Axelrod Performing Arts Center | Deal Park, NJ
Friday, November 14, 2025
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)
BREAK: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
LOA
$662 weekly minimum (LOA ref. LORT)
Equity actors for roles in THE DOROTHY DANDRIDGE MUSICAL (see breakdown).
Some roles will be understudied.
Please prepare a brief singing selection (about a minute long) in a traditional musical theatre/jazz style. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music in your key and a headshot/resume.
Actors' Equity New York Audition Center
165 W 46th St
16th Fl
New York, NY 10036
Producer: Axelrod Performing Arts Center (Andrew DePrisco, Artistic Director)
Directed by N’ Kenge and Christina Sajous
Conceived by N’ Kenge
Book and Lyrics by Trey Ellis
Music and Lyrics by Shelton Becton
Arranger: Everett Bradley
EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Casting Director: Michael Cassara, CSA
First rehearsal: on/about 1/20/2026
First performance: 2/19/2026
Closing: on/about 3/8/2026
Venue: Axelrod Performing Arts Center - Deal Park, NJ
If unable to attend EPA, you may send picture/resume to
submissions@michaelcassara.net
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.
[DOROTHY DANDRIDGE] THIS ROLE IS CAST 30s to 40s, Black, female. A brilliant, trailblazing Black performer navigating fame, racism, heartbreak, and self-discovery; she's passionate, vulnerable, and relentless in chasing both career success and personal fulfillment. Strong singer (soprano/legit and belt) who moves well.
[VIVIAN DANDRIDGE AND OTHERS] 30s to 40s, Black, female. Dorothy’s loyal sister and fellow performer, often caught between family loyalty and personal identity; Talented in her own right, but lives in Dorothy’s shadow. Mezzo/belt, moves well.
[RUBY DANDRIDGE AND OTHERS] 50s to 70s, Black, female. Dorothy’s controlling, fame-driven mother who prioritizes career over compassion, often harsh but convinced she’s protecting her daughters. Strong singer/belter.
[OTTO PREMINGER AND OTHERS] 40s to 50s, white, male. A brilliant but manipulative director with whom Dorothy has a complicated professional and romantic relationship. Requires Austrian accent. Strong baritone with rock/pop ability, moves well.
[ANTHONY QUINN AND OTHERS] 30s to 40s, male. A legendary actor who believes in Dorothy’s talent and helps her develop confidence in her dramatic skills. Doubles as [JACK DENISON] He is charming, slick, and slippery. He woos, then abuses Dorothy. A strong singer, who moves well.
[EARL MILLS AND OTHERS] 30s to 40s, white, male. Dorothy's long-suffering manager. Gentle and soft-spoken. Falls in love with Dorothy on first sight. A constant in Dorothy’s life. Strong singer (tenor) who moves well.
[HAROLD NICHOLAS AND OTHERS] Black, male, 30s, doubles as legendary tap dancer HAROLD NICHOLAS, HARRY BELAFONTE, and other Ensemble roles. One of the famous Nicholas Brothers and Dorothy’s first husband. He is a charming ladies’ man who wins Dorothy’s heart, then breaks it. A tenor, and terrific dancer with outstanding tap ability.
[FAYARD NICHOLAS AND OTHERS] Black, male, 30s, doubles as legendary tap dancer FAYARD NICHOLAS, PHIL MOORE (Dorothy’s music coach), and other ENSEMBLE roles. Baritone / terrific dancer with outstanding tap ability.
[NEVA AND OTHERS] Black, female, 50s to 60s. Geneva “Neva” Williams is Ruby’s partner and the girls’ strict vocal coach and manager, known for her tough love and intimidating presence. Stern presence, with gravitas. A strong singer (mezzo/belt) who moves well.
[ETTA DANDRIDGE/LENA HORNE/HAROLYN/AND OTHERS] 30s, Black, female. Etta is one of the three Dandridge Sisters. She is spunky and flirty. Doubles as [HAROLYN] Dorothy’s daughter who suffered brain damage at birth, and is unable to speak or recognize Dorothy as her mother. Also doubles as [LENA HORNE] in a brief singing cameo. A strong singer (mezzo/alto) and strong dancer.
[MARILYN MONROE AND OTHERS] 30s, white, female. Dorothy’s close friend and confidante who offers lessons in owning one’s sensuality and navigating fame with flair and vulnerability. Strong singer/dancer.
[HEDDA HOPPER AND OTHERS] white, female, 30s to 40s. Plays HEDDA HOPPER (Gossip Columnist), OSCAR GUEST, SHOWGIRL, and other ENSEMBLE roles. Strong singer who moves.
[ENSEMBLE MALE 3] Black, male, 20s-40s. Plays Apollo Theater STAGE MANAGER, REPORTER, CLUB PATRON, and other ENSEMBLE roles. Strong singer/dancer.
[ENSEMBLE MALE 4] white, male, 20s-40s. Plays WALTER WINCHELL, OSCAR NIGHT ANNOUNCER, and other ENSEMBLE roles. Strong singer/dancer.
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