AUDITION INFORMATION
THE FOLLOWING AUDITION INFORMATION PERTAINS TO A COMMUNITY THEATRE PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL INDIANA, USA.
SOMETHING ROTTEN
Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell
Music and Lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick
Except where historical significance, age, gender or racial specificity are required by the narrative, all actors will be considered for open roles regardless of gender identity, age or race. While casting decisions are subjective and driven by the vision of the director and the creative team, Civic Theatre is committed to a diverse and inclusive cast, crew, and staff wherever possible. However, we are often contractually constrained from making substantive changes to characters. While we may actively seek a diverse cast, actors should be prepared to execute portrayals in accordance with the script.
Audition Dates
Auditions : June 29 or July 1 @ 7pm
Beginning June 4, 2025, our online audition form will be available. You will fill out the form completely including conflicts (required), headshot and resumé (not required). You will have the opportunity to select your audition date. Twenty-four hours before your selected date, you will be provided with a specific time. Video auditions will be accepted. In general, we cannot arrange for individual times outside of the scheduled auditions. Should we deem it necessary, we MAY schedule alternate dates at a later time.
Callbacks TBD
Details
Director: Michael J. Lasley
Music Director: Brent E. Marty
Choreographer: Anne Beck
Production Dates
Rehearsals:
August 10 - October 2, 2025
In general, rehearsals will be held Sunday 2:00 - 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Monday through Thursday 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. However, there are additional rehearsals on some Fridays and over Labor Day Weekend. Please check conflicts carefully! All actors are not called for all rehearsals. The actual schedule will be determined once the show is cast. NOTE: Days and Times on the conflict list can give a more detailed idea of ALL rehearsal days and times up to Opening Night. Use this for referencing and saving dates aside. You will find rehearsal dates and mark conflicts on the audition form.
Performances: October 3 - 18, 2025
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, and Sundays at 2pm.
What To Prepare:
- Please prepare 16 bars of a Musical Theatre song. An accompanist will be provided.
- Please be prepared to dance: You will be given an opportunity to change into comfortable clothing after your vocal audition.
- You will be asked to read a side from the show. Sides will be provided in an email you receive after you submit your audition form.
SHOW SYNOPSIS
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 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.
SOMETHING ROTTEN
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
All ages listed are "stage age" and while we may cast actors of the exact age, it is our general practice to cast older, more experienced performers who can play down in age.
Shakespeare
A renaissance rock star. Over the top with a huge ego.
Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: Ab4
Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Nick Bottom
The main protagonist of the show. A struggling writer who cannot stand Shakespeare. Nigel's older brother.
Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Nigel Bottom
Nick's sweetly naive younger brother. A struggling writer who falls in love with Portia, a Puritan. A little awkward, lacks confidence.
Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal Range Top: A4
Vocal Range Bottom: Eb3
Bea
Nick’s wife and biggest supporter. A strong woman. She loves Nick despite his past lack of success. She dresses up like a man to prove she can help.
Gender: Female
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: D3
Portia
A quirky naive Puritan young woman who loves poetry, theater, and ultimately Nigel all against her father’s wishes.
Gender: Female
Age: 20 to 35
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Nostradamus
A soothsayer who “almost” sees the future correctly. A bit loony. This character predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical.
Gender: Male
Age: 40 to 50
Must have power ballad vocal chops.
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Brother Jeremiah
Portia’s strict, deeply repressed Puritan father who refuses to let her associate with Nigel because he thinks Nick and Nigel's plays are sinful.
Gender: Male
Vocal Range top: G4
Vocal Range bottom: G3
Lord Clapham
A posh patron of the theater. Can be a non-singing role
Gender: Male
Shylock
An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt. He loves theatre and would like to be a producer, but it is illegal because he is Jewish. Can be a non-singing role.
Gender: Male
Minstrel
Featured singer & narrator with the ability to riff.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: C#3
Ensemble
Roles include: Minstrel, Townspeople, Troupe, Lord Clapham, Shylock, Man Servants, Crowd, Chorus, and more.
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Operating Partners
