The Gallery Players announces auditions for upcoming AEA showcase (approval pending) production of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. Director: Reginald L. Douglas; Producer: Brian Michael Flanagan for The Gallery Players; Casting: Destiny Lilly/Destiny Casting (www.destinylilly.com).
Lena Younger – 59, African American woman.
Resilient and wise with the power to maintain a good humor despite the many hardships of her life. Still in mourning over her recently deceased husband, but masking it with a confident demeanor and bravely bright smile and spirit. Thoroughly tough, fierce and thick-skinned, but her love for her children and desire to provide for their family reveals a quiet, gentle and tender soul
Walter Lee Younger – 30, African American man
Street smart from a life of struggle in the inner city. His confident pride and tough exterior masks the tender child and “mama’s boy” that resulted from his life of love and familial safety and protection. Striking in his grandeur and size, both physically and emotionally, with the ability to both cry and scream with emotional ease. His ability to shift between the harsh reality of his life and the brighter future that he dreams of is both electrifying and frighteningly harrowing.
Ruth Younger – 28, African American woman.
A life of sacrifice has aged Ruth beyond her years, but not erased her sensuality, self-esteem and deep love for her family. Beautiful yet broken, she has invested her dreams and passions into her son and husband with a grace and pride that is now starting to rip at the seams. A sharp wit coupled with a sincerely sweet spirit allows her to navigate her pain and frustrations with an easy laughter and infectious sense of humor. A fierce strength allows her to stand tall even as her world crumbles before her eyes.
Beneatha Younger – 21, African American woman
A confident, proud scholar and “know-it-all” with a big heart and even bigger zest for life and learning. An enthusiastic dreamer who aspires to be a doctor as an extension of her vibrant newfound political activism. Boldly awakening to the joys of first love without the courage to admit how much she enjoys it.
Joseph Asagai - 24, African American man
A suitor of Beneatha. A Nigerian exchange student, enthusiastically proud of his Nigerian heritage, his power with words is captivating, entrancing and allows him to take over any room he enters, an ability that he relishes, delights in Beneatha’s fascination with his culture,
George Murchison – 22, African American man
A suitor of Beneatha. Handsome, privileged and savvy with a personality that is at once immediately charming and off-putting. Actively aware of how his unique combination of good looks, money and raging hormones makes him quite a catch. Has a genuine interest in Beneatha that he hides under his mask of machismo and confidence. (Actor will double as a “Moving Man” in other scenes.)
Travis Younger – 9, African American boy
Inner city life has made him wise beyond his years. Quick-witted and bright-eyed, his joyful enthusiasm for life is kept in balance with the harsh realities of lack and struggle that burden his family, particularly his father. A mama’s boy on the verge of adolescence, he is discovering his voice and enjoying the thrill of pushing his mother’s limits. The apple of his grandmother’s eye and he knows it.
Karl Lindner – 30, white man
Proud and big-hearted. Projects a confidence and wisdom that masks his fear of the unknown and hard to understand. A family man who takes pride in his work, community and sweet demeanor. A man on a mission that is in conflict with his conscience. He is in many ways who Walter Lee could have been in another life.
Bobo – 35, African American man
Street smart without the common sense, as his name suggests. A friend of Walter Lee who is willing to risk his family’s future on his personal ambitions. A man of pride without much dignity or honor, he lives in his dreams with his head in the clouds. (Actor will double as a “Moving Man” in other scenes.)
PLEASE PREPARE:
SIDES FOR AUDITIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THIS PAGE SHORTLY. Please check back soon for more information. Please do not e-mail asking for copies of the sides. You will be able to download them from this page by January 20.
Please prepare the side for the audition for the role for which you are interested. Click the character name to download (pdf).
Mama
Beneatha
Ruth
Walter
Asagai
Travis
Lindner
NOTE: Not all roles will be called back.
AUDITIONS (Open Call)
Thursday, Feb 2 (7-11) (Doors will open at 6:30, Sign-in ends at 8:30) – Open Call
Saturday, Feb 4 (11-4) – Open Call + Submissions (Doors will open at 10:30, Sign-in ends at 3:30)
AUDITIONS (Appointments)
Accepting headshot/resumes for appointments for the roles of MAMA, BENEATHA, RUTH, WALTER, ASAGAI, TRAVIS, LINDNER and RUTH.
Appointments will be 2/1 (b/w 7-10), 2/3 (b/w 7-10), and 2/4 (daytime). Please submit by e-mail to auditions(at)galleryplayers.com and indicate clearly which role(s) for which you are submitting. If you do not get an appointment you are invited to the other open call dates.
Callbacks are Saturday, Feb 11 (9-6).
FIRST REHEARSAL
Saturday, February 18th
All rehearsals are weekday evenings (6:30pm-11pm) or weekend daytimes (approximately 11am-6pm).
REHEARSALS
All rehearsals are weekday evenings (6:30pm-11pm) or weekend daytimes (approximately 11am-6pm).
13 PERFORMANCE DATES
Saturday, March 17 at 8:00 PM – Opening night
Sunday, March 18 at 3:00 PM – matinee
Thursday, March 22 at 8:00 PM
Friday, March 23 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 PM – matinee
Saturday, March 24 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 PM – matinee
Wednesday, March 29 – Daytime Matinee
Thursday, March 29 at 8:00 PM
Friday, March 30 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, March 31 at 2:00 PM – matinee
Saturday, March 31 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 1 at 3:00 PM – final performance
All roles open. All ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Equity/Non-Equity. No Pay. (AEA members receive travel stipend).