Casting

Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies. With a strong ensemble, bountiful hilarity, and the perfect blend of heart and humor, Much Ado is a treat for Shakespeare fanatics and uninitiated theater casuals alike. 

Two couples are the centerpiece of our story, with the classic romance between Claudio and Hero complimenting the tumultuous tempers and teasing of Beatrice and Benedick. The script itself has been shortened/adjusted for a simplified, fantastical retelling, with reimaginations of Much Ado's classic story inspired by medieval fantasy classics like Lord of the Rings, Princess Bride, and Narnia. 

Directed by David Purkey and Produced by Meadow Sky Productions

Auditions: 

-November 19th, 2025 5-9 p.m.

-63830 Clausen Dr. STE 202

-Video auditions possible if actor can't attend auditions in-person.

Cast Breakdown:

Beatrice (Playing Age: 20s-50s)

Leonato’s niece and Hero’s cousin. Sharp-witted and hesitant to marry. Spars words and sparks with Benedick.

Benedick (Playing Age: 20s-50s)

Soldier who charms with his words, and spars with Beatrice. Swears he will never marry.

Claudio (Playing Age: 18-30)

A young soldier who is naive. Respected soldier, falls head over heels in love with Hero. Impressionable, easily influenced.

Hero (Playing Age: 18-30)

Young daughter of Leonato. Falls equally in love with Claudio, but suffers greatly from Claudio’s lack of discernment and the consequences of his impressionability.

Lord Petran, also known as “Prince” (Playing Age: 30s-60s)

Nobleman from Aragon, sometimes referred to as “Prince.” Friends with Leonato, commander of Claudio and Benedick. Wields great power physically and politically.

Leonato (Playing Age: 40s-80s)

Governor of Messina. Father of Hero, Uncle to Beatrice. Proud, kind, carries some influence.

Lord John (Playing Age: 20s-60s)

The illegitimate brother of Lord Petran. Envies Lord Petran, and seeks to cause trouble for all near to him, including Hero and Claudio. The villain of the play.

Margaret (Playing Age: 18-40)

Hero’s serving woman. The poorer of the two serving women, and somewhat intertwined with the villainy of Lord John and her lover Borachio, who is a bad influence.

Borachio (Playing Age: 18-50)

Lord John’s henchman, and a schemer. Archetype of the highschooler who was cool and edgy but when everyone around him matured and grew up, he stayed immature and deceptive without the charm of youth to excuse him. Lover of Margaret.

Conrad (Playing Age: 18-80)

Lord John’s advisor. Most loyal supporter.

Dogberry (Playing Age: 18-80s)

Comedic relief. Constable of Messina.

Verges (Playing Age: 9-80s)

Deputy to Dogberry. Comedic relief.

Antonio/Antonia (40s-80s)

Leonato’s older brother/sister. Beatrice’s father/mother. Hero's uncle/aunt.

Ursula (18-40)

The second of Hero’s waiting women. Middle class.

Audition Expectations:

• Resumé with headshot and complete conflict list (conflicts submitted after your audition may be refused)

• Memorized 30-60 second monologue from a Shakespeare show (but NOT from Much Ado About Nothing).

• Professional audition clothes (nice-looking, but not a tux or ballgown).

There are no age limits to auditions (Character age appearances are primarily 18 years-old and older). Anyone who will be 18 or older at the time of the last performance, 3/22/2026, must complete a background check successfully (no relevant concerns appearing; the definition of a successful pass of the background check is determined at the sole discretion of the owners at Meadow Sky)

Email questions to meadowskyproductions@gmail.com

Notes for Auditionees:

Below, you will find the tentative schedule for Auditions, Rehearsals, and Performances, updated with more and more information as auditions get closer. Some conflicts with all but tech week and performances are often workable, as long as the actor is able to commit to disciplined at-home review. If there are numerous conflicts, the actor may be set an earlier off-book date than fellow cast members. 

Auditions: If you're not able to attend in-person auditions, a video audition may be submitted. Please email meadowskyproductions@gmail.com to arrange an alternative audition time/method. 

All Auditions and Rehearsals will be at the Clausen Building (63830 Clausen Dr. STE 202)

Actors who are cast will be paid a stipend that equals a small percentage of ticket sales. 

Much Ado About Nothing Tentative Rehearsal and Performance schedule:

Auditions: 

November 19th, 2025 5-9 p.m.

Rehearsal Hours weekly:

Sundays 2-6

Mondays 5-8

Fridays 5-8

Jan. 11th, 2026 - Mar. 6th, 2026

Performance Weeks and Tech Week:

March 8th-12th Tech Week

March 13th-15th First Weekend Performances

March 20th-22nd Second Weekend Performances