That commitment will help your humor and timing shine!
- Bring a bottle of water with you — especially important for singing.
- Listen to the soundtrack (available on Youtube and Spotify) and review the plot summary of the show so you are familiar with the story.
- Be supportive and kind to all others you see at auditions — remember that we are looking to put teams together, so that makes you potential future teammates!
ROLES
Regarding these character descriptions — please note that while CHARACTER genders are set, we are open to any and all who want to audition for any character they identify with. All ages are suggestions and will be adjusted as needed for the sake of our casting. If you have any questions about what you’d best be considered for, please feel free to reach out to the Director directly at mccloskey.kristina@gmail.com.
Nick Bottom (mid-20s to late 30s), Male: A frustrated Renaissance writer at his wit’s end, trapped in Shakespeare’s shadow. Passionate, at times goofy, and competitive. Nigel’s older brother and Bea’s husband. Baritone. Tap experience a plus.
Nigel Bottom (early 20s to 30s) Male: An adorably sincere, sometimes awkward poet. Initially he’s very nervous and humble, yet slowly gains confidence through poetry and love over the course of the show. High Barotine/Tenor.
Will Shakespeare (mid-20s to 30s) Male: A strutting, swaggering, Renaissance Rockstar. Preferably will use an English accent. Witty, smouldering. High Baritone/Tenor. Tap experience a plus.
Bea Bottom (mid-20s to 30s) Female: A capable and charismatic woman determined to live her own way in Elizabethan England (even at times dressing as a man). Suffers no fools, except sometimes Nick, because she loves him. Nick’s wife. Mezzo Soprano, belter.
Portia (early 20s to 30s) Female: A bright young Puritan woman who can’t help her passionate love of poetry. Romantic, a dreamer, and knows what she wants. Soprano with healthy mix.
Nostradamus (40s to 60s) Any gender: A soothsayer who can predict the future…almost…kinda. Goofy at times, wise at others. Tap experience a plus, but not required. Music written for a Baritone.
Brother Jeremiah (40s to 50s) Male: A tightly, tightly laced Puritan who despises playwrights, poets, and all things “ungodly”. Portia’s father. Tenor/Baritone.
Ensemble: Looking for an enthusiastic and flexible group of actors to portray an acting troupe, Shylock, Minstrel, Lord/Lady Claphan, townspeople, Renaissance writers, Bard Boys, and more. Tap experience a plus!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- If offsite, will either meet at SBCT and walk, or enter through side door of church.
- Will be expected to stay entire time/drop in
- Must wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes (if musical with dance)