Press Release
Your Theatre, Inc. is holding auditions on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 7 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 located in St. Martin’s Church/Hall complex, 136 Rivet Street at Country Street, in New Bedford. Auditions will 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. It is a drama that 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.
Visit https://yourtheatre.org/yti/index.php for more information.
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