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Auditions for CROWNS

Date Posted: 06/17/08
Organization: The Tabard Theatre Company
City: San Jose

Description:

When…

Auditions by appointment only July 12th and 14th, 2008. Please prepare a Gospel song in the style of the show. Accompaniment provided; no a cappella. You are welcome and encouraged to bring along your “hattitude”. Auditions will also include cold reading from the script. Callbacks, which will include movement, are Tuesday, July 15th, 7pm.

Rehearsals will begin in January 2009; schedule will be made to accommodate cast availability.

Performances run March 4 – March 28, 2009 at Theatre on San Pedro Square, Downtown San Jose.

The Show…

Regina Taylor's endearing play with music is a tribute to the fabulous church hats and the African-American women for whom they are symbolic crowns, a means to express themselves in the presence of God. As such, Crowns is a lively and moving portrait of these women that weaves together a variety of stories from different characters, time periods and perspectives that, when integrated with Gospel music and dance, create a tapestry of voices that transcend time and place. The result is exiting, endearing, and encouraging. We’re looking to cast African-American women with serious “hattitude” and one man who can hold his own among them.



Character Descriptions…

MOTHER SHAW/Obatala (White and silver - Orisha of the mind, wisdom and creativity; the source of all that is pure, peaceful and compassionate)

Mother Shaw is Yolanda's grandmother and the matriarch in this world. She is a well-respected religious woman who has been married 47 years to the same man. She remembers the days before the civil rights movement and reminisces about hat stores with signs proclaiming "Whites Only." She is a leader in her community and recognized for her feisty nature and her power to "usher in the Spirit." She leads the Morning Service and officiates over the congregation.

Principal songs: Ain’t a-that Good News, When the Saints Go Marchin’ In

Physical requirements: Must be able to play late 60s/early 70s and appear at least 10-15 years older than Mabel

MABEL/Shango (Red and white - Orisha of fire, lightning, drums and dance; hot-blooded and strong-willed)

Mabel is a minister's wife for whom the most important thing in the world is praising the Lord. Mabel believes in setting an example of dress and behavior for younger girls and exercises her influence with a sharp and sassy tell-it-like-it-is attitude. She was born around 1940 and attended Bennett College for Women in 1958. Her father died at the age of 89.

Principal Songs: No principal songs, but has solo lines in various ensemble numbers.

Physical requirements: Must play 50s/early 60s

VELMA/Oya (Purple – Orisha of storms and wind; epitomizes female power and righteous anger)

Velma refers to herself as a hat queen and confesses to owning about 200 hats. She coins the phrase "hattitude" for the way a woman ought to carry herself in a hat. She is tougher than she looks - hard times have offered her many life lessons. She grew up on a tobacco farm and later becomes a funeral director. She observes how "hattitude" figures into the death ritual.

Principal Songs: His Eye is on the Sparrow, When I’ve done the Best I Can, This Joy Physical Requirements: Not age-specific. Described in the play as having a fragile look - should probably have a slight build.

WANDA/Oshun (Gold and bright yellow – Orisha of rivers, flowing waters, rain, waterfalls and love; patron of all sweet pleasures of the world )

Wanda is the most ladylike woman of the group. She developed her love for hats from her Grandma Em. Her hat stories are full of propriety and decorum as well as fond recollections. The choice of the appropriate hat is very important to Wanda. She is turned off by too many baubles on a hat - especially sequins in church.

Principal Songs: No principal songs, but has solo lines in various ensemble numbers.

Physical Requirements: Not age-specific, but probably early 40s

JEANETTE/Yemaya (Blue – Orisha of seas and lakes; the Mother of All)

Jeanette is flirtatious, brassy, fun loving and full of the joy of spirituality. Her hat stories include a memorable gift from a white acquaintance and the memory of her father's favorite hat. At church, she looks up to Mother Shaw - both the way she carries herself and the way she presides over the morning congregation.

Principal Songs: That’s All Right (ring shout), This Joy

Physical requirements: Probably early to mid 30s

YOLANDA/Ogun (Green and black – Orisha of iron, war and modern technology, a master of transformation)

Yolanda is the youngest of the group, the outsider who resists the other women in their attempts to welcome her into their family. She is a tough girl from Brooklyn who asserts herself as a rebellious spirit and bucks the traditions that the others hold sacred. Her older brother Teddy was shot and killed at the age of 18. Yolanda’s mother has sent her to live with her grandmother (Mother Shaw) after this tragedy.

Throughout the play, she is trying to figure out her identity, her place in the world, and her place in her own culture.

Principal songs: Where I Belong (rap), One of Them (gospel/blues), I’ve Got Joy Like a Fountain

Physical Requirements: Must play 16-18 

MAN/Elegba (Red and Black – Orisha of crossroads, the messenger between the physical and spiritual worlds, the opener of doors)

The Man, the spirit of the crossroads, is a vital part of the women's histories and appears in different roles throughout the play. He serves the stories that the women tell, often bringing momentary life to the fathers, brothers, husbands and preachers who have touched the lives of the other characters.

Principal Songs: Oh Lord I’m Waitin’ On You, If I Could Touch the Hem of His Garment, I’m Gonna Roll On, Oh Mary Don’t You Weep (Boyz to Men version)

Character’s Age: Not age-specific.

What now…

To make an audition appointment or for more information, please contact Cathy Cassetta at 408-979-0231 or cathy@tabardtheatre.org. For additional information about Tabard, please visit http://www.tabardtheatre.org.

Audition packets will be e-mailed the week before auditions. Packets will include audition location and directions.

 

Contact Info

Phone: 408-979-0231
Email: cathy@tabardtheatre.org.
Website: http://www.tabardtheatre.org

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