Theatre Casting Call for "Gem of the Ocean"
Seeking cast for production of "Gem of the Ocean". ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. Please see the breakdown below. About the project: "When Citizen Barlow comes to her Pittsburgh’s Hill District home seeking asylum, matriarch and advisor Aunt Ester sets him off on a spiritual journey to visit the City of Bones, home of their ancestors, enslaved Africans lost at sea. Gem of the Ocean is the ninth work in Wilson’s ten-play American Century Cycle, which has recorded the American Black experience and helped to define generations." Additional info: Please note that Gem of the Ocean is a work about the Black experience and Black history, with a predominantly Black cast. Gem of the Ocean addresses themes of identity, justice, and moral responsibility. First readthrough will be June 2. A complete rehearsal schedule is attached. Shows: August 29 - September 14. If you are interested, please apply by 6:00pm Sunday, May 25.
7 roles
Female presenting. Aunt Ester is a 285-year-old spiritual guide and healer, embodying the memory and soul of the African American experience. She serves as a bridge between the past and present, guiding others through moral and emotional transformation. Her wisdom and connection to ancestral history make her the play’s moral center. She leads Citizen on a spiritual journey to the City of Bones.
Male presenting. Citizen is a young man from Alabama seeking redemption for a tragic mistake. He arrives at Aunt Ester’s house burdened by guilt and searching for meaning. Through his journey, he evolves from a lost soul into someone who accepts moral responsibility. His transformation reflects the broader struggle for identity and justice.
Male presenting. Solly is a former conductor on the Unde3rground Railroad an living sy bol of Black resistance and courage. Though aged, he continues to fight for justice by helping others escape oppression. He shares a deep bond with Aunt Ester and is revered in the community.
Male presenting. Caesar is Black Mary’s brother and a constable who rigidly enforces the law, often at the expense of compassion. He represents internalized oppression and a belief in order over justice. Caesar’s loyaly to structure makes him a dangerous figure in the community. His actions ultimately lead to violence and loss.
Male presenting. Eli is the gatekeeper of Aunt Ester’s home and a steady, protective presence. Loyal and grounded, he helps maintain the sanctity of the space. He supports Ester’s spiritual work and offers wisdom quietly. Eli represents tradition, safety, and the quiet strength of community.
Female presenting. Black Mary is Aunt Ester’s apprentice and Caesar’s sister, caught between obedience and independence. She learns from Ester but struggles to find her own voice. Over the course of the play, she begins to assert herself and embrace her identity. Her growth symbolizes the next generation stepping into leadership.
Male presenting. Selig is a travelling peddler and people-finder who interacts with the Black community in a transactional but relatively friendly way. He is one of the few white characters who enters the world of the play without hostility. Though not central, his presence highlights the limited but complex relationships between Black and white communities. Selig’s profession also symbolizes movement and connection in a fragmented world.
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