South City Theatre will hold combined auditions for Much Ado About Nothing and The Shark is Broken on January 10 and 11, 2026 from 2:00PM – 5:00 PM at the theatre.
Email info@southcitytheatre.com for more information on these auditions.
Auditions for The Shark is Broken will be between 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM on January 10-11, 2026. Actors are encouraged to research the characters, their mannerisms, and their accents. They should be prepared to read from the script. This production is directed by Lisa Ponder
Synopsis: In 1974, the filming of Jaws was under way. The film’s three lead actors — Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider — are stuck together on the boat Orca because Bruce, the mechanical shark used in the film, is broken. Filming has consequently been stalled for several days, turning into weeks. The Shark Is Broken explores the three actors’ boredom, arguments, and stories told aboard the boat during the delay. Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon
Roles available – The Shark is Broken
1. Richard Dreyfuss – Late 20s/early 30s, the actor who plays Matt Hooper in Jaws. An insecure and neurotic actor, constantly seeking validation and struggling with his ego. He is portrayed as sensitive, whiny, and prone to insecurity, despite his burgeoning talent.
2. Roy Scheider – 30s/40s, the actor who plays Chief Martin Brody in Jaws. He is the most grounded of the three, often seeking peace and quiet amidst the on-set drama. He is also shown to have a past that is not entirely as calm as he presents.
3. Add’l Roles – Spielberg, Camera operator, Ass’t Director (These characters will be off-stage or pre-recorded voice-overs.)
4. The role of Robert Shaw is precast and will be played by Clay Boyce.
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Auditions for Much Ado About Nothing will be between 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM on January 10 & 11, 2025. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Those audition for Balthasar and Lord will be required to play an instrument of their choice and sing. Roles are available for 6 men, 4 women, and up to 12 roles for any gender. Auditionees under 18 should have a parent or guardian with them. This production is directed by Lisa Ponder.
Synopsis: Claudio and Hero are set to be wed! To pass the time, Don Pedro concocts a plan to make Benedick and Beatrice put their famous feud to an end and fall in love with each other. But Pedro’s brother John has a plan of his own to besmirch Hero’s name and ruin the wedding.
Gender TBD roles, ages 10 and up
Auditionees under 18 must have a guardian present at auditions.
1. Boy* – 10-15, any gender. Servant to Benedick.
2. Messenger* – 10 and up, any gender. Servant of Don Pedro.
3. First Watchman* – 10 and up, any
Gender TBD Roles, Must be 18 or over for these roles. These roles may be doubled.
Casting for these roles is open to all over the age of 18,
4. Balthasar* – 18 and older, any gender. Attendant on Don Pedro. Must sing and play an instrument (guitar???).
5. Lord* – 20s/???, any gender. Must sing and play an instrument (guitar??)
6. Conrade* – 20s/40s, any gender. A follower of Don John, a pawn lacking in personality and with a bit of a temper.
7. Dogberry* – 30s and olders, any gender. A constable, long-winded, smugly self-assured.
8. Don John* – 30s-50s, male (most likely). The prince’s bastard brother, stereotypical villain.
9. Friar Francis* – 30s and older, any gender.
10. Sexton* – 30s up, any gender. A scribe, has common sense.
11. Verges* – 30s and up, any gender. A headborough/petty constable.
12. Watchman* – 18/up, any gender.
Female Gendered Roles
13. Hero – late teens/early 20s, female. Daughter to Leonato, bears a resemblance to Margaret, shorter than Beatrice. Will be required to kiss Claudio.
14. Beatrice – 20s/30s, female. Niece to Leonato. Independent, outspoken, cleaver. Will be required to kiss Benedict.
15. Margaret* – 20s/30s, female. Gentlewoman to Hero, witty, lower class. Similar in looks and stature to Hero.
16. Ursula* – 30s and up, female. Gentlewoman to Hero,
Male Gendered Roles
17. Benedick. 20s-30s, male. A young lord of Padua. Quick witted, a confirmed bachelor. Will be required to kiss Beatrice.
18. Borachio – 20s-40s, male. Follower of Don Juan
19. Claudio – late teens/early 20s, male. A young lord of Florence. Will be required to kiss Hero.
20. Don Pedro – 30s-60s, male. Prince of Arragon, elderly, dignified, gentle, likeable
21. Leonato – 40s and older, male. A warm person, fond of his daughter and pleasant to all.
22. Antonio* – 50s and older, male. Leonato’s brother. He has an extravagant and blustery rage” and a physical palsy.
The role of 2nd Watchman will be played by Michelle Vercher.
