Theatre Casting Call for "The Color Purple" Show

Voice Type: Mezzo-soprano Traits: Vulnerable, resilient, spiritual, and introspective. Arc: The protagonist of the story, Celie begins as a voiceless, abused girl but grows into a strong, self-empowered woman who learns to value herself and her worth. Her journey is one of endurance, love, and self-discovery. Key Songs: “Somebody Gonna Love You,” “What About Love?” “I’m Here”

Voice Type: Soprano Traits: Intelligent, nurturing, kind, and ambitious. Arc: Celie’s beloved younger sister, Nettie is a source of light and inspiration. Although separated from Celie for years, her letters provide hope and a sense of connection, symbolizing faith and perseverance. Key Songs: “Our Prayer,” “African Homeland”

Voice Type: Baritone Traits: Controlling, emotionally broken, prideful, and deeply flawed. Arc: Mister begins as a cruel and abusive husband to Celie. Over time, he confronts his own failings and experiences a transformation, seeking redemption and reconciliation. Key Songs: “Big Dog,” “Celie’s Curse,” “The Mister Song”

Voice Type: Mezzo-soprano Traits: Charismatic, sensual, independent, and compassionate. Arc: A glamorous jazz singer and Mister’s lover, Shug becomes Celie’s confidante and a catalyst for her self-discovery. She is both a force of liberation and a figure of unconditional love. Key Songs: “Push Da Button,” “Too Beautiful for Words,” “The Color Purple (Reprise)”

Voice Type: Alto Traits: Bold, outspoken, fiercely loyal, and unapologetic. Arc: Sofia is a symbol of strength and defiance against oppression. She faces her own struggles but maintains her integrity and teaches Celie the value of standing up for oneself. Key Songs: “Hell No!” “Any Little Thing”

Voice Type: Tenor Traits: Gentle, well-meaning, conflicted, and sensitive. Arc: Mister’s son and Sofia’s husband, Harpo struggles between his father’s expectations of masculinity and his love for Sofia. He learns to embrace equality in relationships. Key Songs: “Brown Betty,” “Any Little Thing”

Voice Type: Mezzo-soprano Traits: Naive, ambitious, sweet, and determined. Arc: Initially seen as Harpo’s shy and submissive girlfriend, Squeak grows into a confident woman who asserts her independence and follows her dreams of becoming a singer. Key Songs: “Uh Oh!” “Brown Betty”

Voice Type: Baritone Traits: Manipulative, cruel, and abusive. Arc: Pa is the man who abuses and exploits Celie at the beginning of the story. His actions set the tone for Celie’s initial suffering. He serves as a symbol of systemic patriarchy and violence. Key Songs: None significant (non-singing role in some productions).

Voice Type: Various (Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Alto) Traits: Nosy, humorous, judgmental, and observant. Arc: These three women serve as a Greek chorus, commenting on the events of the story with wit and humor while reflecting the attitudes of the community. Key Songs: “Mysterious Ways,” “Miss Celie’s Pants

Portray townsfolk, additional family members, and Africans in Nettie’s missionary scenes. They provide depth to the world of the story and support the themes of community and connection.

Soprano

(Soprano)

(Tenor/Baritone)

(Soprano)

(Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano),

(Tenor/Baritone)

(Tenor)

(Tenor/Baritone)

(Tenor/Baritone)