Auditions
Fall Production Cast Lists
Directing Projects
We will be holding auditions for the Directing I Final Scene Projects. We have close to 40 roles available, so we want to see as many actors as possible. Freshman, this includes you!! This is a great opportunity for you to be involved in a department project that will allow your fellow students and faculty members to see your work.
Auditions will be held on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 from 3pm-5pm in Messick 205. A sign-up sheet for appointment times will be posted on the bulletin board outside of Messick 205.
Rehearsals will be held during our class time on MW and will begin on MONDAY, OCTOBER 14. The class period will be divided into the following time slots: 3:00-3:35, 3:40-4:15, and 4:20-4:55. You DO NOT need to be available for all three time slots to participate. Scenes will be assigned to a time slot based on the cast availability. You WILL need to be available during the same time slot on MWF until scenes finish performing on NOVEMBER 25. Scene performances will happen during the same rehearsal time slots on NOVEMBER 20 and NOVEMBER 25.
Below is a list of the plays we are doing with descriptions of the characters we will be casting. Please contact me at congerb18@ecu.edu if you have any questions or need clarification on any details. You can also find one of the directing students and they will be able to answer questions.
The Miss Firecracker Contest
By Beth Henley
Directed by: Brandy Faith
Carnelle Scott: (24 years old, female-identifying, any ethnicity). The beauty contestant. An orphan raised by her aunt who recently passed is determined to salvage her reputation as “Miss Hot Tamale” by winning The Miss Firecracker Contest and leaving her hometown in a blaze of glory. She will do whatever it takes to win this pageant. At her core, she is just a girl who wants to be seen as beautiful. Must be comfortable being in drag.
Popeye Jackson: (23- years old, female-identifying, any ethnicity). Carnelle’s seamstress and later turned friend. Awkard and shy around others. Fell in love with Delmount, Carnelle’s cousin at first sight of his picture. Determined to help Carnelle win the pageant (and get Delmount to fall in love with her).
Elain Rutledge: (32 years old, female-identifying, any ethnicity). Carnelle’s cousin and former Miss Firecracker Winner at the age of 18. Deemed “Miss Perfect”, Elain has recently left her rich husband and two small kids to return home to Carnelle to find who she truly is without the pressure of people telling her who to be. Extremely beautiful.
Delmount Williams: (28 years old, male-identifying, any ethnicity). Carnelle’s cousin and Elain’s younger brother. Recently released from a mental institution after he violently attacked a man, returns home to sell the family house after his mother’s passing. He wants a brand-new start in New Orleans after being considered the black sheep of the family. Very protective over Carnelle and Elain.
Mac Sam: (36-years old, male-identifying, any ethnicity). The balloon man of the Miss Firecracker contest, former fling of Carnelle. In poor health, due to not treating the Syphilis he contracted; but still appearing handsome. One of the only people to truly care for Carnelle and cheer her on in the pageant; thinks she can win.
Tessy Mahoney: (23 years old, female-identifying, any ethnicity). The coordinator of the Miss Firecracker Contest. Deemed in town as one of two of the “ugly Mahoney sisters”, her being a misfit lets her relate to Carnelle. Has a scandalous past with Delmount.
Really, Really
By Paul Downs Colaizzo
Directed by Amy Hartt
Grace (Female-identifying, early 20s) Grace is intelligent, observant, and often the most perceptive of her group, though she hides insecurities beneath her composed exterior. She comes from a privileged background and expects her life, especially her future with Jimmy, to unfold perfectly. In Act 2, Scene 4, Grace’s emotional walls begin to crack as she confronts the moral ambiguity of the situation involving Leigh and Davis. Her loyalty to Jimmy wavers, and the scene highlights her internal struggle between maintaining control and facing uncomfortable truths.
Leigh (Female-identifying, early 20s) Leigh is manipulative, calculating, and determined to control her narrative. She is driven by a deep desire to escape her less privileged background, using her relationships and victimhood to achieve her goals. In Act 2, Scene 4, Leigh’s true nature is revealed as she carefully spins the situation to her advantage, playing on the emotions and perceptions of those around her. She shows little remorse for the harm caused, instead focusing on securing her future. This scene highlights her willingness to exploit the situation, showcasing her ambition and moral ambiguity.
*Content Warning: This scene contains discussions of sexual assault and rape.
