Character Breakdown
 

Set 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" (William Shakespeare). 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 features

large song and dance numbers, and an eccentric cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own

special moment in the show to shine.

​

The listed ages are suggestions, but all main roles are adults. There are opportunities for youth performers in

the ensemble, but please be advised this production contains adult language and sexual innuendo performed

by some adult characters.

​

Nick Bottom: The main protagonist of the show. A struggling writer at the end of his rope who cannot stand

Shakespeare. Nigel’s older brother.

9 solo songs plus chorus numbers, moves well, some basic tap dancing

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 40

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: A2

​

Nigel Bottom: Nick’s sweetly naive younger brother. A struggling writer and poet who falls in love with Portia,

a Puritan. A little awkward Lacks self confidence. 4 solos plus chorus numbers

Gender: Male

Age: 20 to 35

Vocal range top: A4

Vocal range bottom: Eb3

 

Bea Bottom: Nick’s wife and biggest supporter. A strong woman. She loves Nick despite his past lack of

success. She dresses up like a man to prove she can help. Comedic actor. Alto with a good belt voice 1 solo

plus chorus numbers

Songs: Right Hand Man, Bottom’s Gonna be on Top, Right Hand Man Reprise

Gender: Female

Age: 30 to 40

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: D3

Portia: A quirky naive Puritan young woman who loves poetry, theater, and ultimately Nigel all against her

father’s wishes. Soprano with some lower range. Comedic actor 2 solos plus chorus numbers

Songs: I Love the Way, We See the Light, Welcome to America

Gender: Female

Age: 20 to 35

Vocal range top: F#5

Vocal range bottom: G3

​

Nostradamus: A soothsayer who “almost” sees the future correctly. A bit loony. This character predicts that

Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Seeking a comedic performer who sings and moves very well. some basic

tap dancing 1 solo plus chorus numbers

Songs: A Musical + Tag, Make an Omelette, Welcome to America

Gender: Male OR Female

Age: 40 to 50

Vocal Range: Baritone or Mezzo

​

​

Shakespeare: The Bard. A renaissance rock star, Over the top with a huge ego. Comedic Actor with a

pop/rock voice style 2 solos plus chorus numbers, moves well, some basic tap dancing

Songs: Will Power, Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top, Hard to Be The Bard, Something Rotten, Make an Omelette

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 40

Vocal range top: Ab4

Vocal range bottom: Ab2

​

Brother Jeremiah: Portia’s strict, deeply repressed Puritan father who refuses to let her associate with Nigel

because he thinks Nick and Nigel's plays are sinful. Comedic Actor, 1 solo plus chorus numbers

Songs: Welcome to the Renaissance, We See the Light

Gender: Male

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: G3

Lord / Lady Clapham: A posh patron of the theater.

Songs: Welcome to the Renaissance, A Musical, Will Power, Shakespeare’s after party, Bottom’s Gonna Be on

Top, We See the Light, Make an Omelette, Shakespeare in Court, Welcome to America

Gender: Male OR Female

May also be other ensemble roles

​

Shylock: An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt. He loves theatre and would like to be a producer but

it is illegal because he is Jewish. Comedic actor some chorus numbers

Songs: Bottom’s Gonna Be On Top (Other ensemble songs throughout the show)

Gender: Male

Vocal Range: Baritone or Tenor

May also be other ensemble roles

Minstrel: Featured singer & narrator with ability to riff

Songs: Welcome to the Renaissance, Welcome to the Renaissance Reprise, (Other musical numbers

throughout the show)

Gender: Male OR Female

Vocal range top: A4

Vocal range bottom: C#3

May also be other ensemble roles

​

Tom Snout, Peter Quince, Snug, Francis Flute: These characters are individual members and characters in

Nick Bottom’s theatrical troupe.

Songs: God, I Hate Shakespeare, The Black Death, Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top, It’s

Eggs, To Thine Ownself Be True, To Thine Ownself (Part 2), Something Rotten,

(possibly other numbers as well)

Gender: Male

Vocal range: All types

May also be other ensemble roles

​

Robin: Member of Bottom’s theatrical troupe who always plays the female characters

Songs: God, I Hate Shakespeare, The Black Death, Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top, It’s

Eggs, To Thine Ownself Be True, To Thine Ownself (Part 2), Something Rotten, (other

numbers as well)

Gender: Male

Vocal range: Tenor or Baritone

May also be other ensemble roles

​

ENSEMBLE

Sad Little Egg - Dreamgirls type solo in Make and Omelette (Soprano/Alto with high belt) Tap required.

Three Chefs (important trio in Omelette - must sing tight harmonies)

Miranda, Rosalind, Helena (friends of Bea)

Valet - Shakespeare’s Assistant

Announcer (Will Power)

Mysterious Eyepatch Person - Tells Shakespeare of the plot

The Bard Backup Singers/Dancers: This small group of singers/dancers, who play Shakespeare’s

entourage. Strong dance abilities preferred. Teen/Adult

Gender: Male (or Female played as Male)

Voice Type: All Voice Types

Tap Dancing Ensemble: Performers with tap dance training for A Musical, Make an Omelet, The Black Death

and more! Any gender & Age

Renaissance Writers: make an appearance in Welcome to the Renaissance & Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top.

Teen/Adult

Puritans / Townspeople: Ensemble in various songs. Any Gender & age