The Color Purple - Equity/Non Equitry Performer Auditions in White Plains, NY White Plains Performing Arts Center Category: Performer Description: White Plains Performing Arts Center (White Plains, NY) LOA;$309/week Music & Lyrics by: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray Book by Marsha Norman Based on the novel by Alice Walker Producing Artistic Director/Director: Jeremy Quinn Musical Director: Stephen Ferri Choreographer: Taavon Gamble First Rehearsal: 1/12/13. Rehearses Monday-Friday, Saturdays 1/19 and 1/26. Tech begins Saturday, January 26. Runs 2/1/ - 2/10 & 2/22 - 2/24, 2013 (3-4 perfs/week)
Callbacks: Sunday 12/16/12, 5:30-10:30 PM. Callbacks are by invitation ONLY. Actors will be notified by email if they are expected to return for callbacks. Sides and music will be distributed at callbacks; please be as familiar with the show as possible if you are called back and be prepared to dance.
Nominated for eleven TONY awards, this ground-breaking musical, based on the book and movie of the same name, will be making its New York Regional Premiere at White Plains Performing Arts Center in February 2013. An inspiring family saga based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Color Purple is the unforgettable story of a downtrodden woman who, motivated by the free-thinking women she encounters, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues; this is a story of hope, inspiration and triumph. The show ruthlessly explores the topics of race, gender roles, and sexuality. Although set in the 1930s, its messages still ring clear today, as these delicious characters struggle to be understood and to understand themselves. All characters are African-American men and women, 20s-50s.
Seeking performers with fantastic singing voices and dynamic personalities to play principal and ensemble roles as well as 4 children who can play ages 10 - 16. Specifically looking for strong actors who have soulful, bluesy, gospel voices with passion, power and range. All types and singing ranges are encouraged to attend. Theatre’s casting note: “Because of the short, intense rehearsal schedule, we are open and interested in seeing performers who have done the show before. But it is NOT a requirement.”
Seeking:
CELIE Insecure yet spirited, appears meek and timid but has a tough interior. She’s been told she is ugly and thinks so but has a sense of humor. There is much behind her eyes. Treated poorly for many years, she finds the love and confidence to become an independent thinker. The role’s vocals need a strong, passionate, belt.
MISTER 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. His true feelings are for Shug. He realizes his errors and tries to make amends. Strong vocalist with power.
SHUG 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. The role needs a dynamic Bessie Smith - style, bluesy singing voice.
SOFIA 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, she will not accept mistreatment. Strong belt.
HARPO Mister’s vulnerable, good-natured son who 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.
NETTIE An adventuresome, spunky and educated young woman; she 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.
SQUEAK Harpo’s girl after Sofia leaves and until she returns. Spunky, fun and sassy, opinionated and not easily intimidated, strong belt and soprano capability. Vocally unique - she’s not called “Sqeak” for nothing.
OL MISTER/PREACHER Mister’s father, owner of the farm and house that Mister works and lives on with Celie and his children. He 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.
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 being considered. Strong singers with comedic flair. *Must be strong at holding solo line harmonies in 3 parts. These characters are often always singing together in 3-part harmony or singing solo and “ad lib/riff” lines though out the show.
ENSEMBLE CHILDREN Four young performers who can play ages 10-16. Two girls for “Young Celie” & “Young Nettie”, 1 Ensemble girl cover who will play “Young Olivia” & 1 Ensemble boy for “Young Adam”. All must sing and act well.
ADULT ENSEMBLE SINGER/DANCERS Physically fit, athletic men and women - all vocal types, excellent trained dancers, strong singing voices and personalities to play many ensemble roles.
For a 5-minute appointment, please call (preferred method) 914/328-1600, x18 (M-F, 11-5 pm) or e-mail auditions@wppac.com beginning Mon, 12/3. Include name, phone #, approximate time you’d like to audition (and date since there are 2 days of open calls in addition to the EPA) and union status. Equity Members without appointments will be seen as time permits. Once you have been given an appointment time, it will be confirmed by email along with very detailed driving and mass transit directions using Metro-North from Grand Central.
Company: White Plains Performing Arts Center Address: White Plains, NY US Contact: [Name Withheld] auditions@wppac.com Phone: 914/328-1600, x18 Response Method(s): By Email By Phone At Audition Audition Information
When: Equity Performer Auditions by APPOINTMENT: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 10 AM – 6 PM Lunch from 1:30 – 2:30 pm at the White Plains Performing Arts Center 11 City Place, 3rd Floor (City Center) White Plains NY 10601 (Next to the movie theatre. Directions: www.wppac.com)
What to Prepare - Please prepare a Broadway-type or standard song in the style of the show that can be interpreted as soulful, or a blues, gospel-type song. Performers may also sing from the show/role in which they are interested. Must bring sheet music in the correct key. A piano accompanist will be provided but will not transpose. Charts are NOT acceptable, NO cd’s and NO unaccompanied singing. Please bring a picture & resume, stapled back-to-back.
And OPEN Auditions (Equity AND non-Equity) by APPOINTMENT: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 3 PM – 9 PM And Thursday, December 13, 2012 10 AM – 2 PM at the White Plains Performing Arts Center 11 City Place, 3rd Floor (City Center) White Plains NY 10601 See info above re making appointment and preparation.
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