Producing Org TBD
Equity actors for understudy roles in the Broadway production of PURPOSE (see breakdown).
Prepare a 1-2 minute contemporary monologue of your choice. Please bring your headshot and resume stapled together.
Actors' Equity New York Audition Center
165 W 46th St
16th Fl
New York, NY 10036
Director: Phylicia Rashad
Writer: Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins
Producer(s): Steppenwolf Theater, David Stone, Marc Platt, Debra Martin Chase, LaChanze, Rashad Chambers, and Aaron Glick
General Manager: 321 Management
Expected to attend:
Casting Directors: James Calleri, Erica Jensen
Casting Assistant: Allie Wheeless
First Rehearsal: Jan 15, 2025 (possibly first 3 weeks in LA)
First preview: February 25
Opening: March 18, 19 or 20
End of 20 week run: July 13
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.
An Equity Monitor will be provided.
Equity's contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
SYNOPSIS: For decades, the influential Jasper family has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen. But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home to Illinois with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith, and the legacies of Black radicalism. Rowdy, hilarious, and filled with intrigue, Purpose is an epic family drama and a long-awaited world premiere from one of the country’s most celebrated voices.
[SOLOMON “SONNY” JASPER/Understudy] Black, 60s, male-identifying, patriarch, a key figure in the student protest wing of the American civil rights movement who went on to become a highly visible politician, spokesman, and religious leader during the latter half of the twentieth century. Hiding an illness from his children. Guaranteed performances.
[CLAUDINE JASPER/Understudy] Black, female-identifying, 60s, married to Sonny, a key figure in the student protest wing of the American civil rights movement who went on to become a highly visible politician, spokesman, and religious leader during the latter half of the twentieth century. She embraces her role of matriarch and is just as responsible for the political work her husband has accomplished. Strong-willed. Used to being in the spotlight.
[NAZARETH JASPER/Understudy] Black, early-to mid-30s, male-identifying. Youngest son of Sonny Jasper, a key figure in the student protest wing of the American civil rights movement who went on to become a highly visible politician, spokesman, and religious leader during the latter half of the twentieth century. A nature photographer (he did not go into the family business of politics). He's returned home to Chicago for his mother's birthday. WILL ALSO UNDERSTUDY SOLOMON.
[SOLOMON “JUNIOR” JASPER JR /Understudy] Black, late-30s/early-40s, male-identifying. Former State Senator, who served five consecutive terms before he was found guilty of federal embezzlement and a few counts of wire fraud. He was just released from prison. Slick and charming. He can take any curse and turn it into a blessing. WILL ALSO UNDERSTUDY NAZARETH.
[MORGAN JASPER/Understudy] Black, late-30s/early-40s, female-identifying. Married to Solomon Jr. Got sucked up in her husband's political fall and was sentenced to 12 months for filing false tax returns but, because they have a set of twin boys, the judge allowed them to serve their time consecutively. She is about to go to prison and is not happy about it. WILL ALSO UNDERSTUDY ANGELA.
[ANGELA HOUSTON/Understudy] Black, female-identifying, early to mid-30s. Earthy, headstrong, and determined. She was raised in a Black Panther household and that has shaped how she moves through life. She’s chosen to have a baby by herself. She is an outsider entering the world of the Jasper family as she doesn’t come from the political class. WILL ALSO UNDERSTUDY MORGAN.
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