Audition Information 

Seeking:

Actors of all ethnicities and gender identifications for roles in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 2023-24 Season (see breakdown).

Housing: We provide housing with a private bedroom and shared common areas. FREE laundry onsite.  

Flight: We will provide roundtrip airfare (coach class). We will reimburse you up to 2 checked bags.

Local transportation: We try to place actors in walking distance of our theatre. If we placed further away we will provide transportation to the theatre. We also have shared company vehicles if you pass a background check.

Preparation:

All auditioners should prepare two contrasting monologues (not to exceed 3 minutes total please). If auditioning for a musical then prepare 1 monologue (no longer than 2 minutes please) and 32 bars of music (in the correct key). A pianist will be available. Please provide five copies of your headshot and resume stapled back to back. 

Video Submissions:

For Video Submissions please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Please also be sure to attach your updated headshot and resume with your submission. 

Either two contrasting monologues (not to exceed 3 minutes total please) OR 32 bars of music and one monologue (not to exceed 2 minutes please). YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, or Google Drive are acceptable to submit your video. 

Please do slate your name and where you’re based. Please be sure to have your video properly framed and well-lit so we can see your beautiful faces, as well as making sure we can hear you, especially if you’re auditioning with a song! 

Scheduling Auditions: 

For scheduling auditions please send an email to our Casting Coordinator, Donovan Whitney at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. You can also call him on his cell to schedule an audition 317-615-0956 during business hours M-F 10am – 5pm. 

Dates & Times for 2023-2024 Season Auditions: 

Saturday, June 10th 2023 10am – 6pm (1pm – 2pm lunch break) Callbacks 6pm – 8pm

Sunday, June 11th 2023 10am – 6pm (1pm – 2pm lunch break) Callbacks 6pm – 8pm

Walk-ins Accepted: 

We will be accepting walk-ins. We will have sign-up sheets for both Equity and Non-Equity actors. 

Location of Audition: 

In our beautiful Donnelly Theatre in our Mainstage Space! It is the larger building with a stairway in front of it. Please enter our theatre lobby and check in at the front desk. Once checked in please wait for your scheduled audition time. 

We advise actors to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled audition just in case we are running ahead of schedule.  

Parking:

We have a parking lot right in front of our mainstage space, parking in the back, as well as a gravel lot across the street if either one is full. A long fence runs along the gravel lot with a big gate – you can’t miss it!

If Called Back: 

We understand actors may be coming from all the way from out of town, so we plan to hold callbacks on both days of auditions, 6pm – 8pm. Sarasota is very beautiful and has lots of attractions that can keep you busy until your callback, if leaving and coming back is not feasible for you. 

These callbacks will take place where auditions were – The Donnelly Theatre. Please wear clothes and shoes you would be comfortable to dance in! 

If called back you do not need to bring another copy of your headshot and resume, we will  have that from earlier. 

We will not be providing feedback on auditions. 

Breakdown:

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
Director: Jim Weaver 
Rehearsals: Tuesday, Sept. 12 to Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 (4 weeks) 
Production Run: Wednesday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 (5 weeks, 4 days) (Nov 10,11,12 no shows due to gala)
Total performances: 36

Seeking:

Casting: BIPOC actors of all types

• Ti Moune – Soprano/high belt. Age range: Early to mid 20s.
  Description: A bright eyed, innocent, lovingly devoted peasant girl. Willing to go above and beyond for those she loves.
• Daniel Beauxhomme – Lyric Baritone. Age range: Early to mid 20s.
  Description: A member of the upper crust in his world. He unexpectedly falls in love with someone below his station and is faced with a hard choice.
• Asaka, Goddess of Earth – Mezzo Soprano/Belter. Age range: 30s-50s.
  Description: Earthmother, protective, grounded, gregarious with a big laugh and spirit to match. 
• Agwe, God of Water – Baritone. Age range: 20s-40s.
  Description: Mythic God of Water. A conjuring, caring, observer from afar. Sets the stage for life events and waits to see what will happen as a result. 
•  Papa Ge, God of Death – tenor. Age Range: 20s – 40s.
  Description: A sinister manipulator. Convinced everyone is ultimately bad and wants to prove it. 
•  Erzulie, Goddess of Love – soprano. Age Range: 20s-40s.
  Description: Kind, Caring, Romantic, Believer in happy endings. 
•  Mama Euralie – Alto. Age Range: 40s-50s.
  Description: Motherly, Protective, Practical, No nonsense and logical in all she does.
• Tonton Julian – baritone. Age Range: 40s-50s.
  Description: Fatherly, Strong, Protective, But a softy in his heart when it comes to family.
• Andrea/ Madame Armand – mezzo. Age Range: Early to mid 20s.
  Description: Has had a privileged upbringing, Private schooling, Considers herself above the peasant folk.
• Armand /Daniel’s Father – baritone. Age Range: 40s – 50s.
  Description: A strong leader, In command and respected because of his station.
• Little Girl/Little Ti Moune – Soprano. Age Range: 10-14.
  Description: Loves stories ad make believe.
• Gossipers/Peasants – Various vocal ranges, ages, and types.

