"Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom" Show Casting Equity Actors
Equity actors for roles in Theatre's 2026–27 Season show "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom". See breakdown below. Rate: LORT Non-Rep $889 weekly minimum (LORT D) Additional info: Audition break: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM All roles will be understudied. PREPARATION: Please prepare one of the following options: a 2-minute contemporary monologue, OR a 1-minute monologue and 32 bars of a song playing one of the musical instruments listed in the production breakdowns in a blues or folk style. An accompanist will not be provided. Please bring a hard copy of your headshot and resume. Be prepared to show your Equity membership card upon arrival. 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. 1st Rehearsal – Aug. 4, 2026 1st Preview – Sept. 9, 2026 Opening – Sept. 14, 2026 Closing – Oct. 11, 2026 Possible Extension – Oct. 18, 2026 Please note: performers who play instruments (the blues) are encouraged to audition. Performers who do not play instruments will also be considered. If you are interested, please apply.
8 role s
Recording studio owner; has no patience for artist attitudes. Insensitive to Black performers and prefers to deal with them at arm's length. Quick to jump to the worst conclusions; anxious and self-serving. He and Ma are like oil and water — they do NOT get along.
Ma’s long-time manager. A tall, fleshy man who prides himself on his knowledge of Black people and his ability to work with them. Always putting out fires and used to managing stress. Knows the best way to calm someone down is to make them feel heard; self-serving and calculated.
Plays guitar and trombone. The leader of the group and the most sensible band member. Experienced, wants to clock his time and go home. Little patience for cocky young musicians. Well aware of societal dangers and limitations that come with being a Black man. Playing is solid and almost without embellishment; a loner without introspection.
Plays piano. The only member of the band that can read music. Self-taught and proud; tends to misunderstand and misapply knowledge. Quick to penetrate a situation with thought-provoking insights. Outspoken and frustrated with band members’ lack of education; quick to take the bait when provoked.
Plays bass. Deceptively intelligent but appears slow. The band member most bored by life; physically resembles Cutler but lacks his energy and leadership. A large man with a wicked smile; innate African rhythms underlie everything he plays, and he plays with an ease that is at times startling.
A young dark-skinned woman with natural sexual energy. Ma’s lover, careful to keep the relationship quiet. Off-limits to the men; beautiful, funny, alluring, always dressed in the best; loyal to Ma.
Ma’s nephew. An Arkansas country boy the size of a fullback; very anxious, stutters, easily steamrolled. Ma is intent on him making something of himself, but he hates being the center of attention.
A product of his time; doesn’t have much patience for Black folx but is willing to look the other way to line his pocket.
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