Billy Strayhorn: Something To Live For, Equity NYC EPA
Company
Rob Zellers, a new musical by; Billy Strayhorn, music-lyrics; Brian Pope, casting-literary dir.; Kent Gash, dir.; Adrian Ries, accompanist
To apply, see the "Key Details" section below
Rehearsal and Production Dates & Locations
Rehearsals begin Aug. 16 with Partial Company in New York; rehearsals begin Aug. 22 with Full Company in Pittsburgh, PA; runs Sept. 23-Oct. 8 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Key Details
- Feb 16, 2023: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT by appointment; break 1-2 p.m.
New York City, NY
Additional Instructions:
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition. Prepare a short song of any style and one contemporary monologue of any genre. All material should not exceed four minutes (i.e. two-minute monologue + one-minute song). Also, bring your picture and resume stapled together. To schedule an audition appointment, contact Brian Pope at bpope@ppt.org. If you cannot attend this audition, you may send a picture and resume to: Brian Pope, ATTN: Casting, Pittsburgh Public Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Some roles may be understudied. More info at www.ppt.org. Pittsburgh Public Theater aims to be accountable to authentic casting whenever possible and to deeply consider casting performers of diverse racial and gender identities and abilities to better reflect our community and enrich the storytelling on our stages. 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.
Additional Materials
BILLY
STRAYHORN– Black. A superb, star level singer. Able to sustain scenes
of considerable length as well as be a singer with show-stopping
abilities akin to Billy Porter, Norm Lewis and Joshua Henry. He is both
an introvert and extrovert who eats sleeps lives and breathes music.
Once comfortable, a sensitive warm and easy soul with a sly sharp wit.
Can be mercurial and has fits of ego and temperament. A total original
and a bundle of contradictions. A mind and tongue often as fast and
brilliant as thought itself. Piano-playing skills a plus.
DUKE
ELLINGTON – Black. The superstar genius Jazz composer and band leader.
The handsome, extremely attractive front man of the single greatest Jazz
orchestra in history. Endless charm, with a gleaming smile and an easy
sophistication. Has a larger-than-life natural star’s personality and he
is aware of his importance, position and his class. Extraordinarily
smart, eloquent and comfortable in extended scene work of a wide
emotional range. The charisma of Daniel Sunjata meeting the undeniable
authority of Brian Stokes Mitchell or Reuben Santiago Hudson. No need
for singing at this time, but piano playing would be a great plus.
AARON
BRIDGERS – Black. An attractive, gentle man who is an ideal romantic
partner for Billy. He is quietly elegant, somewhat reserved, with
Southern roots still showing. Has an excellent singing voice, likely in
the higher, Baritenor range. Intelligent and very much his own man with
an innate dignity and a smoldering sensuality. A clear eyed, warm,
grounding, grounded presence.
