Composers / Musicians
We will be looking for a team of talented musicians, Composers and Musical Directors to come together and create the music for the show. There are two different strands for this work. Both of which require a good knowledge in musicianship and writing music for performances. As well as the talent to work quickly and efficiently under the tight time schedule we have.
For more information, view the Google Jamboard on the Musician/Composing strands here.
Stand One: Composers
There are multiple songs that will be composed for the performance. Some of which have words written with the play and will be used as such. Others will be made from scratch.
These songs include...
The Opening Song - Hopefully sung by a performer in the show. This will be used to introduce the characters and will be developed to include Introductory character motifs which will be used in the scoring aspect of the show. As this is the song that will open the show, we hope it will be carefree, jolly and will entice the audience to keep watching. If in need for lyrics, feel free to search Shakespeares Catalog and perhaps use sonnets for the work.
The Masquerade Song - Created in multiple sections with areas for repetition. This is the song that will mark the Masked Ball in Act 2 Scene 1. We hope to find a fun song for an ensemble cast as this will be one of the few times the entire cast will be together on the digitalized stage. If in need for lyrics, feel free to search Shakespeares Catalog and perhaps use sonnets for the work.
Balthasar's Song I - This is our first song that is written within the script. We hope to have this performed by Balthasar themselves. This will be carefree and very relaxed. Lyrics are Printed here.
Pre-wedding Song - This could be created for vocals or just instrumental. This is positioned at the end of Act 3 Scene 4 and should have a jolly but serious tone as we would see Hero get ready for their wedding. This may be created through teamwork with the Scoring Ensemble. If in need for lyrics, feel free to search Shakespeares Catalog and perhaps use sonnets for the work.
Wedding Song - Positioned in Act 4 Scene 1. A big, grand ensemble number with space for a soloist. We would love to see an operatic style for this piece of music and it would be lovely to showcase a talented soprano or tenor within this song. If in need for lyrics, feel free to search Shakespeares Catalog and perhaps use sonnets for the work.
Benedick's Song - Our second song written within the script. Performed by Benedick themselves. Within the show, Benedick writes this song to sing to Beatrice. We would love to hear different styles of the same song as this will build into the script as humourous moments in Act 5 Scene 2. Lyrics Printed here.
Balthasar's Song II - Sang as a duet with Claudio. To commemorate the death of Hero. This should be very solemn and mark a truly sad moment within the show. Lyrics Printed Here.
Ending Song - Sang by the ensemble. This should start as quite a slow song, almost 'picking up the pieces of the play. But should go into the stereotypical Shakespearan Styled Jig that is very famous within the bard's plays. If in need for lyrics, feel free to search Shakespeares Catalog and perhaps use sonnets for the work.
Stand Two: Musicians
The Musical Captain has put together a desired list of instruments for the show. This includes...
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Piano
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Flute/Piccolo
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Oboe /English Horn
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Clarinet / Bass Clarinet
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French Horn
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Saxophone
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Trumpet
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'Section' Low Brass
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Solo Violin
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Solo Cello
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'section' Strings (Viola & Bass)
If you have a different instrument you play, please still audition as it will be lovely to see and hear many different types of sounds and styles within the audition!
This team will help create character motifs and underscoring moments throughout the play. This will be single to double line motifs that signal the entrance of protagonists, villains or groups of characters from a certain class. This will be used to enhance ambiance for physical and emotional developments portrayed by our actors. This may include plotlines and relationships between various characters.
One of our major ideas for a specific character is to create a Jazz villain theme for Don John.
How do I audition?
If auditioning for Stand One (Composers) please send a one to two minute composed song specifically for the performance of Much Ado about Nothing.
If auditioning for Strand Two (Musicians) please send a 30 second to one minute audio file or self-tape on each instrument you would like to audition for.
upload your self-tape or audio file submission to YouTube or to Google Drive and send the link to queershakespeareproject@gmail.com
Alongside this, please fill out this form here.
Further Material
What Did Music Sound Like in Shakespeare's Plays? - A great reference for what instrument sounds could have been used to characterise protagonists/villains of the time!