Your Theatre, Inc. is holding auditions on Sun., 1/5, at 5 p.m. for all roles in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. The performance has yet to be scheduled and this audition is to explore casting possibilities.
Director Margo Wilson-Ruggiero is looking at casting all roles. There are 10 people in the cast, 4 female and 6 male, with ages ranging from 18 to 68.
Auditions are held in the playhouse in St. Martin’s Church/Hall complex, 136 Rivet Street, at County Street, in New Bedford. Auditions consist of a cold reading from the script.
The play debuted on Broadway in 1959 and was inspired by the poem “Harlem” (also know as “A Dream Deferred”) by Langston Hughes. The drama focuses on a working-class African-American family living in Chicago in the 1950’s. Race, identity, family, and the American Dream are put under the microscope as the Younger family tries to build a better life for themselves and for future generations. The play opens with Mama, the family’s matriarch waiting for a $10,000 insurance check from the death of her husband, and the drama focuses primarily on how the money should be spent.
Male Characters:
Walter Lee Younger: African American, age 35-45, a dreamer, lean, intense, somewhat erratic and quick to anger, able to dance and move.
Travis Younger: African American, age 8-14, well spoken, intelligent, respectful yet spirited.
Joseph Asagai: Nigerian, age 18-28, frank speaking with intelligence and charm, very proud of his African heritage (will also play a moving man in the final scene) Should have a Nigerian accent.
George Murchison: African American, age 18-28, wealthy from the black upper class, a bit snobbish but generally respectful and polite (will also play a moving man in the final scene.)
Bobo: African American, age 28-40, nervous, fidgety, frightened, not bright (will also play a moving man in the final scene.)
Karl Lindner: Caucasian, age 45-60, business man type with salesman-like charm until the mask drops.
Female Characters:
Lena Younger or Mama: African American, age 55-60, strong character, religious, moral and determined. Good carriage, soft voice except when angered. (Despite being described as a soft voice the actress must be able to project to be heard.)
Beneatha Younger: African American, age 18-28, lean, attractive, educated, ambitious, can dance and move.
Ruth Younger: African American, age 30-40, attractive practical woman beginning to be worn down by her situation.
Mrs. Johnson: African American, any age, the nosy neighbor, judgmental.
Experience is not necessary; just the desire to participate and share the experience of live theatre and the enjoyment of collaborating with other talented individuals.
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