THE COLOR PURPLE - Concord, MA EPA The Umbrella Arts | Concord, MA
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (E)
To schedule an appointment or for additional questions or information please email auditions@theumbrellastage.org .
SPT
$370.50 weekly minimum (SPT 2)
Equity actors for roles in THE COLOR PURPLE (See breakdown).
Concord local actors are encouraged to audition.
Please prepare a 1 to 2 minute monologue from African American theatre, literature or poetry. Selections should be memorized AND A spiritual or hymn of your choosing (other than Amazing Grace), either a cappella or accompanied. Also, please bring your headshot and resume stapled together.
The Umbrella Community Arts Center 40 Stow St
Concord, MA 01742
Expected to attend:
Brian Boruta, Producing Artistic Director BW Gonzalez, Director
Nathanael Wilkerson, Music Director
First Rehearsal: April 18th, 2023
First Performance: May 12th, 2023 Closing Performance: June 4th, 2023
OTHER
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.
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.
Equity encourages everyone participating in the auditions to wear a two-ply cloth face mask, surgical mask, singer’s mask or respirator (N95, KN95 or KF94). Single-ply face masks, gaiters and bandanas are not recommended. Singer’s masks can be found at www.broadwayreliefproject.com/singersmask.
Equity encourages members to prepare for their audition prior to arriving at the audition venue, to the extent that they can (e.g., get dressed, hair/make-up, etc.) to avoid crowding in bathrooms and dressing rooms.
Holding/Audition room information:
The maximum capacity in the holding room is: 20
The maximum capacity in the audition room is: 50
THE COLOR PURPLE
Actors and singers who are Black/of the African Diaspora.
CELIE: (Black, 20s-40’s) Drives the story. Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, mischievous, seemingly passive but really not, has a deep, hard soul, believes that she is ugly, has a sense of humor which is sometimes wicked. She is an observer. Has a great belt singing voice with lots of soul.
SHUG: (Black, 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. Has a knockout, Bessie Smith-style, bluesy singing voice.
MISTER: (Black, 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. Has a great singing voice.
SOFIA: (Black, 30s) Powerful warrior woman. Physically bigger and beautiful. Comfortable being large, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. Has comic chops. Has a great belt singing voice.
HARPO: (Black, 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. Has a great tenor singing voice.
NETTIE: (Black, 20s-40’s) 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.
SQUEAK: (Black, 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. Has comic chops. Has a great singing voice with belt and soprano capability.
ADULT SINGERS: male and female identifying, 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.
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