1214 Columbus Ave, Bay City, MI 48708
(989) 893-5555
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SOMETHING ROTTEN! AUDITIONS

June 29th and 30th

6:30 pm

In-person at Bay City Players

1214 Columbus Ave.

Bay City, MI  48708

 

Director: Michael J Wisniewski

Assistant Director: Jeremy Hanson

Music Director: Jan Sutherland

Choreographer: Jeanna Peglow

Producer: Greg Burke


The Story:

One of the best musical comedies to come from Broadway in the last few years. The Bottom Brothers, Nick and Nigel, desperately want to write a hit play, but find themselves in the shadow of “The Bard”, a Renaissance rockstar. Along comes a local soothsayer who looks into the future and sees Singing! Not singing! Dancing! Not dancing! Acting! Not acting! All wrapped up in one play. So, the Bottom Brothers step into a world they know nothing about—musicals. Once they step into the musical world, chaos reigns and the audience has a fabulous musical on hand. Oh, keep an eye out for the tap-dancing eggs.


Note from the Director:

This is one of the funniest and most enjoyable comedies to hit Broadway in years, and I, along with the entire creative team, are excited to be bringing this to the stage at Bay City Players.  There are parts for a range of ages, experience, abilities, gender, and diversity.

As I was reading through a note from the authors, I was very pleased to see that male ensemble roles could be played by females.  In fact, the authors allow gender-blind casting for the roles of Nostradamus and Lord Clapham.  The authors state this maintains the historical accuracy they were aiming for and makes casting even more fun and interesting!


What to Prepare:

Those auditioning should prepare 16 measures of a song from a show in the same vein as SOMETHING ROTTEN!, or may sing a song from the show.  It’s your choice, we only ask that you have accompaniment for the Music Director, and please no A cappella.

There will be dance routines taught by the Choreographer, and if you have tap shoes, please bring them.  If not, you can still audition…it’s not a deal breaker!

Finally, we will end the night with cold readings from the script.

Please dress comfortably, especially for the dance audition and relax and have fun!


Character Breakdown

SHAKESPEARE: The Bard.  Over the top with a huge ego.  Male to play ages 30 to 40.  Tenor / Baritone

NICK BOTTOM: A struggling writer who cannot stand Shakespeare.  Nigel’s older brother.  Male to play ages 30 to 40.  Tenor / Baritone

NIGEL BOTTOM: Nick’s sweet younger brother.  A struggling writer who falls in love with Portia, a Puritan.  Male to play ages 25 to 35.  Tenor

BEA: Nick’s wife.  She loves Nick despite his past lack of success.  She dresses up like a man to prove she can be an actor.  Female to play ages 30 to 40.  Alto

PORTIA: A Puritan woman who loves poetry, theatre and ultimately Nigel.  Female to play ages 20 to 35.  Soprano

NOSTRADAMUS: A soothsayer.  Male or Female to play ages 40 to 50.  Character singer.

BROTHER JEREMIAH: Portia’s father.  A Puritan who thinks Nick and Nigel’s plays are sinful.  Male to play ages 45 to 65.  Bass

LORD CLAPHAM: A posh patron of the theatre.  Male or Female to play ages 45 to 65.   Non-singing role.

SHYLOCK: An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt.  Male to play ages 45 to 65.  Non-singing role.

MINSTREL: Opens Act I and Act II and is a member of the ensemble.  Male to play ages 25 to 40.  Tenor

*You must be age 18 or older at the time of auditions to audition for the above roles.

ENSEMBLE: Roles include Townspeople, Troupe, Man Servants, Bard Boys, Crowd, Chorus and more.  Ensemble ages are 16 and up, and you must be age 16 at the time of auditions.


Steps to Audition:

  1. Review Something Rotten Rehearsal Schedule for conflicts
  2. Complete Audition Form prior to auditions
  3. Prepare for auditions (See above)
  4. Please show up early for auditions. Auditions start promptly at 6:30 PM and late arrivals will not be permitted. You should be dressed, warmed up, and ready to go at 6:30 PM.  Those auditioning only need to attend one night of auditions.

*Bay City Players is a non-smoking facility. E-cigarettes and vapor cigarettes are prohibited
*Those cast will be expected to strike the set after the final performance.
*Central registry clearance and sex offender registry check required
*Face coverings may be required during rehearsal
*If cast, you will be responsible for purchasing a make-up or using one from a past show. Scholarships are available.
*Please note Bay City Players is a nonprofit community theatre comprised mostly of volunteers and performers are not paid.

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