Introducing....
The Wandering Players
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FPTS is proud to introduce their very first traveling Shakespeare troupe. Directed by our very own, Shirley Rowe; love, laughter, betrothal, and betrayal arise when sword-wielding soldiers meet masquerading maids in an abridged version of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
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Join us for auditions, March 14, 2026 at the Rowe Residence. Casting roles below
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Synopsis:
​Leonato welcomes Don Pedro’s army to his manor in Messina after their successful campaign.
Claudio, a champion of the war, falls in love with Hero, Leonato’s daughter. Another soldier,
Benedick, professes he will never marry but engages in a “merry war of wits” with Hero’s
cousin, Beatrice. Don Pedro brokers a marriage contract between Claudio and Hero, and helps
trick Benedick and Beatrice into admitting their love for each other. After the disgruntled Don
John spreads ugly rumors about Hero, Claudio jilts Hero at the altar. Beatrice demands that
Benedick avenge Hero’s honor, and Benedick must choose whether his loyalty lies with his army
buddies or his future wife.
CHARACTER LIST
Ages below are the ages of the characters, not necessarily the ages of the actors who portray them.
Benedick (30-35 years old) Witty, opinionated, good-natured, he is one of Don Pedro’s soldiers. He once had a failed romantic relationship with Beatrice, but still finds her attractive. (87 lines.)
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Claudio (25-30 years old) Single-minded, gullible, and prone to jealousy, he is also one of Don Pedro’s soldiers. Before the last campaign, he noticed and was attracted to Hero. (64 lines.)
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Leonato (50-65 years old) The governor of Messina, he is father to Hero and the guardian of his niece, Beatrice. He is hospitable, kind, and prone to be influenced by the opinions of Don Pedro. (63 lines.)
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Beatrice (30-35 years): A witty and independent noblewoman of Messina, she is ward to her Uncle Leonato and cousin to Hero. She has had a failed romantic relationship with Benedick in the past, but is still attracted to him. (74 lines)
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Hero (20-25 years): A young and trusting noblewoman of Messina, she is the daughter and heir of Leonato and cousin to Beatrice. (22 lines)
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Don Pedro (40-50 years) An army commander who attacks and conquers problems. He and his men have recently put down a rebellion led by his half-brother, Don John, who is now in his custody. (63 lines.)
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Don John (35 years old) Having failed in his recent attempt to overthrow his half-brother Don Pedro, he fakes reconciliation, but secretly seeks revenge. He is quiet, sullen, and brooding. (33 lines.)
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Borachio (30-35 years old) Underhanded, manipulative, carousing follower to Don John. (23 lines)
*Antonio (50-65 years) Younger brother and loyal friend to Leonato and a supportive uncle to both Hero and Beatrice. (8 lines.)
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*Conrade (30-35 years old) Sneaky follower of Don John, companion to Barachio. (13 lines.)
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*Ursula (30-45 years) A maid to Hero and Beatrice, resourceful and trustworthy. (12 lines)
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*Margaret (20-25 years) A maid to Hero and Beatrice, sassy and spicy. (7 lines)
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*Dogberry (40-50 yrs) Constable of Messina in command of the night watchmen, he is unschooled and self-assured, with a grandiose vocabulary. (30 lines)
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*Verges (60-70 years) Dogberry’s earnest second in command with mild dementia. (6 lines.)
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*Watchman 1 (7 lines) and *Watchman 2 (6 lines) Simple-minded men who nevertheless capture the criminals.
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*Friar Francis (in his 40s) The wise and observant clergyman of Messina (13 lines)
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*Sexton (35-40 years) Slightly educated and solemn officer of the court. (6 lines)
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*Characters marked with an asterisk will likely be double cast.