Auditions Open!
for
Something Rotten Jr.
April 29-30, 2026 from 3:15-4:30 pm
Travel back to the Renaissance for an hour of musical comedy gold in Something Rotten! JR. Adapted from the Broadway hit that Time Out New York hailed as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years," Something Rotten! JR. celebrates one undeniable truth: “nothing’s as amazing as a musical!”
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." 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.
Something Rotten! JR. features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each with their own moment to shine. Don’t miss your chance to bring this history-twisting tale to your stage!
When/Where:
Wednesday, April 29 from 3:15 — 4:30 PM at Lincoln High School
Thursday, April 30 from 3:15 — 4:30 PM at Franklin Middle School
**Auditions will be held in the choir rooms at both locations**
What: Sing a song of your choice, accompanied. Read from the script.
Who: For youth currently in 6th-11th grades
CHARACTERS
Nick Bottom - A struggling playwright who dreams – much to his own chagrin – of having a career like Shakespeare’s. Though Nick is artistically frustrated and stressed about leading the Troupe, he means well, even if his actions aren’t always exactly ethical.
Nigel Bottom - Nick’s sweet younger brother, lacks the confidence he needs to write until he falls in love with Portia. Inspired by her confidence in him, Nigel writes verses worthy of Shakespeare himself!
Bea - Married to Nick and loves him in spite of his lack of success in the theatre. She is whip-smart, is resourceful, and always looks on the bright side of any situation.
Portia -A Puritan and Brother Jeremiah’s daughter. She is passionate about poetry even though she isn’t technically allowed to read it.
Nostradamus - Not the Nostradamus, but his niece, Nancy – can see the future, although with varying degrees of accuracy. Her predictions, for better or worse, lead the Troupe to produce their very first musical.
William Shakespeare - The most famous playwright in Tudor England. Though Shakespeare is extremely successful, he’s always on the lookout for inspiration, which sometimes includes borrowing ideas from others.
Minstrel - Opens the show by welcoming the audience to the Renaissance!
Brother Jeremiah - A Puritan and Portia’s father. He sees sin wherever he looks and does not approve of the theater especially Nick and Nigel’s Troupe.
Troupe (Peter Quince, Robin, Tom Snout, Snug, Francis Flute) - These fun character parts sing as a group but have no solos. Peter, Robin, Tom, and Francis have spoken lines.
Lord/Lady Clapham- A posh patron of the theater. They abandon the Troupe as their patron once they cross Brother Jeremiah.
Shylock - Banned from any profession other than moneylending, but theatre is his true love, and he wants nothing more than to become the Troupe’s patron
Ensemble
Audition Prep:
Teens can attend free audition workshops at Lincoln High School and Franklin Middle School to prepare for Something Rotten! JR.—no sign-up required. Learn more on our workshops page.
Something Rotten Jr. Audition Sheet
Something Rotten! Jr. Character Breakdowns
**Sides Coming Soon!
2026 Scholarship Application ** If you would like to be considered, return application by: May 15, 2025
Participants must be available for all rehearsals and performances. No exceptions.
PERFORMANCES
July 28, 29, 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM - Northland Community & Technical College
Travel back to the Renaissance for an hour of musical comedy gold in Something Rotten! JR. Adapted from the Broadway hit that Time Out New York hailed as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years," Something Rotten! JR. celebrates one undeniable truth: “nothing’s as amazing as a musical!”
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." 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.
Something Rotten! JR. features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each with their own moment to shine. Don’t miss your chance to bring this history-twisting tale to your stage!
