THE PIANO LESSON Submission - Yale Repertory Theatre Auditions

THE PIANO LESSON – Photo / Resume Request

Yale Repertory Theatre New Haven, CT LORT D; Theatre pays $1125/week *

* housing or NY New Haven Train Fare provided.

Artistic Director: James Bundy

Associate Artistic Director: Jennifer Kiger

Managing Director: Victoria Nolan

Writer: August Wilson

Director: Liesl Tommy

Tara Rubin Casting / Laura Schutzel - Casting Director

1^st rehearsal: 12/27/10. Runs: 1/28 – 2/19/11

NYC auditions will be held on an upcoming date to be determined, by appointment only.

Seeking submissions from Actors' Equity Members only for these auditions.

For consideration, please send a letter, picture and resume to:

Tara Rubin Casting

ATTN: PIANO LESSON-AEA SUBMISSION

570 7th Avenue, Suite 401

New York, NY 10018

Please read notice carefully, and submit ONLY if you are right for one of more roles.

Synopsis: Pittsburgh, 1936. An ornately carved upright piano sits in the home of Berniece Charles, who plans to pass it along to her daughter. But her brother, Boy Willie, has another plan for the prized, hard-won heirloom: to sell it for the hard cash to buy the same Mississippi land that their family once worked as slaves. The Piano Lesson is the intimate story of a brother and sister and their struggle to embrace or deny their epic inheritance.

Note: The Piano Lesson was one of six plays in August Wilson’s 10-play cycle chronicling the African American experience in the 20th century to premiere at Yale Rep. Director Liesl Tommy made her Yale Rep debut with the critically-acclaimed production of Eclipsed in 2009.

Seeking:

Doaker:

Late 40s/Early 50s. African-American. Berniece and Boy Willie’s uncle. Railroad cook by profession, but retired from the world. He tries to be neutral in the family argument over the piano but also knows – and re-counts – how relevant the piano is to their legacy. This character has many lengthy monologues so actor must be very technically proficient with language.

Boy Willie:

Early 30s. African-American. Berniece’s younger brother. Boyish with an infectious grin. He is brash and impulsive. He is talkative, and somewhat crude in his speech and manner. This character has many lengthy monologues so actor must be very technically proficient with language.

Lymon:

Late 20s. African-American. He doesn’t talk much but when he does, it is with a disarming straightforwardness. He is Boy Willie’s friend, but doesn’t plan to return with him to the South. He wants to make a life for himself in Pittsburgh.

Berniece:

Mid-30s. African-American. Her husband died 3 years ago, and she is still in mourning. Single mother and strong woman who wants the best for her daughter. Fiercely protects the piano and the family legacy it represents. This character has many lengthy monologues so actor must be very technically proficient with language.

Avery:

Late 30s. African-American. Preacher. He followed Berniece to court her. He is honest and ambitious, and well-suited to the city.

Wining Boy:

Mid-50s. African-American. Full of zest and sorrow, he wanders in and out of the house depending on his financial situation. He is a musician and former recording star, and a very gifted story-teller. Actor must be able to carry a tune and sing some blues.

Grace:

20s. African-American. Boy Willie’s pick-up during a night out. Attractive, spit-fire.