Center Theatre Group | Los Angeles, CA
Friday, July 25, 2025
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (P)
BREAK: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
LORT Non-Rep
$1371 weekly minimum (LORT A)
Equity actors for roles in JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING.
All roles will be understudied.
3 minutes total – strict time limit. Please prepare 2 short (1 min) contrasting monologues or 1 (2 min) monologue, preferable from a published play. MUST bring picture and resume, stapled together.
Center Theatre Group's The Music Center Annex
601 W Temple St
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2621
Parking in the Music Center garage (135 N. Grand) for $10 employee rate
By Jocelyn Bioh
Directed by Whitney White
Brandon Ivie, Artistic Producer, Center Theatre Group
September 16 - November 16
Reh September 16, 2025
Tech - Sept 26
Prev - Oct 1
Open - Oct 5
Close - Nov 9
Ext Close - Nov 16
JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING to be staged at the Mark Taper Forum (2025-26 season). Please check
www.centertheatregroup.com for full details
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.
An Equity Monitor will be provided.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
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.
Step into the vibrant world of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, direct from Broadway. Set in the pulsating heart of Harlem, this comedic gem unravels the complexities of cultural identity, assimilation, and the pursuit of the American Dream within the African immigrant community. Follow the uproarious escapades of Maria, Bea, Miriam, Aminata, Ndidi, Jaja, and others as they navigate life and laughter in Jaja's bustling hair braiding salon. With humor as rich as its characters, this five-time Tony Award-nominated production weaves hilarious moments with profound insights, celebrating the indomitable spirit and interconnectedness that define us all.
*Note from author: All characters are of Black American and/or West African Descent. Thank you.
Please note that only the role of Ndidi and select understudy tracks are currently being cast.
[NDIDI (pronounced IN-Dee-Dee)] – She/her, late 20s-early 30s, Nigerian. The young spitfire. She dresses the youngest and braids the fastest. Everyone at the shop knows that she makes the most money, and that doesn’t always go over well with everyone – namely Bea.
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ROLES ARE CAST
[JAJA] – She/her, 40s+, Senegalese. Owner of the shop. The backbone and/or saving grace of everyone in the shop. Getting married today in City Hall to Steven – the landlord of the building.
[MARIE] – She/her, 18. Jaja’s daughter who runs the shop for her mother. Has a lot of weight on her young shoulders because of her circumstances. Secretly wants to be a writer; has a fun and silly side but is firm and assertive when needed – especially with the women in the shop.
[BEA (pronounced BEE)] – She/her, 40s, Ghanaian. Has been at the shop the longest. The neighborhood gossip with an unpredictable attitude. She seems addicted to causing drama but is rarely ever wrong.
[MIRIAM] – She/her, early to mid-20s, Sierra Leonean. Very kind and seemingly quiet on the surface but has a fierce spirit underneath her shell. Loves the idea of love and is the epitome of an optimist.
[AMINATA] – She/her, 30s Senegalese. Fun, sexy, and charming. She loves her job and is good at it but also loves to hang out at the shop, as well. The shop is both her job and her favorite place to be social. Has a tumultuous and passionate marriage. Bea’s sidekick in gossip and drama when necessary.
[JENNIFER] – She/her, 20s, Black American. Aspiring journalist. Comes to the shop wanting to get micro braids and is in the shop all day. Incredibly patient and caring.
[VANESSA/SHEILA/RADIA]
[VANESSA] – She/her, 30s. Super rude customer that no one wants to deal with.
[SHEILA] – She/her, 30s. The friendly but loud talking businesswoman. She enjoys a little gossip like the next person.
[RADIA (pronounced like Nadia)] – She/her, 18ish. One of Marie’s former classmates.
[MICHELLE/CHRISSY/LANIECE]
[MICHELLE] – She/her, 20s. The nervous client who doesn’t want trouble and just wants to get her hair done peacefully.
[CHRISSY] – She/her, 30s. Really wants braids that will “make her look like Beyonce.”
[LANIECE] – She/her, 20s. A regular at the shop. Works as a DJ, so she always gets funky braid styles. She likes to have a good time and loves a good meal.
[JAMES/FRANKLIN, THE SOCK MAN/OLU, THE JEWELRY MAN/ERIC, THE DVD MAN]
[JAMES] – He/him, 30s, Ghanaian. Aminata’s on-again/off-again husband who clearly takes advantage of her.
[FRANKLIN, THE SOCK MAN] – He/him, 30s, Black American. Quick talking and friendly neighborhood salesman just trying to make a living.
[OLU, THE JEWELRY MAN] – He/him, 30s, Nigerian. A shy, honest man just trying to make a living. Has a bit of a crush on Ndidi.
[ERIC, THE DVD MAN] – He/him, 30s, Senegalese. The caring DVD man who looks out for his friends.
Videos
