Talent Wanted for Production of "The Piano Lesson"
The company is holding auditions for "The Piano Lesson" show, please see the details below. About the project: Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama explores an African-American family’s struggle with their heritage and legacy through the story of a brother and a sister fighting over an invaluable family heirloom – a piano intricately carved with their family’s history. Rate: This is a volunteer community theater production. Non-Equity. There is no pay. Additional info: RUN: February 22 – March 22, 2025 Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Special performances on Thursday and Sunday nights may be added for private parties and special events. Callbacks: By Invitation Only. Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025 Times: 12pm – 3pm REHEARSALS: First Read-Through: Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7 pm Regular Rehearsal: Starting, Tuesday, January 7, 2025: Mondays – Thursdays, 7pm – 10pm Saturdays, 10am – 3pm Some Possible Sundays, 6pm – 9pm Bring a headshot and resume. Please prepare a 1 min. monologue from an August Wilson play. Sides for cold readings will also be available at the auditions. Please see the attachment for rehearsal schedule.
7 roles
Berniece’s brash, impulsive, and fast-talking brother. Coming from Mississippi, Boy Willie plans to sell the family piano and buy the land where his ancestors once worked as slaves. (Ability to play the piano a plus, but not necessary to be cast in part.)
Sister of Boy Willie. Strong-willed and emotionally complex. She blames her brother for her husband’s death, remaining skeptical of his bravado and chiding him for his rebellious ways. (Ability to play the piano a plus, but not necessary to be cast in part.)
Boy Willie’s longtime friend. Lymon is more taciturn than his partner, speaking with a disarming “straightforwardness.” Fleeing the law, he plans to stay in the North and begin life anew. He is obsessed with women.
Berniece and Boy Willie’s uncle. Wise and grounded, Doaker has spent his life working for the railroad. Like Wining Boy, he is a member of the family’s oldest living generation.
A charming, former musician who drifts in and out of his brother Doaker’s house whenever he finds himself broke. He recounts anecdotes from his travels and, along with Doaker, provides a connection to the family’s history. (Ability to play the piano a plus, but not necessary to be cast in part.)
Fervently religious, he is a preacher who is trying to build his congregation. Avery moved north to court Berniece after her husband died. He is honest and ambitious and has found opportunities unavailable to him in the rural South.
A vibrant young woman whom both Boy Willie and Lymon try to pick up.
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