THE COLOR PURPLE - Piedmont Players Theatre Non Equity Auditions

The Color Purple

Book by Marsha Norman

Music & Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis & Stephen Bray

AUDITION DATES:  Monday, Aug 20 & Tuesday, Aug 21

7pm @ The Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St, Salisbury, NC (3^rd floor)

Available roles listed below

THE COLOR PURPLE is 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 Pulitzer Prizewinning 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.

Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score

“One of the most uplifting and thrilling nights I’ve ever spent in any theatre!  IT’S A WINNER!”  ~Chicago Sun-Times

“A BIG HIT!  A really stirring, inspiring show.”  ~Chicago Tribune

The Meroney Theater: 213 S Main St | Salisbury, NC 28144 | 704.633.5471

AVAILABLE ROLES

CELIE:

female, insecure yet spirited, appears meek and timid  but has a tough interior, has been told she is ugly and thinks so, has a sense of humor, there is much behind her eyes, treated poorly for many years, she finds love and confidence to become an independent thinker, needs a strong, passionate,  belt singing voice, lead role;

MISTER:

male, real name is Albert, an outwardly attractive, dominant male presence, disrespectful, demanding  and abusive of people in his life, marries Celie, out of necessity and mistreats her, true feelings are  for Shug, realizes his errors and tries to make amends, strong vocalist with power, lead role;

SHUG:

female, a well known  singer, very charismatic, a sexy, confident and powerful female presence, irresistible to all , loved by and comforting to both Celie and Mister, needs a dynamic Bessie Smith- style, bluesy singing voice, featured;

SOFIA:

female, powerful, humorous, independent warrior woman, physically larger with a presence to match, comfortable  and confident in her own skin, uses her sexuality, married to Harpo, will not accept mistreatment, strong belt singing voice, featured role;

HARPO:

male, Mister’s vulnerable, good-natured son, marries Sofia, torn between what he learned from his father and what he is learning from Sofia, learns to treat women well and becomes successful with his business, strong tenor singing voice,  featured role;

NETTIE:

female, an adventuresome, spunky and educated young woman, has a strong, unbreakable bond with her older sister, Celie, separated from Celie by Mister, she finds a new life  and calling in Africa, strong belt singing voice;

SQUEAK:

female, Harpo’s girl after Sofia leaves and until she returns, spunky, fun and sassy, opinionated and not easily intimidated, strong belt and soprano capability;

OL MISTER/PREACHER:

Mister’s father, owner of the farm and house that Mister works and lives on with Celie and his children, is an irritable, nasty, self-centered man, verbally abusive towards his son, telling him what is ‘right’, strong actor who sings; doubles as the Preacher 

YOUNG CELIE AND NETTIE:

Must be able to play age 7-10. Good acting, vocal and dance skills.

CHURCH LADIES:

big, strong personalities and presences, character women who are the busybodies of the town, they see everything and comment on everything, all different types and ages, strong singers with comedic flair;

DANCERS:

Males and females, all physical types. Strong jazz style dancers with a good sense of rhythm. All acrobatic abilities a plus. Please wear fitted black clothing and be prepared to dance.

ADULT ENSEMBLE SINGERS:

Males and females, all physical and vocal types, and strong singing voices and personalities to play many ensemble roles. Looking for strong actors with soulful, bluesy, gospel voices with passion, power and range. Be prepared to learn movement from the show.

Josh Wainright | Marketing Director

Piedmont Players Theatre Inc.

213 S. Main St

Salisbury, NC 28144