va-rep.org/auditions.html
Virginia Rep Announces Public Auditions at the November Theatre at Virginia Rep Center on Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Seeking African American adults and children ages 7 and up who are strong singers, actors, and dancers.
Cheryl Miller from WTVR Channel 6 will be one of the Emcees for the day, and Radio 1 will join us from 10 a.m. - noon with a remote broadcast.
Families and friends are invited to watch.
Auditions are by appointment in two hour sessions: 10:00 - noon, noon - 2:00, 2:00 - 4:00, and 4:00 - 6:00
Sign Up for an Audition Appointment Online
Email casting@va-rep.org
You will be contacted the week of October 28th with audition details. Your audition slot is reserved upon signup. No further action is required.
Please direct all questions to casting@va-rep.org or (804) 783-1688 option 3.
Prepare for Your Audition
Those auditioning will be asked to prepare one of the following songs:
“Push Da Button” from The Color Purple
“Hell No” from The Color Purple
“Brown Betty” from The Color Purple
“Celie’s Curse” from The Color Purple
“Precious Lord Take My Hand”
“I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”
Accompaniment tracks and lyrics will be available for download soon.
About the Show
The Color Purple
June 19 – August 3, 2014
The Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre (formerly the Empire)
Marjorie Arenstein Stage
at Virginia Rep Center
An inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world, this musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.
Based upon the novel written by Alice Walker
And the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment Motion Picture
Book by Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray
Direction by Chase Kniffen
Choreography by Leslie Owens-Harrington
Music Direction by Ben Miller
Rehearsals will begin on or around: May 19, 2014
Performance Dates: June 19 – August 3, 2014
All performers will be paid.
Cast Breakdown*
SHUG
(African-American, 30s-40s): A popular singer, we meet her at death's door. Attractive, confident, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, but has a frailty, like a wounded animal. Her vulnerability is shocking later on. She is loved by both Celie and Mister. Needs a knockout, Bessie Smith-style, bluesy singing voice.
MISTER
(African-American, 30s-40s. Also known as ALBERT): Like Celie, a deep well. Handsome, big, masculine, strong presence, dominating, capable of brutal behavior but also a victim in his own way. Gets his power for free. Married to Celie, he abuses her. He is in love with Shug. He transforms to a kind man by the end of the story. Needs a great singing voice.
SOFIA
(African-American, 30s): Powerful warrior woman. Physically bigger but beautiful. Comfortable being large, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. Needs comic chops. Needs a great belt singing voice.
HARPO
(African-American, 20s): Mister's vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. Represents the new generation. He marries the independent Sofia. He spends much time trying to get Sofia to obey him the way Celie obeys his father, but he is unsuccessful, as Sofia is considerably stronger than he is. Harpo eventually establishes a jukejoint in his first house and becomes Squeak's lover. Later, he and Sofia reconcile. Through his love of Sofia, he learns how to love a woman. Needs a great tenor singing voice.
NETTIE
(African-American, 20s): Celie's younger sister. Attractive, adventuresome, feisty spirit, maternal, more educated and knowledgeable than Celie. She has a powerful bond with Celie. Forced by Mister to leave Celie, she starts a new life in Africa. Needs a great belt singing voice with African influence.
SQUEAK
(African-American, 20s): Harpo's lover after Sofia leaves him. Although she is mistreated, she eventually undergoes a transformation, demanding to be called by her actual name, Mary Agnes, and starting a new life. She is of mixed ancestry. Attractive, sassy, fiery, strong-willed, unafraid to take anybody on, has a caring heart. Needs comic chops. Needs a great singing voice with belt and soprano capability.
ENSEMBLE
Males and females, 20s - 50s, African-American. All types and singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities. To play various roles in the ensemble The ensemble includes a trio known as Church Ladies, busybody types who are featured throughout the show.
KIDS
(One African-American male 9 - 12 years old and three African-American females 9 - 12 years old.) Need strong singing voices and dynamic personalities
*The role of Celie has been cast.
