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Performers Needed for "Gem Of The Ocean" Play

Long Beach, CA, United States
ID: 299689Exp: 12/30/2025
Description:

The company is holding auditions for August Wilson’s "GEM OF THE OCEAN" and looking for performers, please see the details below. About the project: Set in 1904 Pittsburgh, Gem of the Ocean is the first chronological installment of August Wilson’s Century Cycle. The play centers on Aunt Ester, a 285-year-old spiritual guide, and her home at 1839 Wylie Avenue—a sanctuary for souls seeking redemption. As Citizen Barlow arrives in search of salvation, the household is drawn into a journey that spans history, memory, and myth Rate: This is a volunteer community theater production. Non-Equity. There is no pay. Additional info: RUN: February 21 – March 21, 2026 Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Special performances on Thursday and Sunday nights may be added for private parties and special events. REHEARSALS: First Read-Through: Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, Noon – 4pm Regular Rehearsal: Starting Jan. 5th: Mondays – Thursdays, 7pm -10pm Saturdays, 11am – 4pm Possible Sundays, 6pm – 9pm TBD Bring a headshot and resume. Please prepare a monologue from an August Wilson play. Sides for cold readings will be available at the auditions for those without a monologue prepared.

7 roles

AUNT ESTERFemale60-89 y.o.African-American

A spiritual matriarch; commanding and wise.

CITIZEN BARLOWMale20-39 y.o.African-American

A young man seeking redemption; earnest and haunted.

SOLLY TWO KINGSMale60-79 y.o.African-American

A former conductor on the Underground Railroad; fiery and proud.

BLACK MARYFemale30-49 y.o.African-American

Aunt Ester’s housekeeper and protégé; strong-willed and compassionate.

CAESAR WILKSMale40-59 y.o.African-American

Black Mary’s brother, a strict lawman; complex and authoritative.

ELIMale50-69 y.o.African-American

Caretaker of Aunt Ester’s home, grounded and loyal.

RUTHERFORD SELIGMale40-69 y.o.White / Caucasian

A traveling peddler; observant and affable.