AUDITIONS ARE FULL!

Great News: Everybody is excited about Something Rotten and with 100 talented performers ready to audition, it is sure to be a great show! Bad News: Auditions slots are now full.

 

At this time, we will begin a wait list for anyone still interested in auditioning. Individuals on the wait list will be contacted in the event of a cancellation. To get yourself on the wait list, please send an email to Director & Choreographer, Debbie Guilbeault at choreodeb@gmail.com

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Please Note:

• Due to the casting requirements of this show and the current audition roster, wait list priority will be given to male presenting performers.

• Being on the wait list does not guarantee that you’ll receive an audition time.

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AUDITIONS

Tuesday, March 21 - Friday, March 24, 2023 

at 6:00 pm, 7:00pm, and 8:00pm

 

ALL AUDITIONS AND REHEARSALS TAKE PLACE AT ORPHEUS HOUSE

(17  FAIRMONT AVE.)

 

Performances
June 2 - 11, 2023 at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe

Tuesday through Saturday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday matinees (2 p.m.).

No performance on Monday, June 5

 

 

About the Show

Music & Lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick

Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell

 

“Something Rotten is a mash-up of 16th century Shakespeare and 21st century Broadway.” The story, set in 1595, follows two brothers desperate to write the next great play but who are often overshadowed by a local rockstar of the theatre named Shakespeare.  When a local soothsayer, Thomas Nostradamus (nephew to the Nostradamus) predicts that the future of theatre lies in singing, dancing and acting at the same time, the brothers get to work and stage Omelette, the Musical.  Needless to say, it doesn’t quite rival Hamlet, but how they get there and what they learn along the way make for a thoroughly entertaining albeit wacky journey.

 

Something Rotten features large song and dance numbers and unique characters who each have their own moment to shine. “Nothing’s as amazing as a musical” and this one is certainly far from being rotten!

For a full synopsis: https://www.mtishows.com/something-rotten

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Directors' Notes:

 

When asked about this show, the conversation often sounds like an Abbott and Costello sketch…

 

Friend: So, what are you working on these days?

Me: Something Rotten.

Friend: Sorry to hear that.  So, what’s it called?

Me: Something Rotten.

Friend: Sheesh… they couldn’t even come up with a good name for it?! What’s it about?

Me: It’s a rollicking tale of cut-throat competition that takes place during the Renaissance in London after the Black Plague

Friend: Ah, so it’s a dark drama…

Me: Nope, a hilarious musical comedy with tap dancing!

 

This show calls for a village of individuals of all types who sing, dance and are unique in character. There are so many giggles to be had by the audience as they begin to recognize the many Shakespearean and musical theatre references strewn throughout. The writing is exquisite, the music is fun and there are even kicklines! Our job is to bring this town to life and transport our audience back to this era of discovery, bewilderment and oftentimes, innocence.

 

This show’s songs do not necessarily advance plot but they do often advance character. Vocally, they require strong singers with clarity as well as acting ability. The dances vary from traditional musical theatre to tap. Even the two male principals should be able to tap or show the ability to learn tap quickly.

 

Mostly though, we hope to assemble a cast of energetic, enthusiastic and kind people ready to work hard in order to produce the best quality production possible. A sense of humour, flexibility and a penchant for fun are also desirable qualities so that the journey will be enjoyable for all.

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For more details and to have your questions answered, please join us at the information meeting:

March 20, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Debbie Guilbeault (Director/Choreographer), Paul Legault (Music Director), Val Keenleyside (Assistant Director), Steve Vesely (Apprentice Music Director) and Tara Morden (Apprentice Choreographer)

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Rehearsals:

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Rehearsals will take place at Orpheus House at 17 Fairmont Avenue; tech week and performances will take place at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa. Rehearsals will generally take place on Sunday afternoons and four evenings per week starting as early as March 29th. Exact rehearsal schedules will be created based on the availability of those cast in the show and not all performers will be needed at every rehearsal. Please expect a heavier rehearsal schedule as we near opening night. Auditionees should be prepared to provide all conflicts on their audition form; please be honest with your commitments and we will do our best to accommodate any conflicts which are disclosed Rehearsals will take place at Orpheus House at 17 Fairmont Avenue; tech week and performances will take place at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa. Rehearsals will generally take place on Sunday afternoons and four evenings per week starting as early as March 29th. Exact rehearsal schedules will be created based on the availability of those cast in the show and not all performers will be needed at every rehearsal. Please expect a heavier rehearsal schedule as we near opening night. Auditionees should be prepared to provide all conflicts on their audition form; please be honest with your commitments and we will do our best to accommodate any conflicts which are disclosed in advance.

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Audition Information:

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Auditions are by appointment only and must be booked in advance starting February 27th for members and March 6th for non-members. Everyone will be asked to read, sing, and dance.

 

Reading:  Sides will be located on the Orpheus website and will be available on paper in the waiting area to peruse on the night of your audition. It is highly recommended that you look these over as your preparation.  If you need context, the entire script is available here: https://www.jesuitportland.org/uploaded/DRAMA/SR_LIBVB_FINAL.pdf

 

Music: We ask that you choose a song in the style of Something Rotten, if you can, that will best show off your singing abilities. For ideas of style, see https://www.theatretrip.com/audition-songs-for-something-rotten/.  The most important selection factor is that you pick a song you know well; style is secondary. Please provide music with piano accompaniment in the key that suits your voice.  An accompanist will be provided.  No self-accompaniment, taped accompaniment, or a cappella singing is permitted.  Please make sure that all of the music required for the accompanist, particularly the bass line at the bottom, if it is a photocopy, is visible on the music sheets.  Lead sheets and melody lines are not acceptable. Please know that the accompanist cannot transpose your music to another key.  Usually, a maximum of one verse and chorus, or 16-32 bars will be all that is required.  Choose the section that shows off your skills best.

 

Dance:  There are two parts to the dance audition. 

Part 1: Everyone will learn a short jazz combination on the night of your audition to be performed in a group prior to your individual singing and reading. 

Part 2: For anyone auditioning for a role that requires tap, you will be asked to perform that combination individually prior to your song. The routine will be available on the Orpheus website.

Please learn it ahead of time. Wear what is comfortable to move in and bring appropriate shoes for both jazz and tap (if required). If you don’t have tap shoes, hard-soled shoes or boots will be fine.

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Important Dates:

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Information Meeting: Monday, March 20th at 7:30 p.m.  Though not mandatory, attendance is encouraged as the Directing Team will further explain the vision, process, and requirements.

Audition bookings:

• As of Monday, February 27th for Orpheus Members

• As of Monday, March 6th for the General Public

Auditions Location:  Orpheus Musical Theatre, 17 Fairmont Avenue, Ottawa K1Y 1X4. Week of March 21-24 at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.

Callbacks: Sunday, March 26 at 1:00p.m.

First Rehearsal: Wednesday, March 29th at 7p.m.

Sides and Tap combination will be available on the website at the end of February.

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COVID-19 Policies & Procedures

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All who wish to audition for and volunteer with an Orpheus production must provide proof of vaccination to participate. Your second dose must have been administered 14 days or more prior to the date of your audition or your first arrival at Orpheus. You must book an audition appointment. No walk ups are permitted.

 

Proof of Vaccination may be provided in advance, but is not required. If you do not have your proof of vaccination upon arrival for your audition, you will not be permitted to audition.