HIR
By Taylor Mac
Directed by Noelle Sylvia
(HIR is pronounced “here”)
Paige Connor: (Any ethnicity, female Identifying, 55 years old) Relishing in her new found feminism; Paige is an eccentric, and sometimes overbearing mother. She has lived most of her life under the abuse of men and the patriarchy- and has awoken-and become somewhat crazed- to a new world when her husband suffers from a stroke and becomes docile. She is determined to thrust the family into her “new world order” and REFUSES to clean. She is supportive of her trans child- in an almost annoying way- and has a clear preference between her two kids.
Arnold Connor: (Any ethnicity, male Identifying, 58 years old)
Formerly abusive husband to Paige and father to Max and Isaac. After suffering from a stroke Arnold becomes more like a docile clown than a domineering man of the house. He blurts out whatever he is feeling as he is feeling it, and lets Paige walk all over him. He sits in his chair for almost the entirety of the play. Because he wants to, and because he really can’t do anything else.
Isaac Connor: (Any ethnicity, Male identifying, 24 years old, Cisgender son of Arnold and Paige) A young man who has recently been dishonorably discharged from the military. He expects to return home to the “normal” family he left but returns instead to find his whole world has been flipped upside down. He is incredibly traumatized and attempting to stuff down a PTSD meltdown the entire play. He loves his family and spends much of his time in shock over the changes in dynamics and in his sibling. He doesn’t really understand what is going on but becomes determined to “fix” everything.
Max Connor: (Any ethnicity, Transgender 17 year old, child of Paige and Arnold) Max is a 17 year old whose transition helped to liberate Paige from the patriarchy and gender norms. Max is a spunky and snippy kid, who wants to stake intellectual claim to a space before someone can make Max small. Max uses Ze/Hir pronouns and WILL correct you. Max is nervous to see Hir brother again, and ready for fight for Hir place in the status of the family. *The actor playing Max should be a trans/gender queer person.
Content Warning: This scene mentions drugs and uses suggestive language
Choir Boy
Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Isaiah Bussey
PHARUS JONATHAN YOUNG: Late teens, an effeminate young black man, Pharus is a junior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School. Pharus is a bright, bubbly, successful student, a talented singer, and the leader of the chorus, which is the pride and public face of the school. But he is also flamboyantly effeminate and makes little effort to hide his difference. Pharus is a wide-eyed teenager learning to embrace what makes him different from other young men who look like him. Pharus is roommates with senior athlete Anthony Justin “AJ.”
BOBBY MARROW: Late teens, a young black man, Bobby is a junior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School and a member of the school choir. Bobby is a young black man who struggles with his masculinity, which causes him to retaliate against Pharus. Bobby is grieving over the loss of his mother. He is also the nephew of Headmaster Marrow. After an altercation in class between Bobby and Pharus, Bobby jumps Pharus in the shower room with his best friend Junior. Bobby uses derogatory language targeted towards black and gay people.
HEADMASTER MARROW: Headmaster Marrow is a black man in his late 30s/early 40s and is the youngest and latest headmaster for the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys. Headmaster Marrow is a strong, educated black man who is learning about the dynamics of his school. Headmaster Marrow is a dedicated leader who wants to lead the prestigious Prep School the best he can. He doesn’t realize that he would have to deal with queer situations that take place at his school. He is a paternal uncle to Bobby Marrow.
ANTHONY JUSTIN “AJ” JAMES: Late teens, athletic young black man, a senior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys. AJ is a mature, friendly, attractive, and popular student at the Prep School. He has moments of uncertainty concerning his sexuality. He shares small moments of discovery about his sexuality with his effeminate roommate Pharus. He appears to be masculine but has a “softer” vulnerable side to him. AJ is confident in having his own beliefs and opinions. Which allows him to separate himself from the conflicts that take place between the underclassmen. He is a member of the school’s choir and the school’s baseball team. He is roommates with choir leader Pharus Young.
PENDLETON: Mr. Pendleton is a white man in his late 60s/early 70s, a professor at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys. Nearing his retirement, Pendleton is a man who tries to protect the peace. Knowing that he is the “odd one out,” being a white professor at an all-black school, he is open to learning from the youth of the black community. Mr. Pendleton has to deal with a majority of the conflict that takes place in classes between the students. Mr. Pendleton hates derogatory language that divides groups of people.
JUNIOR DAVIS: Late teens, a young black man, Bobby is a junior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School and a member of the school choir. Junior struggles with cloudy judgment. Making it difficult for him to make his own decisions. Junior is working to find his self-image and lives vicariously through his peers. Junior is Bobby’s partner in crime. Junior assists in jumping Pharus in the shower room after an altercation in class.
