Purpose
About the project
Phylicia Rashad, dir.; Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, writer; Steppenwolf Theater, David Stone, Marc Platt, Debra Martin Chase, LaChanze, Rashad Chambers, and Aaron Glick, prods.; 321 Management, general mgr.; James Calleri, Erica Jensen, casting dirs.; Allie Wheeless, casting assist.
Casting Equity actors for understudy roles in the Broadway production of "Purpose." Synopsis: For decades, the influential Jasper family has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors and congressmen. But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home to Illinois with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith and the legacies of Black radicalism. Rowdy, hilarious and filled with intrigue, Purpose is an epic family drama and a long- awaited world premiere from one of the country’s most celebrated voices.
Roles in this project
Dates & Locations
Rehearsals begin Jan. 15, 2025 (possibly first 3 weeks in L.A., CA); runs Feb. 25-July 13, 2025 in NYC.
Compensation & Contract
Key Details
- Oct 16, 2024: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM EDT
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity Monitor will be provided.
For
the audition, prepare a 1-2 minute contemporary monologue of your
choice. Bring your headshot and resume stapled together. Or you can
submit the 1-2 minute contemporary monologue as a video audition. Video
submission deadline is Oct. 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The
employer will accept 126 video submissions from Equity members. Members
will sign up online for one of the 126 slots. Only members who get one
of the 126 slots will receive a confirmation e-mail with the preparation
and submission information. After members' submissions have been
viewed, the employer will notify each member who viewed their audition.
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 submit. Always bring
your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Additional Materials
SEEKING:
[SOLOMON “SONNY” JASPER/Understudy] Black, 60s, male-identifying, patriarch, a key figure in
the student protest wing of the American civil rights movement who went on to become a highly visible
politician, spokesman, and religious leader during the latter half of the twentieth century. Hiding an
illness from his children. Guaranteed performances.
[CLAUDINE JASPER/Understudy] Black, female-identifying, 60s, married to Sonny, a key figure in
the student protest wing of the American civil rights movement who went on to become a highly visible
politician, spokesman, and religious leader during the latter half of the twentieth century. She
embraces her role of matriarch and is just as responsible for the political work her husband has
accomplished. Strong-willed. Used to being in the spotlight.
[NAZARETH JASPER/Understudy] Black, early-to mid-30s, male-identifying. Youngest son of Sonny
Jasper, a key figure in the student protest wing of the American civil rights movement who went on to
become a highly visible politician, spokesman, and religious leader during the latter half of the
twentieth century. A nature photographer (he did not go into the family business of politics). He's
returned home to Chicago for his mother's birthday. WILL ALSO UNDERSTUDY SOLOMON
[SOLOMON “JUNIOR” JASPER JR /Understudy] Black, late-30s/early-40s, male-identifying Former
State Senator, who served five consecutive terms before he was found guilty of federal embezzlement
and a few counts of wire fraud. He was just released from prison. Slick and charming. He can take any
curse and turn it into a blessing. WILL ALSO UNDERSTUDY NAZARETH
[MORGAN JASPER/Understudy] Black, late-30s/early-40s, female-identifying. Married to Solomon,
Jr. Got sucked up in her husband's political fall and was sentenced to 12 months for filing false tax
returns but, because they have a set of twin boys, the judge allowed them to serve their time
consecutively. She is about to go to prison and is not happy about it. WILL ALSO UNDERSTUDY
ANGELA
[ANGELA HOUSTON/Understudy] Black, female-identifying, early to mid-30s. Earthy, headstrong,
and determined. She was raised in a Black Panther household and that has shaped how she moves
through life. She’s chosen to have baby by herself. She is an outsider entering the world of the Jasper
family as she doesn’t come from the political class. WILL ALSO UNDERSTUDY MORGAN.
