The Candlelight Theatre, located in historic Ardentown, Delaware (30 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia) is seeking non-union, singer/dancer/actors for its upcoming production of Something Rotten which runs January 18 to February 23, 2025. Director -Peter Reynolds, Choreographer – Julianna Babb, and music director – Jake Collins. The Candlelight Theatre encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities to attend auditions.
Welcome to the 90’s, 1595 to be exact! Something Rotten takes place in 1595 London, England. The Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, are trying to find success by writing plays, but are outshined by the rock-star playwright of the Renaissance, William Shakespeare. Book by John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick and music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Production licensed by Music Theatre International.
Character Breakdown
NICK BOTTOM - A struggling renaissance writer at the end of his rope. Nigel’s older brother. Incredibly jealous of the success of William Shakespeare and will do anything to beat him. Great comedic actor who sings, tap dance skills a plus
NIGEL BOTTOM - Nick’s younger brother. A sweetly naive young writer and poet, perhaps a little awkward. He falls in love with Portia and ultimately finds confidence in himself through art and love. Great comedic actor who sings very well.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE - A Renaissance rock star. Think Mick Jagger. Great comedic actor with a killer pop/rock voice. Tap dance skills are a plus.
NOSTRADAMUS - A soothsayer who almost sees the future correctly. A bit looney. He predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Great comedic actor who sings and moves well.
BEA BOTTOM - 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 up like a man to make ends meet and to prove to Nick she can be an actor. Great comedic actress who sings very well.
PORTIA - An adorably quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. They fall madly in love with each other over their mutual love for Shakespeare and poetry. Great comedic actress who sings very well.
BROTHER JEREMIAH - Portia’s father. A Puritan with deeply repressed homoerotic tendencies. He despises playwrights, poets and all things ungodly. Great comedic actor who sings.
MINSTREL - The fun-loving charismatic narrator of the show. Sings the opening number of each act. Sings and dances well.
SHYLOCK – An older Jewish man. Nick and Nigel are in debt to him. He becomes an investor in their musical. Good comic timing. Sings well.
LORD CLAPHAM - Older male. Patron of the theatre. He’s flamboyant and extremely posh. Sings well.
ENSEMBLE - Ensemble, Range: SATB, Seeking strong singer/dancer/actors (tap a plus).
Auditions will be held by appointment on Monday, October 14th 6:00 – 10:00 pm and Tuesday, October 15th 6:00 – 10:00 at The Candlelight Theatre, 2208 Millers Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810. Callbacks will be scheduled if needed.
Please send (e-mail) pictures and resumes to Bob Kelly, Artistic Director [email protected] and indicate your preference for either a Monday or Tuesday audition slot. Calls will be made to arrange audition times for selected applicants.
Rehearsals begin on or around Tuesday, November, 19, 2024, through Friday, January 17, 2025. The show runs January 18 – February 23, 2025.
For auditions, please prepare 16 - 32 bars in the style of the show. Songs from the show are acceptable. An accompanist will be provided. Please provide clearly marked sheet music. No recorded tracks please. Be prepared to dance and please bring tap shoes. A tap combination will be given. Readings will be provided. Please come with headshot and resume stapled together.
No calls to the theater, please.
