New York Shakespeare Festival | New York, NY
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)
BREAK: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Off Broadway
$1749 weekly minimum (Off-Broadway EE)
Equity actors for roles in GODDESS (see breakdown). Some roles will be understudied.
Please prepare a short cut (1 minute) in the R&B/Soul realm. No musical theater. Please bring your resume, and cover letter stapled together.
Pearl Studios (500)
500 8th Ave
New York, NY 10018-6504
Holding room is 314; Audition room is 315.
Conceived by Saheem Ali
Music and Lyrics by Michael Thurber
Book by Jocelyn Bioh
Choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie
Directed by Saheem Ali
Produced by The Public Theater
By special arrangement with Mara Isaacs, No Guarantees Productions, Rashad Chambers
EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Taylor Williams, Casting Director
TBD: Micheal Thurber, Musician and Lyricist
First Rehearsal: March 18, 2025
Tech: April 15 - 27, 2025
First Performance: April 29, 2025
Opening: TBD
Current Closing: June 8, 2025
Possible Extension
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.
An Equity Monitor will be provided.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
SETTING: Present day in the bustling coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya.
NOTES ABOUT MUSICAL STYLE: The world of Mombasa and particularly the people who frequent the Jazz and Afrobeat club at the center of the show, MOTO MOTO, are a unique intersection of Kenyan identities. The music in the show is a reflection of all of those musical influences along with Jazz, R&B, Taarab, Afrobeat, Pop and Soul.
NADIRA: OFFER OUT. She/her; Late 20s-30s. Black. The beautiful, sultry and mysterious headlining singer at Moto Moto. She is the pulse of the club and has a voice that is powerful, unparalleled and mystifying. She has a strong and alluring energy that is hard to resist. She is hiding the fact that she is actually Marimba, the Goddess of Music who has come to earth to escape a dark past. An incredible singer, and strong mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
OMARI: CAST He/him. Late 20s-30s; Black. The only child of Hassan and Siti. He has recently received his Masters Degree in Political Science from Columbia University and is now back in Mombasa to step into his family’s political legacy as Governor. Though Omari is passionate about politics, he also has a deep love for music and is an expert with the saxophone - a skill he perfected in his many years sneaking off to play in the band at Moto Moto, his second home. A strong singer, and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
CHECHE: CAST She/her. Late 20s to 30s; Black. The spirited, determined and betrothed fiancée to Omari. She is incredibly intelligent, savvy, beautiful and competent enough to be a leader in her own right. A strong singer, and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
AHMED: He/him. Late 20s to 30s; Black, South Asian or Middle Eastern descent. The sexy, suave and smooth MC/hype man of Moto Moto. He’s a generous spirit who always tries to lead with love. He and Omari have been best friends since they were children. At the club, Ahmed is desperately yet comically in love with Rashida who has had his heart since the day they met. A strong singer, and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
RASHIDA: CAST She/her. Early to Late 30s. Black. The whip smart, funny, beautiful, curvaceous and talented head bartender and assistant manager at Moto Moto. She always tells it like it is - the epitome of a straight shooter. She has yet to reciprocate Ahmed’s affections, but deep down she knows he’s the one. A strong singer, and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
MADONGO: OFFER OUT. He/him. Black. The owner of Moto Moto whose personality is not everyone’s cup of tea. Deep down, he’s a man in search of something great and someone to love. Able to sing and move. East African/Kenyan dialect.
BALOZI: CAST. Black. A mysterious and unique spirited “seer.” Balozi’s spirit and energy feel timeless. Charming, wise and has a deep respect for The Gods. A strong singer and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
HASSAN: He/him. 50s+. Black, South Asian or Middle Eastern descent. Omari’s father and the current Governor of Mombasa. He’s a strict, conservative, traditional man who prides himself in the power he holds both in Mombasa and over his family. Able to hold a tune. East African/Kenyan dialect.
SITI: She/her. 40s+. Black, South Asian or Middle Eastern descent. Omari’s incredibly caring and docile mother. She is proud to be the First Lady of Mombasa and is eager to keep the peace and be the best, most traditional wife and mother. She is smart and believes in the value of upholding tradition. A strong singer. East African/Kenyan dialect.
ZAWADI: CAST she/her. Late 20s-40s. Black. A part of The Grio Trio. Ethereal, celestial beings that are the conduits between the human and spirit world. They guide us through the story of the play, but can easily shift into characters in the story. They are mysterious, sultry and charismatic in their uniquely specific way. A strong singer and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
TISA: CAST she/her. Late 20s-40s. Black. A part of The Grio Trio. Ethereal, celestial beings that are the conduits between the human and spirit world. They guide us through the story of the play, but can easily shift into characters in the story. They are mysterious, sultry and charismatic in their uniquely specific way. A strong singer and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
MOSI: CAST she/her. Late 20s-40s. Black. A part of The Grio Trio. Ethereal, celestial beings that are the conduits between the human and spirit world. They guide us through the story of the play, but can easily shift into characters in the story. They are mysterious, sultry and charismatic in their uniquely specific way. A strong singer and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
MOTO MOTO CLUB MEMBERS: (Currently 8 Ensemble members, exact numbers TBD) FOUR CAST. Any/all gender identities; The vital pulse of Moto Moto club. 20s+; Black, South Asian or Middle Eastern descent. Strong singers and movers.
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