Victory Gardens Theater - Biograph
Understudies for A Wonder In My Soul

Pay: Stipend

Description:

Longtime hair salon owners, Bell and Birdie grapple with the decision to remain in their beloved Southside neighborhood or relocate under the pressures of gentrification and crime. Told through music, poetry, and dance A Wonder in My Soul, looks at one neighborhood's evolution through the eyes of two best friends and their lifetime of friendship. From the artistic team that brought you The House That Will Not Stand, The Gospel of Lovingkindness, and An Issue of Blood, director Chay Yew and playwright Marcus Gardley now explore Chicago history, beauty, and friendship.

Aberdeen Calumet (but call her Birdie.) F, 50s-60s, black. She is the proprietor of the salon. The way she works with women's' hair, she's got magic hands. She and Bell run the place hand in hand.

Bell Grand Lake (first name is Bell Grand but call her Bell.)F, 50s-60s, black. She's the co-owner. Attitudinal and funny. She and Birdie are age old friends.

Paulina Lake - F, 30's, black, Bell's daughter; a sergeant for the Chicago police department. Determined and vying for her mother's approval. She's got an incredible voice. A singer. Same actor plays Young Bell, Bell Grand at various ages and Stony, kinda hood.

Normal Beverly, (that's her first name. No known last name.) F, 30's, black. Works at salon. Hard working and genuine, if at times overwhelmed. She's a bit of a mess. A singer. Same actor plays Young Birdie/Aberdeen at various ages and Harper, academic.

Lafayette Marquette (but call him Fete.) M, 20s, black. He hustles on the street. The same actor plays Roosevelt Champlain. 30s (pronounced Ruse-velt), a charmer and Jim Crow, an imagined manifestation.

First Lady Peoria St. Lawrence, F, 40s-50s, black. Co-pastor at large church in Southside. A good church going woman and she'll tell you. Refined but considers herself a woman of the people. A singer.

Auditons will be on Friday, December 16th, 2016 Please set aside 20 minutes to be seen for your audition.

Time Commitment:

First rehearsal: Tuesday, Jan. 17th
First Preview: Friday, Feb. 10th
Opening: Friday, Feb. 17th
Closing: Sunday, Mar. 12th

Material To Prepare:

Sides will be provided upon confirmation of time slot. Please prepare a 30 second or 16 bar excerpt of gospel music to demonstrate your vocal range.

Contact Info: