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A PRESENTATION OF PUBLIC WORKS VIRGINIA
Public Works Virginia believes that all people have the right to theatre. This large scale presentation contains opportunities for all members of our Hampton Roads Community to participate at various levels regardless of prior experience. This audition round is for principal and vocal ensemble roles. General ensemble roles and puppeteering roles will be offered in our next audition round.

The Virginia Stage Company and Public Works Virginia are seeking local actors to join the hardworking and inclusive communities of Hampton Roads in the world premiere of The Earth Remembers, an original song cycle of the history of Hampton Roads, to perform August 12 & 13 2021, at The Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk

Auditions
People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Submissions must be received by Monday, June 28, 2021 at 11:59pm

 In-person, Covid-cautious auditions will be held at 6-8pm on Wednesday, June 30 and Thursday, July 1, 2021

Rehearsals begin Monday, July 12, in-person, and will utilize best practices in COVID safety for our industry.

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Virginia Stage Company is seeking local actors to join the hardworking and inclusive communities of Hampton Roads in the world premiere of The Earth Remembers, an original song cycle.  Directed by Anthony M. Stockard and Patrick K. Mullins, this song cycle tells the story of Hampton Roads through rhythm, sound, and movement.  VSC strives for a safe and inclusive creative work environment and actively embraces a diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences.  We highly encourage people of color, individuals with disabilities, and folks of varying performance experience to audition.

SHOW DESCRIPTION:
This episodic song cycle tells the History of Hampton Roads in a way you’ve never heard it before. Using rap, jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues, we hear stories and meet characters foundational to who we are today. 

PRINCIPAL AND SUPPORTING ROLES:

MAMA E – Female or Non-binary – Mid 20s to Early 40s – Mother Earth leads the audience on a journey through Hampton Roads, Virginia over the course of four centuries. – Singer/Rapper/Actor

KING MBANDI – African or African-American Man – Should read over 35yo. – Former ruler of the Kingdom of Ndongo. – Singer/Rapper

OLD NGOLA – African or African-American Man – Must read over 40yo. – Former ruler of Ndongo, heir to Mbandi. – Rapper/Actor

OLD NJINGA – African or African-American Woman – Should read over 40yo – 17th century Queen of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms of modern day Angola. Became Queen after her brother committed suicide in the face of rising Portuguese demands for slave trade concessions. – Singer/Rapper/Dancer.

AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN – African or African-American Woman – Mid 20s to early 30s – Performs “Deep Waters”. This ballad requires being able to relate deep emotional connection. – Singer/Actor

EUROPEAN MAN – Caucasian Man – Late teens to early 30s – This track plays several roles including judge, townspeople, and slave trader. – Actor

AFRICAN MAN – African or African-American Man – Mid 20s to early 30s – Must be able to communicate deep emotional loss with a ballad. – Singer/Actor

NATIVE WOMAN – Native American Woman – Mid 20s to early 30s – Must be able to communicate deep emotional loss with a ballad – Singer/Actor

EUROPEAN WOMAN -Caucasian Woman – Mid 20s to early 30s – Must be able to communicate deep emotional loss with a ballad. – Singer/Actor

EUROPEAN MAN – Caucasian Man – Mid 20s to early 50s – Must be able to communicate deep emotional loss with a ballad. – Singer/Actor

TOBACCO – Male/Female/Non-binary – All ages considered – Rapper/Actor 

COCKACOESKE – Native American Woman – Mid 20s to early 30s – 17th Century Queen of the Pamunkey Tribe. She brought about peace and stability when the other leaders couldn’t. Regal, refined, dignified, assertive, and does not back down from confrontation. – Rapper/Singer/Actor

SARAH GENDON – Caucasian Woman. – Mid 20s to early 30s – Rapper/Singer/Actor

JOHN CASOR – African or African-American Man – Mid 20s to early 30s – Indentured servant of Anthony Johnson who became the first person of African descent in England’s Thirteen Colonies to be declared as a slave for life as a result of a civil suit. – Singer/Actor

ANTHONY JOHNSON – African or African-American Man -Mid 20s to early 30s – A former negro indentured servant who was able to gain his freedom and acquire his own estate including slaves. – Singer/Actor

MARIA – Filipino Woman or Filipino Non-binary – Mid 20s to early 30s – Singer/Rapper/Actor

ISABEL – Filipino Woman – Late 40s to Mid 50s – Singer/Actor

GRANDMA ELLE – Filipino Woman – Mid 50s to 70s – Singer/Actor

ENSEMBLE ROLES: 

The final presentation will include 20-30 multi-ethnic, male/female identifying, non-binary gender-neutral singers, rappers, actors, and dancers. Ensemble roles include:

YOUNG NGOLA – African or African-American Boy. – Singer/Actor 

YOUNG NJINGA – African or African-American Girl. – Singer/Actor

BOY – African or African-American Boy – Age 11 – 17. – Singer/Actor

BOY – Native American Boy – Age 11 – 17 – Singer/Actor

THE ENGLISH – Caucasian appearing actors of a wide variety of ages who move well to represent townspeople and supporting characters.

THE AFRICANS – African or African-American actors of a wide variety of ages who move well to represent townspeople and supporting characters.

THE NATIVE AMERICANS – Indigenous actors of a wide variety of ages who move well to represent townspeople and supporting characters.

THE FILIPINOS – Filipino actors of a wide variety of ages who move well to represent townspeople and supporting characters.

THE EARTH ENSEMBLE – The Harvest, The Creatures, The Water, The Nature – Includes singers, actors, movers, and puppeteers of all types of human to represent the natural world and various other shape-shifting characters.

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Auditions:

Show us your talents!  We’re looking for singers, actors, and rappers for this Public Works Virginia production of a brand new musical on Wednesday, June 30th and Thursday, July 1 from 6:00pm-8:00pm.  

What to Prepare:

• Headshot
• Resume (or any record of recent production history)
• One 60-second Musical Selection
  
  NOTE: THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONAL MUSICAL. It is written in a style far post-Hamilton. While some of the music is in a traditional style, and there are some lovely ballads, you are encouraged to bring Contemporary R&B, Pop, or Rap. We want to see you tell a story and share your skills through contemporary song styles. Please avoid classical musical theatre songs.   
  
  This can be sung a cappella, or you can provide an audio track from your phone to be cued up and played in the room. An accompanist will be provided, if sheet music is prepared.

Rehearsal Start Date: July 12, 2021, Times TBD upon actor conflict schedule. The bulk of rehearsals will be evenings and weekends.

Performance Dates: August 12 & 13, 2021

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Please note all castings are intended for Barbizon graduates registered with Barbizon Placement ONLY. Full casting and submission guidelines are emailed to the Barbizon Placement Division. Please send any casting inquiries to Placement@barbizonusa.com. For more information about Barbizon visit https://www.barbizonmodeling.com.