Ann Arbor Civic Theatre announces auditions for its production of Shakespeare’s comedy "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Cassie Mann. Auditions are Saturday, November 12 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, November 13 at 7 p.m. (Callbacks, if needed, are Tuesday, November 15 at 7 p.m.) Auditions take place at the A2CT Rehearsal Studio, 322 W. Ann St.

Set in the American West of the late 19th century, this version of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy finds Miss Leona, the proprietress of Leona’s Saloon, welcoming back her friend Don Pedro after a skirmish on the plains. With Don Pedro is his estranged brother Don John, who carries a boulder-sized chip on his shoulder. John’s attempts to wreak havoc with the local townsfolk finds cowboys and bar maids, schoolmarms and school girls drawn into a convoluted compendium of mistaken identity, requited—and unrequited—love, trickery, and fun.

Auditions consist of cold readings from the script, movement games, and improv. Those auditioning need attend only one of the regular audition sessions, but should be available for callbacks. No preregistration is required. There are roles for 8-11 women ages 18-65 and 9-10 men ages 20-90, plus townspeople, barmaids, saloon dancers, cowboys, and musicians. (Some have a line or two, all will have “bits” and lots to do).

Production dates are January 26-29, 2012. For further information and character descriptions, visit the audition page of the A2CT website at www.a2ct.org or call the A2CT office at 734-971-2228.