[NEohioPAL] AUDITIONS for "INCOGNEGRO"

[Audition Requests via NEohioPAL]

Incognegro

by Eric Schmiedl

adapted from the graphic novel written by Mat Johnson with art by Warren Pleece



DIRECTOR:    Eric Schmiedl



PRODUCER:   Cleveland Treatment Center - Let It Ride Productions

                        L.C. Collins, Executive Director

                        Pierre Betts, Production Manager



DATES:           Audition Call - September 10, 2016

1st Rehearsal - October 3, 2016

                        1st Tech - October 28, 2016

                        Opening - November 4th

                        Closing - TBA



SYNOPSIS:    It is the early 1930's.  It is Harlem, New York.  It is Tupelo, Mississippi.

With his light complexion, reporter Zane Pinchback is able to "pass" for white, allowing him to bring back unique first-hand reports of lynchings as he secretly writes under the byline, "Incognegro".  But, with the Harlem Renaissance exploding around him Zane wants to leave journalism behind and join the ranks of his recognized literary heroes.  Until his editor gives him one more assignment, and this one he cannot refuse.  It's personal.



Mirroring the folktale nature of the graphic novel this adaptation embraces a narrative style with all the actors telling the remarkable story of Zane Pinchback and his brother Alonzo.  The storytelling style also gives the piece a sense of history.  Zane (Incognegro) is an American Superhero.  His story has been and will continue to be passed down through the spoken word.  Furthermore, the use of multiple storytellers reflects one of the graphic novel's central themes: identity.



ROLES:           ZANE PINCHBACK ("Incognegro")

                        Male - 30's.

                        Racially ambiguous.

                        Zane is a superhero.  Quick.  Clever.  Intuitive.

Zene has a strong moral compass that drives his actions.  Because of his physical appearance he has had to negotiate between communities and cultures all his life.  Thus, he is a bit of a loner and an observer.  But he is not afraid to take action when action is required.



ALONZO PINCHBACK

Male - 30's.

African American.  Passionate.  Driven.  Honest.

Alonzo is Zane's twin brother.  He appears darker in complexion than his brother and thus his experience is different.  He is a man who has lived his entire life in the rural south and even with its contradictions and dangers feels most comfortable there.


CARL JOHNSON

Male - 30's.

Racially ambiguous.  Slick.  Smart.  Quick.

Carl is Zane's buddy.  He is a kid of the cosmopolitan north.  A city kid.  He has never been below the Mason Dixon Line and is extremely naïve about the level of violence and hatred that waits below the surface in these southern communities.



MICHAELA MATHERS

Female - 30's.

Caucasian.  Driven.  Violent.  Reckless.

Michaela is Alonzo's business partner and lover.  She will succeed at all cost regardless of who else needs to pay the price.



WILLIAM HUEY

Male - 30's - 50's.

Caucasian.  Ruthless.  Bigoted.  Self-confident.

William is a senior leader of the Ku Klux Klan.  He has discovered "Incognegro's" true identity and will not rest until he crushes his opponent.



CHORUS

Male and/or Female - Any Age.  Any cultural background.

Three performers will become several supporting roles in the production and provide the live music which will embrace American music of the period and region.  The music will be sung and played live.

  *   Auditions will be held Saturday, September 10 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
  *   Location:  Ensemble Theatre  2843 Washington Boulevard  Cleveland Hts. 44118
  *   All roles are paid positions.  AEA and non-AEA performers are welcome.
  *   Please email auditions at clevelandtreatmentcenter.org to request and confirm an audition time.  Please include your First and Last name and phone number.  We will confirm via email.
  *   Please bring a CURRENT HEAD SHOT and RESUME with you to auditions.
  *   Sides will be provided AT AUDITIONS and will be used for CALLBACKS (if necessary).

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