Casting Teen Performers for "Something Rotten" Play

An aspiring playwright who is frustrated with his lack of success. He is desperate to outdo Shakespeare and create the next big thing in theater. Nick is driven by his desire to succeed, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. Ambitious, jealous, determined, but also somewhat clueless. He loves his family but often gets carried away in his pursuit of fame. Tap skills needed. Bari-tenor

Nick’s younger brother, Nigel, is a talented but more idealistic playwright who is far less concerned with fame and more interested in writing meaningful theater. He is far more innocent than Nick and deeply loves poetry. Sweet, sincere, and naive. Nigel represents the artistic side of theater, contrasting with Nick’s more mercenary approach Tenor

Nick’s wife and “Right Hand Man”. She loves and supports him despite his questionable decision-making and lack of success. Bea resorts to dressing as a man to make ends meet for her growing family. She is a strong leader and a powerful woman, quite persuasive when she wants to be. She ultimately saves the day. Comedic acting is a plus. Alto

The famous playwright and rival to the Bottom brothers. Shakespeare is depicted as an egotistical rock star of the Elizabethan theater scene, boasting of his talent and allure. While he’s undeniably talented, he is also self-centered and somewhat pretentious. Arrogant, charming, flashy, and full of himself with a modern, rock-star swagger. Tap skills needed. Tenor

A mysterious character who provides Nick with a vision of the future. In this vision, Nick sees Shakespeare’s eventual decline and is inspired to create the first-ever musical (which he believes will be the next big trend). Mysterious, all-knowing, and slightly eccentric. Tenor

A quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. Portia is the only daughter of Brother Jeremiah and Nigel Bottom’s love interest. They fall madly in love with each other over their mutual love for Shakespeare and poetry. Portia and Nigel set out to convince Jeremiah and the other Puritans that they should be together rather than following the “star-crossed lovers” idea—a comedic actress who sings well. Soprano

The Puritan father of Portia. He is very strict and refuses to let her daughter engage in “fulfilling her lustful desires”. He shows nothing but disrespect towards everyone, but especially playwrights like Nick and Nigel. A deeply repressed Puritan. He despises playwrights, poets, and all things ungodly.

A flamboyant theatre producer. Comic speaking role. This character may also play Master of the Justice as well as other singing/dancing roles throughout the show.

A Jewish moneylender who is a character in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. He is also part of the show’s comedic subplot, making witty, sarcastic comments throughout. Witty, sharp-tongued, and involved in the financial dealings of the characters. Baritone

A character that narrates some parts of the story and serves as the “guide” for the audience. The Minstrel is an important comedic character who also has a knack for breaking the fourth wall.

Strong singers and dancers to play Shakespeare fans and other characters during the Renaissance. Tap.