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 (aka Shakespeare). When the local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick sets out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of the opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and a few broken eggs along the way. This will be a unique immersive production of Something Rotten, where audience and stage are blended. We have a unique space and an exciting opportunity to promote improvisation, storytelling, and interaction while providing one of the funniest musicals to hit Broadway in decades!

GENERAL INFORMATION

Auditioners must be 17+ to audition. CenterStage Theatre Works is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in casting. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages (for this show, 17+) to attend every audition. We expect all actors to exercise respect for each other to allow us to have a safe and inclusive environment to practice their craft.

AUDITION MATERIALS

Because this production is immersive, the ability to show off your storytelling ability and comedy is important to us for this audition. We want to see your comedic capabilities and your creativity!

All audition materials should be submitted through this audition form.

ACTORS/SINGERS: Please provide to us audition form by April 12, 2023. On the audition form, please include links to your headshot, rèsumè, and videos(placed on YouTube or Vimeo) that include the following

• headshot and rèsumè

• 60-second comedic monologue (if includes physicality, even better!)

• 60-second vocal selection (32 bars) that demonstrates character development (and we would love it to be funny also!)

• 30-seconds of your “best” Shakespeare (Be creative with this — here is a chance to show off dialect, heightened speech OR the fact that you are funny as heck! Seriously — be CREATIVE. You’re auditioning for a musical that involves dancing omelettes. Think about it!)

• Optionally, you may provide a 60-second dance video. If you are called back, there will be a dance call even if you do not provide this optional item.

DANCERS: Please provide to us your audition form by April 12, 2023. On the audition form, please include links to your headshot, rèsumè, and videos (placed on YouTube or Vimeo) that include the following

• headshot and rèsumè

• 60-second comedic monologue (if includes physicality, even better!)

• 60-second dance video of choreo that fits the show

• 30-second video of tap choreo (if you are a tapper!)

• Optionally, you may provide a 60-second video of a vocal performance. If you are called back, there will be a song to sing or you may be asked to vocalize with the Music Director

CALLBACKS

Callbacks should be sent out by April 18 at 11:59. Sides, cuts, and location will be provided. In-person callbacks will be April 24 and 25 in the evening. Virtual/video callbacks will be due by 11:59 pm April 25.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

*Note: Ages and gender identities are those of the character, not the auditioner. All listed identifiers are in accordance with the agreement with MTI and the options provided by the book writers in the script. CenterStage Theatre Works is committed to diverse casting for all our productions and it is an important tenet of our creative team. We welcome and encourage actors to audition without regard to ethnicity, gender, experiences, or abilities. There are some roles, however, that require specific skills (such as dance) and they will be cast as such.

Nick Bottom — Any ethnicity, Male identifying. A struggling writer with a streak of stubborn and intense dislike of Shakespeare (his competition). Vocal Range: Tenor/High Baritone, A2-G4. Dance Ability: Tap, strong mover, dance a plus.

Nigel Bottom — Any ethnicity, Male identifying. The overshadowed younger brother of Nick Bottom. Slightly awkward and a lover of writing and Portia. Vocal Range: Tenor, Eb3-A4. Dance Ability: Good mover.

Bea — Any ethnicity, Female identifying. Nick’s wife and biggest supporter even if she needs to give him a reality check and save the day sometimes. Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano with Belt, D3-D5.

Shakespeare — Any ethnicity, Male identifying. The rockstar bard with an over-the-top ego and killer moves. Vocal Range: Rock Tenor, Ab2-Ab4. Dance Ability: Tap, strong mover, dance a plus.

Portia — Any ethnicity, Female identifying. A quirky Puritan woman who loves poetry, theatre, and ultimately Nigel. Vocal Range: Soprano with Mix, G3-F#5.

Nostradamus — Any ethnicity, Any gender identity. A soothsayer with a talent for predicting partial futures. Vocal Range: Tenor/Alto with Belt, C3-F4. Dance Ability: Tap, strong mover, dance a plus.

Brother Jeremiah — Any ethnicity, Male identifying. Portia’s father. A Puritan who thinks Nick and Nigel’s plays are sinful. Vocal Range: Rock Baritone, G3-G4.

Lord/Lady Clapham — Any ethnicity, Male or Female identifying. A posh patron of the theater.

Shylock — Any ethnicity, Male identifying. An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt.

Minstrel — Any ethnicity, Any gender identity. The fun-loving narrator of the show. Vocal Range: Tenor/Alto, C#3-A4. Dance Ability: Strong mover, dance a plus.

Troupe (9-15 plus 3-6 improv) — Any ethnicity, Any gender identity. MANY roles exist within the ensemble/troupe! Within this group, we are looking for:

• 4-5 strong actors/singers (Vocal Range: Various, all ranges needed.)

• 5-6 exceptional dancers (who may also sing as well). Dance Ability: Various, tap and strong dance abilities a plus for the “dancer” ensemble

• 3-6 improv actors (to interact and engage with the audience throughout the show)

COVID POLICY

For the well-being of our actors and theatregoers, we promote a healthy and safe environment. We reserve the right to require masks or other precautions if COVID-19 conditions change in our area. If actors develop symptoms, you may be asked to follow current COVID protocols. We are an independent theatre and rely on other rented physical spaces to perform our shows. For this reason, we may doublecast or cast swings for principal or supporting roles so that our show “will go on.”