The Something Rotten! production team seeks a strong ensemble of dedicated actors of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds for all roles. We are committed to creating a professional atmosphere and rehearsal process. All roles are open, and all are encouraged to audition.
ALL FORMS, UPLOADS, AND SIGN-UPS ARE DUE BY 11:59 PM ON FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026!
See the Home Page to fill out the necessary forms (application form, required signatures, headshot and resume, medical/media release form, teacher/director recommendation, application fee), to pay your $20 audition fee, and sign up for an audition day/time.
See the "Resources" page for how to make a theatre resume.
Here are some Sample Resumes.
Please prepare the following:
Acting Sides - Click the link to be taken to the folder of audition sides.
What is an audition side? It is a portion of a scene from the show to be read at your audition, which will be performed with an off-stage reader. Please choose one side that you feel showcases your strengths as an actor. The character in the scene does not need to match your presenting gender or the character in your song. If you do not see a side for the role you are interested in auditioning for, choose one that seems close and can showcase your skills. Please note that if you get a callback, you may be asked to read for a different role than the one you read in your initial audition.
Want more information on how to audition with a reader? Click here for some helpful information and tips.
Auditionees should rehearse their lines and be memorized. They will perform their scene with an off-stage reader. The acting side doesn’t need to be for the same character as the song selection. Actors should demonstrate range, personality, experience, and passion.
Acting Sides include Nick, Nigel, Bea, Portia, Shakespeare, Nostradamus, Brother Jeremiah, and Shylock.
Vocal Selections (Song) - Click the link to be taken to the folder of audition vocal selections (songs).
Please choose one song that you feel showcases your strength as a vocalist and actor. You do not have to sing for the same character for which you read. Feel free to choose two different characters if you have more than one that speaks to you. You will audition with an accompaniment track, and those tracks can also be found in the folders. Auditionees should rehearse with the provided accompaniment and be memorized. Auditionees should become the character, make acting choices, and tell the story during their vocal audition. Vocal Selections include the Minstrel, Nick, Nigel, Nostradamus, Bea, Portia, Brother Jeremiah, and Shakespeare.
Dance - Click here to be taken to the dance combination and instructional videos.
Like all other parts of the audition, you must prepare the dance in advance. The choreographer will not be teaching the combinations at the audition. Please note that all students should prepare the "Required Jazz Combo Choreo" for the song “Welcome to the Renaissance."
Rehearse and memorize the character/jazz combo found in the link above. You will perform the jazz combo choreography in small groups. Please learn the jazz combo dance in advance using the video; we will not teach the choreography at auditions. Actors should wear dance clothing and appropriate shoes for the entire audition. Dancers should demonstrate technique, performance ability, and versatility.
In addition to the Required Jazz Combo Choreo, there are two optional Tap Combinations. We encourage everyone to at least try the "Optional Beginners Tap Choreo." For those of you with more tap experience, we encourage you to learn the "Optional Intermediate Tap Choreo." (If you don't know how to tap dance, that's okay! Watch the Tap Tutorial Videos in the folder. The first one has been posted!)
What should you wear to your audition?
Please wear clothes that you can move in as you will be doing all parts of your audition during one slot (song, side, and dance). There may not be time to change into movement attire in between. Simple, fitted clothing (plain colors, no bold patterns) is best, as we want to see how you can move! Please wear jazz/sneakers/tennis shoes that you can move in. If you have tap shoes, please bring them.
Please read all of the PRODUCTION INFORMATION before you audition
CLICK HERE for the Character Descriptions
CLICK HERE for the Intimacy Agreement
ALL FORMS, UPLOADS, AND SIGN-UPS ARE DUE BY 11:59 PM ON FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026!
NOTES FROM THE PRODUCTION STAFF
The production staff wants to encourage everyone to audition. The casting for Something Rotten! is not limited to the stereotypical representations of the characters in past productions. Furthermore, the characters in the musical are binary and written with he/him or she/her pronouns. However, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible, and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to audition for the roles they most identify with. The same applies to all races and ethnicities.
Auditioning Tips
Familiarize yourself with the show! Read the script, listen to the soundtrack, watch videos on YouTube, and thoroughly read all of the audition information, including the character descriptions, that have been provided.
Come to the audition prepared to sing one of the vocal selections. You will sing with an accompaniment track. A cappella music will not be considered.
Come to the audition prepared to perform one of the acting sides. You will perform this scene with a reader. Please memorize your lines.
For the dance audition, wear close-toed shoes and comfortable clothing that afford the ability to move. Jazz and tap shoes are preferred. Bring water to the audition and stretch before dancing.
While you perform, be confident and expressive with your face, eyes, and physicality.
It is okay to move around the audition room floor and gesture, but make sure it is appropriate for the character.
Own your choices. Take safe risks.
Be as familiar with music, lines, choreography, and lyrics as possible. Try to memorize the vocal and acting selections and avoid reading directly off the sheet of paper. The more familiar you are with the song and its lyrics, the more your facial expressions will be real and natural.
Sing and speak loudly and clearly. Make sure you enunciate.
Be yourself. Show the production staff what only you can bring to the role and production.
BE RESPECTFUL. Be supportive and respectful to EVERYONE. Your audition starts the moment you walk in. Remember: Someone is always watching you, and you’re always auditioning.
Have FUN!!! It’s okay if you make a mistake. Just do your best! 😊