People, Places, and Things
By Duncan Macmillan
Directed by Fiona Mitchell
Emma: (female presenting, any ethnicity, mid-20s) Emma is an actress struggling with serious substance abuse problems. Her life is being ripped to shreds by drugs and alcohol. She has complicated familial relationships that tend to make things worse. Emma is aware of the path she is heading towards and decides to check herself into a rehab facility. Despite being deflective and stubborn, Emma has a beautiful sense of humor and ultimately wants to turn her life around.
Doctor: (female presenting, any ethnicity, mid-30s) The Doctor is a compassionate, educated woman whose goal is to improve Emma’s life and help her overcome her addiction. She is stern yet gentle and has the best interests of those in the facility in mind. In the play, the Doctor also plays Emma’s Therapist and Mother. All three roles are meant to be subtly similar, so that is something to keep in mind when bringing her to life.
*THERE ARE ADULT THEMES AND LANGUAGE IN THIS SCENE; THE TOPICS OF ADDICTION, RELIGION, AND BRIEF MENTIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE WILL BE INVOLVED.
Lobby Hero
Written by Kenneth Lonergan
Directed by Tom Gregus
JEFF (any ethnicity, late 20’s, male-identifying): Jeff is a struggling security guard who struggles with motivation. He has a sense of morality and wants to do what society deems as the right thing, but that gets conflicted when he feels obligated to protect who he knows. Jeff feels like he is a failure because his father did an incredible feat and saved many lives. Jeff hates that he can’t live up to the image of his father and is relying on his brother to continue to survive.
DAWN (any ethnicity, early 20’s, female-identifying): Dawn is a strong-willed, justice-driven rookie cop. She is eager to prove herself to her family, the police force, her partner, and herself. She feels like she has to live up to grand expectations from her family and be counter to the inherent sexism within the police force. Not very trusting of people she doesn’t have prior history with. Always tries to do the right thing, and expects others to do the same as well.
Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play
Written by Anne Warshburn
Directed by: Sara Demolli
Quincy: Age, ethnicity and gender open. Must be able to move and carry slight tune. The newest member of the acting troupe. Very self-indulgent and one track minded. Comes off as headstrong and has some tension with other troupe members. Is an experienced former actor.
Maria/Lisa: Age, ethnicity and gender open. Must be able to move and carry slight tune. Original resident of the area. Casual Simpsons fan and contributes when they can. Is Colleen’s helper and co- director. Believes that art needs to have meaning. Comfortable presenting as Lisa Simpson.
Colleen: Age, ethnicity and gender open. Runs the theater company. Has a very specific vision and gets flustered easily. Works with Maria on the production as co-director. Is very controlling over details. Matter-of-fact demeanor.
Matt/Homer: Age, ethnicity and gender open. Must be able to move and carry slight tune. A very avid Simpsons fan. A chatty personality. Enjoys doing character voices for others enjoyment. Has a self-important way of thinking. Must be comfortable with portraying Homer Simpson.
Sam/Bart: Age, ethnicity and gender open. Must be able to move and carry slight tune. Says very little but is always listening. In times of danger, they take charge. Very militant and protective of the group. Must be comfortable with portraying Bart Simpson.
Jenny/Marge: Age, ethnicity and gender open. Must be able to move and carry slight tune. Has a no-nonsense personality. An avid Simpsons fan. Very opinionated and logical. Gets overwhelmed easily. Must be comfortable portraying Marge Simpson.
Gibson/Sideshow: Age, ethnicity and gender open. Must be able to move and carry slight tune. Not familiar with the Simpsons. An amateur actor with community theater experience. Is an outsider of the troupe and tries hard to blend in. Loves being center of attention. Must be comfortable with portraying Sideshow Bob.
Content Warnings: Foul Language, Simpsons.
The Elephant Man Character
By Bernard Pomerance
Directed by Leo Wells
Dr. Frederick Treves: Open to any gender & race. A young, accomplished, and disenchanted doctor. Despite the utilization of cold hard facts, science, and procedure— Dr. Treves is unable to bury his human nature: like a lost child hoping for a happy end to a story. Due to this yearning for harmony and completion, Dr. Treves goes above and beyond for his patients.
John Merrick/The Elephant Man: Open to any gender & race. A sweet soul, like a curious child— but also an old soul, like a wise sage. Unafraid to ask “why.” Tortured by his own body; casually familiar with agony, humiliation, and rejection. Yet somehow still pure, still hopeful, still romantic. He never dares to ask anyone for anything. He only wants to be human, just like you. (May involve mask work as well as depicting physical illness.)
