26/27 Season Auditions

ARTSCENTRIC 2026–2027 SEASON AUDITIONS

 

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CROWNS

Type of Production:
Play with Music

Synopsis:
A moving and celebratory musical play exploring the history, identity, and cultural significance of hats in Black communities and the women who wear them. Through music, storytelling, and humor, Crowns honors faith, resilience, tradition, and the power of community across generations.

 

Director: Kevin S. McAllister

Music Director: Cedric D. Lyles

Choreographer: Shalyce Hemby

Playwright: Regina Taylor

Based on the book by: Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry

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Rehearsals: January 2 – January 26, 2027

First Preview: January 27, 2027

 

Casting Notes:
This production is partially cast.

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Character Breakdown:

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YOLANDA: Black female, 20’s (must be able to appear 15-18). Fiercely opinionated but introverted, Yolanda keeps her feelings inside, except when she raps. Keenly observant and intelligent, her evolution to fully express herself is at the core of this story. Ultimately must be charming, winning, and exuberant. 

 

MOTHER SHAW: Black female, 50s-60s. The powerful matriarch of the family and the elder who holds wisdom and compassion as her legacy. Deeply spiritual. Needs to be a singer with emotional and vocal range. 

 

VELMA. Black female, 30s/40s. Flashy and has a past, Velma now expresses herself in her vivid stories and glittery hats. Knows how to have fun, but she is tougher than she looks – hard times have offered her many life lessons. 

 

MABEL. Black female, 40s/50s. The most conservative. Married to a minister and is a First Lady, and always did the right thing. Has a genuine insight into the human condition but likes ladies to be ladies. She has a behavior code and believes in it – and you better believe in it too! 

 

JEANETTE: Black female, 30s. She’s been a working girl a long time – cosmetics counter at the local department store. Prides herself on her appearance – and the ability of a hat to create mystery, flirtation, whatever the mood calls for. She’s a mother, wife and woman who really loves her hats. 

 

WANDA: Black female, 30s. Can be extroverted or introverted – changing like the wind blows. Spunky. Always wants the last word. 

 

MAN: Black male, 30-40s. [ALREADY CAST- CASTING UNDERSTUDY] Plays all the male roles in the play: Father, Reverend, Husband of the women. Versatile actor. Good sense of humor. Must be able to move well. 

 

FEMALE SWING: Black female, ages varying. We will cast two female-presenting performers to understudy the female roles. 

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General Casting Notes:

• Seeking strong actor/singers with movement ability

• All performers should be comfortable with dance and musical staging

• Understudies will be cast

 

Cultural Casting Notes:
All roles portray African American characters and should reflect the cultural specificity and authenticity of the work.

 

 

 

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