June 2, 3 @ 7pm (Callbacks June 4 as needed) (Rehearsal start June 6)
Performance Dates – July 26 -August 17, 2024 (Fri, Sat 8pm; Sun 2:30pm)
We encourage all to audition regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.
Please prepare a song in the style of the show.
Wear clothing appropriate for a dance audition.
Encouraging individuals of all ages, race, gender and gender identities to audition.
Auditioners need only attend one night of auditions.
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" (William Shakespeare). 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.
If you have questions, please email the director
Alto with belt and lower extension
Nick’s wife and “Right Hand Man”. Loves and supports him despite his questionable decisions. Dresses up like a man to support her family. Ultimately saves the day. Comedic acting a plus
Soprano with strong mix
Quirky Puritan girl. Love interest to Nigel Bottom. She and Nigel try to convince the other puritans that they should be together and not suffer the fate of “Romeo and Juliet”. Comedic actress who sings well
High baritone or tenor
Main protagonist.
Struggling renaissance writer who is jealous of Shakespeare’s success and will do anything to beat him. Creates the first musical, “Omelette”.
Comedic actor who sings Tap dance skill a plus
Tenor or high baritone
Nick’s younger brother.
Awkward, lacking in confidence and easily manipulated. Falls in love with Portia.
Comedic actor who sings very well
Tenor or high baritone
Renaissance rock star, think Mick Jagger. Shakespeare is performed as a rock star and all his sonnets are performed as rock songs.
Comedic actor with pop/rock style
Tap dance skills a plus
All voice types
Puritan father of Portia.
Secondary antagonist. Disrespects everyone, but especially playwrights Nick and Nigel. Deeply repressed Puritan
Comedic actor who sings
Tenor or baritone
Member of Bottoms’ theatrical troupe who always plays female characters
Baritone or Tenor
Jewish landlord/tax collector who loves theatre. Hired by Nick. An investor in Nick’s show.
Mezzo/Alto with high belt or Tenor/Baritone
Soothsayer who “almost” sees the future correctly. Loony.
Comedic performer who sings and moves very well
Alto/Soprano or Tenor with ability to riff
Narrator whose main purpose is to introduce the cast and welcome the audiences to the Renaissance. Opens the 1st and 2nd act.
Will also plays other roles in the show
All voice types
Individual members within Bottom’s theatrical troupe
All voice types
Flamboyant theatre producer.
Comic speaking role
Sad Little Egg - Soprano/Alto with high belt (Female)
Miranda, Rosalind, Helena - friends of Bea (Female)
Astrologer (Gender Fluid)
Three Chefs - sing tight harmonies (Gender Fluid)
Psychic Woman
Valet - Shakespeare’s Assistant (Male)
Lead Man (Male)
Foreman (Gender Fluid)
Doorman (Gender Fluid)
Eyepatch Woman/Man
Woman/Man in Crowd
Panicked Woman
Woman 1 & 2
Man 1 & 2
Puritan Woman
Messenger (Gender Fluid)
Announcer (Gender Fluid)
Clerk (Gender Fluid)
Bard Backup Singers/Dancers (13+) Strong Dance Abilities
Tappers/Grim Reapers (11+) Tap dance skills a plus
Puritans, Renaissance Writers, Shakespeare Groupies, Gallery, Courtiers, New World Troupe, London Townspeople
Generally, Auditions are held for each show during the run of the previous show. They are held on stage at our Theatre at 10251 Warwick Blvd. Newport News, Virginia, usually on Sunday and Monday evening. You only need attend one of the two audition dates. Different shows will have different call-back requirements, usually completed in the week following the audition.
Audition forms will be available at the theatre, but you can print and fill-in the form ahead of time as well.