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Much Ado About Nothing by The Little Theatre of Alexandria in Alexandria, Virginia

What To Know About This Production




Set against the jazzy streets and festive vibes of modern-day New Orleans, William Shakespeare’s timeless Rom-Com comes to life. “There is a merry war” between the sharp-tongued Beatrice and Benedick, whose playful banter masks their growing affection for each other while their friends conspire to bring them together. Meanwhile, the earnest Claudio and Hero’s romance is put to the test by a series of deceptions. With vibrant characters, clever plot twists, and a delightful mix of love and laughter, this romantic comedy promises an exhilarating ride from start to finish. Get ready for a fantastical romp filled with clever quips, spirited antics, and a heartwarming finale!

Performance Dates

  • Mar 29 Saturday 8:00 PM
  • Oct 11 Friday 8:00 PM
  • Oct 12 Saturday 8:00 PM
  • Mar 30 Sunday 2:00 PM
  • Apr 2 Wednesday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 3 Thursday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 4 Friday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 5 Saturday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 6 Sunday 2:00 PM
  • Apr 9 Wednesday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 10 Thursday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 13 Sunday 2:00 PM
  • Apr 16 Wednesday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 17 Thursday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 18 Friday 8:00 PM
  • Apr 19 Saturday 8:00 PM

Auditions For Much Ado About Nothing

What To Expect At Auditions

Auditioners are asked to prepare an approximately 1-minute classical monologue. For assistance finding a monologue, visit https://www.shakespeare-monologues.org/home.

Actors seeking the role of Benedick, Claudio, and/or Balthasar are asked to prepare 32 bars (one minute) of a contemporary song to sing unaccompanied.


Audition Form

Audition Process

Create your free Cast98 user account then return here to fill out the online audition form.

There are four steps to the audition form:

  1. General info and privacy disclaimers
  2. Contact information and background
  3. Upcoming conflict calendar
  4. Time slots and preferred roles

Once submitted, you can review your form and make changes up until your audition date.

Cast List For Much Ado About Nothing

Available Roles

  • BEATRICE - (presents female, POC), 25-40, General Manager of Bar Messina. Beatrice is a quick-witted, take-no-mess, strong and independent woman. She has dedicated herself to turning her family’s business, Bar Messina, into the best New Orleans offers. Because of this focus, she has turned away from romance, especially after her one-time fling with Benedick left her jaded. (The role will require on-stage intimacy)
  • HERO - (presents female, POC), 18-30, daughter of Leonato, favorite waitress of Bar Messina. Hero is a recent graduate of Xavier University. She is working part-time at Bar Messina while she applies for jobs. She is the epitome of the girl next door, a bit soft-spoken and shy but optimistic and hopeful. (The role will require on-stage intimacy)
  • LEONATO - (presents male, POC), 50+, Co-owner of Bar Messina; Hero's father. Leonato is a respected New Orleans businessman. He is a former marine and thus is known for having a soft spot for young soldiers coming home. He is a New Orleans native who knows how to throw a party.
  • ANTONIO - (Antonia) (any gender), 50+, Co-owner of Bar Messina; sibling and business partner of Leonato
  • MARGARET - (presents female, POC), 21-35, bartender of Bar Messina. Margaret is a highly likable gossip with an eye for fashion. She’s a bit of a flirt and a great friend to Hero. (Ideally, an actress with dance abilities. The role will require onstage intimacy.)
  • URSULA - (presents female), 40-55, a long-time waitress at Bar Messina. Ursula has worked with Bar Messina for so long that she is like a family member. She would do anything for Hero and Beatrice as if they were her own daughters. (Ideally, an actress with dance abilities)
  • BALTHASAR - (any gender), Any age, resident band/singer of Bar Messina. We are looking for musicians to portray the musical group Balthasar, the house band of Bar Messina. Ideally, singers who also play a musical instrument (piano, guitar, drums), but the inability to play an instrument is not a deal breaker—ideally, one round, warm, jazzy alto, one bright, pop mezzo, one tenor.
  • MESSENGER - Brief speaking role but will serve as an ensemble member, dancer and background actor. May be doubled with another role.
  • BENEDICK - (presents male, POC), 25-40, military officer; companion of Don Pedro. Benedick has a sincere fear of commitment. He and Beatrice dated some time ago, and although they were a perfect match and he led her to believe he was in love, he could not allow himself to commit to a long-term relationship. He enjoys the bickering/banter with Beatrice. (The actor should be able to sing, and the vocal range should be R&B tenor. The role will require on-stage intimacy)
  • CLAUDIO - (presents male), 18-25, a young military officer and friend to Benedick. Claudio is young, hopeful, and easily influenced. The actor will have to manage the height of anger and the regret for his behavior while being a sympathetic figure. (The Actor should have the capacity to sing, and the vocal range should be a low tenor. The role will require on-stage intimacy.)
  • DON PEDRO - (presents male), 25-40, Ranking military officer. Don Pedro is the leader of our central band of soldiers. He was the group's commanding officer and suggested New Orleans and Bar Messina as the destination for their break. Don Pedro is gay and has a hostile relationship with his conservative older half-brother, Don John, because of it.
  • DON JOHN - Don John has devoted himself to religious fundamentalism. His zeal began to create riffs with his family. He decided to join the military to make his family proud of him, only to have his gay, younger half-brother join the military too and outrank him. He wants to bring his brother down and those who support him.
  • BORACHIO - (presents male), follower of Don John. He is a devout new friend of Don John and a supporter of his plot to bring down Don Pedro. Although religious, he is willing to step across the line for what he deems the greater good. (The role will require on-stage intimacy.)
  • CONRADE - He is a longtime friend of Don John. While he shares Don John’s religious dogma, he is not as willing to push the line as Borachio.
  • DOGBERRY/VERGES/THE WATCH - Classically, these characters are the clowns of the show. I envision this group to lean heavily into a Louisiana archetype. I’m open to anything from a group of country Cajuns from the bayous, a group of New Orleans street performers, a group of gossipy Creoles, etc. For audition purposes, make a big choice, stick to it, and show your comic chops.
  • SEXTANT - (any gender), a New Orleans Police Department Officer.
  • FRIAR FRANCIS - A catholic priest
  • ENSEMBLE

Cast List

The cast list is not yet posted. Please check back later.

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