Gruesome Playground Injuries
Written by Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Connie Wakeford
Kayleen: (Any ethnicity, 13 years old, female identifying) Quiet, sarcastic, and reserved. Kayleen has been through a lot in her life already at 13, and has trouble being vulnerable or trusting others. She has shining moments of joy and childlike behavior, but largely remains protected by her quick wit and cold response to affection.
Doug: (Any ethnicity, 13 years old, female identifying) Loud, gross, and very sure of herself. Doug acts on impulse and emotion, and is very prone to injury. Funny and shamelessly so, but still with moments of reflection and sensitivity. She is not afraid to fail, and feels her emotions too strongly at times. Originally written as male identifying, Doug will be cast as female identifying for this production.
Clyde’s
By Lynn Nottage
Directed by Taylor Debnam
Clyde: Clyde, a Black woman, is a tough, closed off and strict. She’s the boss and the entire cast are her employees. She is assertive and mean and although this is a restaurant she NEVER eats. Her employees question if she’s even human or if she was sent from Hell.
Montrellous: Montrellous, a Black man, is like a mentor to the group. Everyone looks up to him and respects him. He’s thought to be like a Buddha. He has a girlfriend that he’s in love with, but he keeps his personal life private from the group.
Rafael: A Hispanic man in his 20s who is a “recovering addict”. He has feelings for Letitia. He was jailed for robbing a bank. Rafael is very lively and fun.
Letitia: Letitia is a Black single mom in her 20s (she goes by “tish”). She’s very fiery and knows Rafael has a crush on her but keeps him on the “back burner”. She’s been out of jail seven months. She was jailed for breaking into a pharmacy trying to steal lifesaving medicine for her handicapped daughter who’s handicapped.
*All characters have been in jail. All characters are intimidated by Clyde.
Detroit 67
Written by Dominique Morisseau
Directed by Katherine Snow
Chelle (Michelle) (Black, female identifying): Strong, steadfast, firm woman who wants to use her parents’ inheritance wisely to give her son Julius the best opportunity in life. She is not easily impressed or won over, but she has a deeply loving heart beneath her pride. She is Lank’s older sister, Bunny’s closest friend, and the head of the household.
Bunny (Bonita) (Black, female identifying): Fun, spunky, joyful woman who is sure of who she is, knows exactly what she wants, and knows what to do to get it. She is the life of the party and chooses wisely on what she indulges her energy into, especially when it comes to loving. Regardless of what’s thrown her way, she never lets nothing get her down. She is also Chelle’s closest friend.
Caroline (White, female identifying): Beautiful, quiet strength, troubled, and mysterious young woman who crashes into Lank and Chelle’s life one night. She has a deep dark secret that she holds within but there’s a world of danger behind her eyes. Willing to be a kind, hard working woman to Chelle but is blinded by the perspective of her own whiteness.
*Content WARNING: This scene depicts a charged conversation around racial injustice.
Nickel and Dimed
Written by Joan Holden
Directed by James Giles
Barbara (early 50s) Female Identifying
Barbara is a scientist that is undercover in her own experiment to see if minimum wage is enough to live as working-class Americans. She learned the rules of the game when she failed out of her first low wage job and has taken her next job as a house cleaner with Magic Maids. Though her experiment is ongoing, her focus is not on the struggles of her own day-to-day. She is most concerned about shining a light on the other folks who have no safety net of an upper-class, privileged lifestyle.
Holly (early 20s) Female Identifying
Holly is the newly promoted team lead at Magic Maids. This promotion makes her the biggest success in her family. She is terrified she will fail her boss, Ted, and make him demote her. A fear which is exacerbated by the recent discovery of her pregnancy.
Marge (60s) Female Identifying
Marge is the only coworker Barbara has met with a happy homelife, though that doesn’t mean her life is easy. She has continued working to support herself, her husband, her daughter, and several grandchildren.
Maddy (20s) Female Identifying
Maddy challenges authority as a matter of self-respect. As a mother of two young children with an absentee father she works hard to support her family. They live out of a motel where she has no choice but to leave them while she works to put bread on the table.
IMPORTANT NOTE: None of Barbara’s fellow-workers complain or act out of self-pity. These people do not see themselves as victims; they all play the hands they were dealt.
Other Projects
Shakespeare Guild announces auditions for Spooky Shakespeare
Email Kieran Eustace with questions and monologue suggestions.