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Seeking
Equity actors for various principal roles.
see breakdown.
ALL ACTORS MUST BE EXTREMELY SKILLED WITH LANGUAGE/SPOKEN WORD.
Preparation
Please prepare one SHORT (no more than two minutes in length) dramatic contemporary monologue.
Bring picture and resume, stapled together.
Other Dates
First Rehearsal: 3/24/15
First Performance: 4/21/15
Closing: 5/5/15
Possible Extension: 5/10/15
Personnel
Written by Lemon Andersen
Directed by Elise Thoron
Casting Directors: Jordan Thaler/Heidi Griffiths
· EPA Rules are in effect.
· A monitor will be provided.
Performers of all ethnic and racial background are encouraged to attend.
Always bring your Equity Membership Card to auditions.
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Breakdown
A Public Theater commission first presented at The Public’s Under the Radar Festival, TOAST ingeniously weaves major characters from Black oral narratives into a gripping story about a group of inmates fighting to keep their minds free amidst the 1971 riots that rocked Attica Prison. Honoring the spoken word narratives recited in pool halls, bars, and prisons across America by generations of black poets, TOAST is a stunning new play about men trying to live free in a system—and a world—designed to keep them chained.
ALL ACTORS MUST BE EXTREMELY SKILLED WITH LANGUAGE/SPOKEN WORD.
SEEKING:
JESSE JAMES:
20’s. Biracial (Caucasian and Puerto Rican). From the South Bronx, and his nickname is derived from his criminal history of robbing banks. Determined to be respected and accepted by the rest of the cell-block, most of whom find his efforts at assimilation comical. Energetic, front-footed, unflappable. Impulsive & proud. Refuses to give up, and not afraid of a fight. When Hard Rock, the prison’s most charismatic activist takes Jesse under his wing, Jesse begins to embrace the revolution and fight for prisoner’s rights.
SHERIFF JODY:
50’s. Caucasian. The Senior Corrections Officer in charge of Attica. A World War II veteran. An unconventional authority figure; he’s not immediately what you’d expect. Quick minded, watchful, crafty, mercurial. Nimble with language—at times almost lyrical. Relishes the power that he wields within the prison walls, and believes in prisons the way that other men believe in religion. Fears that if the inmates’ demands are met, that it could threaten not only the entire correctional system, but possibly the moral foundation of the country itself.
STACKOLEE:
40’s. African-American. Known as “the most dangerous prisoner at Attica.” Tough, cagy, watchful. Dangerous—thought the threat is seldom overt. He’s more like a coiled snake; at rest but alert, poised to strike at any time. Violent, fearless. Being held in check by Dolomite.
THE FOLLOWING ROLES HAVE BEEN CAST / SEEKING FOR FUTURE REPLACEMENTS AND UNDERSTUDIES ONLY:
DOLOMITE:
50’s. African-American. The “baddest bad-ass out of San Antone,”and fabled to have been the most dangerous man in the South. He has been imprisoned for 27 years for murder, and is currently the most famous prisoner in Attica. Feared and respected by all, he is a leader within the cell-block, and becomes an unconventional father figure for Hard Rock. Despite his violent past, there’s a weary, settled quality about him. When rumors of a riot spread, he forbids the residents of the cell-block to get involved—until events arise which make violence unavoidable.
HARD ROCK:
20’s. African-American. A young Vietnam vet, incarcerated at Attica. Bright, outspoken, magnetic. He has the charm and charisma of a politician, and the spirit of a community organizer. Worldly, educated, and well-read. Determined to correct the abuses inherent in the correctional system, he becomes a spokesperson for prisoners’ rights. His volatile combination of resolve, intelligence and appeal pose more of a threat to the powers that be than violence ever could.
ANNABELLE:
30’s. African-American. A transgender woman incarcerated in a male prison. Strong, tough, unflinching, with a wry sense of humor. A survivor. She’s seen horrors and dangers on the outside as well as behind bars, and she knows what she has to do to stay alive. Loyal, loving, passionate. In love with Dolomite and will do anything to protect him. A role for a strong singer.
G.I. JOE:
50’s. 50’s. Puerto Rican-American. A floor officer at Attica. Proud, direct, diligent, reasonable. He has worked hard to carve out an honest and decent life for himself and his family. To him, the job is just a job, and he looks forward to the day that he can move along to something less physically and spiritually taxing. Deeply ashamed and disappointed with Jesse James, whom he feels is damaging the image of the Puerto-Rican community with his criminal behavior.
HOBO BEN:
60’s. African-American. The old-timer of the cell-block, but possesses the vigor and fire of a much younger man. Although he lacks much formal education, he has extremely quick, razor sharp wit, that he wields with ease and enthusiasm. The breadth of his life experience has given him wisdom and insight more valuable than can be found in any books.
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