JOYFUL! JOYFUL! (Holiday Production) 
Director: Nate Jacobs 
Rehearsals: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 to Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023 (4 weeks) 
Production Run: Wednesday, Nov. 29 to Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 + Dec. 28, 29, 30) – 3weeks + 3 days
Total performances: 29

Seeking:

• Narrator -  Strong actor that can sing and move well
• Ensemble –Very strong singer and can move well
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and can move well. Some acting.
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and can move well. 
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and dancer. 
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and can move well. 
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and can move well.
• Dance Ensemble - Extremely strong dancer and can sing. 
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and can move well.
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and can move well. 
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and can move well. 
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and dancer. 
• Dance Ensemble - Extremely strong dancer and can sing. 
• Ensemble - Very strong singer and can move well. 
• Ensemble- Very strong singer and can move well. 

A SOLDIER'S PLAY 
Director: Chuck Smith 
Rehearsals: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 to Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 (5 Weeks)
Production Run: Thursday, Jan. 18 to Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 (5 weeks)
Total performances: 32 (Note only 2 previews)

Seeking:

• Tech/Sergeant Vernon C Water – 40s, black 
• Captain Charles Taylor – 20’s to 30’s, white
• Corporal Bernard Cobb –20’s, black
• Private First Class Melvin Peterson – 20’s, black
• Corporal Ellis – 20’s to 30’s, black
• Private Louis Henson –20’s early 30’s, black
• Private James Wilkie – 30’s to 40’s, black
• Private Tony Smalls – 20’s to 30’s, black
• Captain Richard Davenport – 40s, black
• Private C.J. Memphis – 20’s, black, singing and guitar skills are a plus
• Lieutenant Byrd – 20’s to 30’s, white
• Captain Wilcox – 20’s to 30’s, white

RUBY (World Premeire)
Director:  Nate Jacobs
Rehearsals: Tuesday, Jan. 23 to Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 (5 Weeks)
Production Run: Wednesday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, Apr. 7, 2024 (5 weeks and 4 days)
Total performances: 39 (Note – no show March 31 and April 1)

 Seeking:

• Ruby McCollum
  Description: Wealthy African American resident of Live Oak, Florida
• Sam McCollum
  Description: Prominent African American businessman in Live Oak and Ruby’s Husband 
• Zora Neale Hurston
  Description: Nationally renowned African American journalist and author dispatched to Live Oak, Florida by the Pittsburg Courier newspaper.
• Dr. Clifford Leroy Adams
  Description: Live Oak Physician and Florida politician
• Judge Hal Adams
  Description: “Sixty-eight-year-old back country tobacco chewing judge who looks as though he just stepped from the pages of an Erskine Caldwell novel.”
• Olivia Brown
  Descriptoin: Resident of Live Oak, Florida. Employed by James and May Gary.  Formerly employed by Sam and Ruby McCollum. Ruby’s assistant and confidant
• James Gary
  Description: Sheriff of Suwannee County, Florida.  He lives in Live Oak, Florida.
•  Maybelle (May) Gary
  Description: Resident of Live, Oak Florida and Sheriff Gary’s wife.
• Ensemble - African American and White
  • 4 Women
  • 4 Men

MARVIN GAYE: PRINCE OF SOUL
Director: Nate Jacobs
Rehearsals: Tuesday, Mar. 19 to Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2024 (4 Weeks)
Production Run: Wednesday, Apr. 17 to Sunday, May 26, 2024 (5 weeks and 4 days) 
Total performances: 40

Seeking:

• Frankie Gaye – 20’s to 30’s, brother to Marvin
• Berry Gordy – 40’s to 50’s, famous music producer
• Anna Gordy – 40’s to 50’s, wife to Berry 
• Mother Gay – 40’s to late 50’s, mother to Marvin
• Father Gay – 40’s to late 50’s, father to Marvin
• 4 ensemble men – 20’s to 30’s, doubling maybe tripling roles, very strong singer and dancer
• 4 ensemble women – 20’s to 30’s, doubling maybe tripling roles, very strong singer and dancer

Equity Information

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

Equity encourages everyone participating in the auditions to wear a two-ply cloth face mask, surgical mask, singer’s mask or respirator (N95, KN95 or KF94). Single-ply face masks, gaiters and bandanas are not recommended. 

Equity encourages members to prepare for their audition prior to arriving at the audition venue, to the extent that they can (e.g., get dressed, hair/make-up, etc.) to avoid crowding in bathrooms and dressing rooms.

An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this 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 attend every audition.