Singing Opportunities in "Spunk" Production
Audition for "Spunk" play. Looking to cast performers. See more details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED. About the project: SYNOPSIS: Spunk, written by Zora Neale Hurston in 1935, is an early American play with music crafted from text adapted from her 1925 short story alongside the music of the Black South. This music is based on Hurston’s vast recordings of folk tunes, spirituals, and hymns from her cultural anthropology work in rural towns, work sites, chain gangs, and places of worship and leisure. Set in an all-Black town in Florida in the 1930’s, Spunk tells the story of a tall handsome guitar-playing stranger, who comes to town looking for work. When he falls in love with Lina, who is already married, the laws of man, the power of hoodoo, and divinity of love all collide in this fable about the triumph of love over evil. Rate: LORT Non-Rep $839 weekly minimum (LORT D) - Paid at $1450 weekly + Pension and Health. Housing in New Haven and economy travel is provided for actors outside a 50-mile radius from New Haven, CT. Additional info: Please prepare a 2-minute monologue, preferably from an American writer from the early 20th-century, AND a 16-bars selection of music in the musical tradition of gospel, folk blues (John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, Sun House), and work songs of the Black American South. An accompanist will be provided, but singing a capella is also welcome. Also, bring your headshot and resume stapled together. First Rehearsal: August 7, 2025; Tech Begins: September 25, 2025; First Preview: October 3, 2025 (Previews on October 3, 4, 6, 7, 8); Opening: October 9, 2025; Closing: October 25, 2025. When applying please schedule your audition appointment, with "LOCAL EPA SPUNK" the subject line.
16 roles
Plays guitar. Sings. A newcomer to town, he is "tree-top tall" and able to tame the circle saw at the Mill with his singing and guitar playing alone. Described as “a giant of a man”, who is “scared of nothing,” Spunk immediately wins over the women in the town with his magnetic presence and good looks, and the respect and admiration of the men, with his integrity and charisma. Ideally a Bari-tenor; authoritative vocal quality; the role has flexibility between Baritone/Tenor.
Sings. Light Guitar. Married to Jim but finds her true love in the charismatic Spunk. She’s strong-willed and tries to do right by everyone, and herself. Soprano/Mezzo Soprano: Clear/Crystalline Sound. Strong harmony. Good mover.
Sings and harmonizes. Desperately wants a partner and is the first to try to woo Spunk when he arrives in town. She is a little older than the other unmarried women of the town. Mezzo/Soprano-Alto. Strong harmony/strong mover. Doesn't need to play an instrument.
Evalina’s husband and Hodge Bishop’s son. He lacks his father’s power but depends on his influence in the town. Impulsive, proud. Slight build and stature — in comparison to Spunk. Additional roles as-cast require tuneful singing mostly with the community; a distinctive voice would be welcome. Strong mover.
Strong singer. Gospel inflections. Big Belt/ Strong sense of rhythm. Comfortable with Rhythm Instruments. Most importantly a "large voice" that can command the room/community. Mrs. Watson is an Elder of the town. She teases and challenges the young folk freely, incites the partying, and commands respect. Open to vocal part.
Jim Bishop’s father, town Elder, spiritual leader and conjure man. He holds considerable power and influence. Uses hoodoo to seek revenge on Spunk. Does not need to sing solos but may participate in community singing. Dance background useful.
Townsperson who owns a leaky boat he tries to sell rides in. A bit of a hustler. Needs to sing and harmonize. Percussion skills helpful. Ideally plays string bass or low brass instrument. Useful if strong mover. May also understudy HODGE BISHOP or another role.
Townsperson and part of the railroad spiking gang. Talks a big game. Likes to tease Ruby. Doubles as Nixon, who leads the convicts' work songs. Sings and harmonizes. Baritone or Bass preferred. Useful if he plays an instrument. Strong mover. May also understudy.
Townsperson and part of the railroad crew. One of the youngest. Not the sharpest tool in the shed. Sings and harmonizes; ideally a multi-instrumentalist. Strong mover including tap. May also understudy.
He is a bit of a ladies' man. Riles up Jim. Ideally plays an instrument. Harmonica skills helpful but not required. Doubles as Singing Liner, who sets the pace of the railroad crew with the rhythm of songs he sings. Background singing a capella preferred. Good relative pitch. Townsperson and community song leader. May also understudy.
Hard working, quick witted, good natured, big joker. In love with Maggie Mae. Sings; good relative pitch/harmonize/ useful if he plays an instrument; Excellent dancer including strong Tap. May also understudy.
Townsperson. Sings and harmonizes. Open to vocal part, though Soprano and instrument ability ideal. Strong mover. May also understudy EVALINA or another role.
Townsperson. Good natured but tells it like it is. Sings and harmonizes. Open to vocal part though alto ideal. Useful if she plays an instrument. Strong dancer. May also understudy RUBY or another role.
Townsperson. Sings and harmonizes. Useful if she plays an instrument. Excellent dancer, also Tap. May also understudy.
Oversees the men working on the railroad line and the chain gang. Does not need to sing solos but may participate in ensemble singing.
Some tracks also require strong movers including Tap. The sound is gospel, folk blues (John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, Sun House), and work songs of the Black American South. There is flexibility within the character tracks for what instruments may be played. Looking for Guitar, Banjo, Violin/Fiddle, Upright Bass/Washtub Bass. Harmonica, Hand Drums (Cajon/Box Drum/Djembe), and auxiliary Percussion (Washboard, Spoons) are also welcome.
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