Casting Equity Actors for "The Oscar Micheaux Project"
Equity actors for roles in "The Oscar Micheaux Project". See breakdown below. About the project: SYNOPSIS: The Oscar Micheaux Project (working title) is an original jazz musical inspired by the life and work of Oscar Micheaux (1884–1951) as well as other historic events. In 1915, Black homesteader and novelist Oscar Micheaux is at a turning point: the emerging art form of cinema is sweeping the nation, and he must find new ways to tell his story. In response to the racism of Hollywood, Micheaux boldly dares to write, direct, and produce his own movie, with the help of his brother Swan. As a pioneer of early cinema, he discovers and is joined by legendary actress Evelyn Preer, as well as his wife – the actor and film producer Alice B. Russell. On his journey, Micheaux overcomes censorship, bankruptcy, family betrayal...and his own hubris. He succeeds in producing over 40 films, becoming a legend of American cinema. Rate: Off Broadway $786 weekly minimum (Cat. 2) Additional info: Audition lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM This production will be a developmental staging with eight public presentations and is not open to review. PREPARATION Please come prepared to sing a brief jazz standard and/or musical theater selection from your repertoire. Also, bring your headshot and resume stapled together. NOTE: All should be strong dancers/movers, comfortable with jazz vocal style, harmony/part singing, and tap skills are a plus. Rehearsals: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Performances: June 13 – 21, 2025 EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity Monitor will be provided. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions. If you are interested, please apply.
9 roles
Baritenor. Visionary, charismatic, idealistic, driven...with gravitas. Self-made, seeking the success he deserves. The majority of the show, the character appears in the above age range and in the final scene appears as his older self (60s).
Baritenor. Oscar’s younger brother. Eager, ambitious, practical, who becomes frustrated at being taken for granted. The majority of the show, the character appears in the above age range and in the final scene appears as his older self (50s).
Mezzo-Soprano. Silent film and stage star, discovered by Oscar Micheaux. Passionate, emotional, bold and thoughtful. Strong jazz vocal skills and movement ability required.
Mezzo/Belt. Oscar’s second wife, the driving force behind his later films. Self-possessed, grounded, sense of humor. The majority of the show, the character appears in the above age range and in the final appears as her older self (50s).
Baritenor. Head of Lincoln Motion Pictures, a smooth businessman. Doubles as other characters as cast, including the Reverend McCracken, Oscar’s contentious former father-in-law who tries to shut down his movie.
Tenor. An elegant Hollywood actor, business partner of his brother George. Doubles as other characters as cast including Tony Langston, a Chicago film critic.
Baritone. The young Paul Robeson, who made his film debut with Micheaux. Doubles as a WWI Veteran who challenges Oscar & others as cast.
Tenor. The college student who is cast as the star of Micheaux’s final film, and others, as cast. Strong dance skills including tap required.
Soprano. A young actor cast in Micheaux’s final film, and others as cast. Strong dance skills including tap required.
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