"The Color Purple" Audition for the Theater
Theatre is holding auditions for "The Color Purple" show. Looking for cast. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. See more info below. About the project: The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. With a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of The Color Purple is a West Michigan community theatre premiere. Rate: Unpaid. Additional info: The production staff of The Color Purple is seeking volunteer cast of passionate, talented people willing to embody this heartfelt, tough, and meaningful story of self-discovery and power. Movement is an integral part of this story and as such directors are looking for actors (especially in the ensemble) who can personify that part of the story. Movers, dancers, and acrobats are highly encouraged. They encourage performers of all gender identities and body types to audition; please note that the genders listed below represent that of the character as they should be portrayed. This production will feature a cast size of 25+. An important note for auditioners: The Color Purple features onstage moments of sexual violence and aggression, consensual intimacy, and physical violence between characters as a part of telling this story. Moments of intimacy and aggression/stage combat will be choreographed collaboratively with the actors, Director, and Intimacy Director and/or Fight Choreographer to ensure that all actors feel confident and comfortable with the material. RATED: PG-13 due to some violence including domestic abuse, adult language, use of alcohol, and sexual situations. REHEARSALS BEGIN: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 PERFORMANCES: April 18 – May 4, 2025 (Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, Saturday May 3 at 2:00pm. No Matinee on Easter Sunday, April 20.) Please see the attachments. If you are interested, please apply.
44 roles
Drives the story. Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, mischievous, seemingly passive but not, has a deep, hard soul, believes that she is ugly, and has a sense of humor that is sometimes wicked. She is an observer.
Celie’s younger sister and her rock. Smart, adventurous, driven, and a devoted sister. Attractive, adventuresome, feisty spirit, maternal, more educated and knowledgeable than Celie.
Like Celie, a deep well. Handsome, big, masculine, strong presence, dominating, capable of brutal behavior but also a victim in his own way. Gets his power for free. Married to Celie, he abuses her. He is in love with Shug. He transforms throughout the play.
Mister’s vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. Represents the new generation. He marries the independent Sofia.
Powerful warrior woman. Physically bigger but beautiful. Comfortable being large, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her.
Harpo’s lover after Sofia leaves him. Although mistreated, she eventually undergoes a transformation, demanding to be called by her actual name, Mary Agnes, and starting a new life. She is of mixed ancestry. Attractive, sassy, fiery, strong-willed, unafraid to take anybody on, has a caring heart.
A popular singer, we meet her at death’s door. Attractive, confident, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, but has a frailty, like a wounded animal. Her vulnerability is shocking later on. Both Celie and Mister love her.
Darlene, Doris, and Jarlene: A trio of busybody types who love to gossip about the people of their town; they comment on the action throughout the show; these are country folk who shimmers with an eternally earthy and spiritual wisdom.
Darlene, Doris, and Jarlene: A trio of busybody types who love to gossip about the people of their town; they comment on the action throughout the show; these are country folk who shimmers with an eternally earthy and spiritual wisdom.
Darlene, Doris, and Jarlene: A trio of busybody types who love to gossip about the people of their town; they comment on the action throughout the show; these are country folk who shimmers with an eternally earthy and spiritual wisdom.
Mister’s father is a scathing, angry, selfish man who disapproves of his son and his relationship with Shug. Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
An abuser and embittered man. He is father to Celie & Nettie, as well as father to Celie’s two children, whom he abducts from Celie and gives away at birth. Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Is also in the ensemble and may double roles as needed.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
Ensemble.
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