KARAMU NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR SIMPLY SIMONE: THE MUSIC OF NINA SIMONE Seeking Equity and non-Equity actors for SIMPLY SIMONE: THE MUSIC OF NINA SIMONE created by Robert Neblett and David Grapes. APPOINTMENTS For an appointment, please submit the following materials information to casting@karamuhouse.org: • a current headshot and up-to-date resume with accurate contact information • preferred audition times between - (4:00pm-7:00pm / WEDNESDAY JULY 19TH) • your current status with Actors' Equity Association union (i.e. AEA/non-AEA) If you are unable to attend the audition, please email your headshot and resume to casting@karamuhouse.org along with a request to submit a video audition. Please make note of your union status when submitting. ABOUT THE PLAY One of the true divas of the 20th century and a genuine musical powerhouse, Nina Simone defined a generation and defied classification. Silky, soulful, and untamed, she will melt your heart and chill you to the bone, leaving you singing the blues! Based on the turbulent life and rich artistic legacy of this American musical icon, the score crosses genres from gospel to blues, to Broadway to rock and roll. Featuring definitive Nina Simone hits such as “The Look of Love,” “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” PREPARATION Audition appointments are TEN minutes long. Please prepare ONE contemporary monologue not to exceed THREE minutes as well as a song from Nina Simone’s repertoire. Please bring sheet music in your key in the event an accompanist is in the room. However, please plan on singing without accompaniment. Finally, please bring three copies of your headshot and resume (stapled together) to your audition time. COMPENSATION All actors receive compensation for their work in our productions. Equity members appear under a GA Tier 2 contract. Non-Equity actors receive a modest stipend. PRODUCTION DATES Rehearsals: Aug. 1,– Sept. 6, 2017 Performances: Sept. 7 – 24, 2017 SETTING spans Nina Simone's young adult and adult life, circa late 1940s through early 2000s NOTE: All of the characters are played by African-American women. This is an ensemble piece, and no one role is more important or should be featured more than any other. While these characters do represent various personality traits or qualities of the historical Nina Simone, no attempt should be made to imitate her onstage, vocally or physically, with the exception of the “concert” moments that are recreated, with dialogue from Nina’s words and music. Of primary importance is that the essence of Nina is captured. ROLES** NINA 1: (Female, 18-30, African-American.) The Child. Represents NINA between ages 16 through 20. Innocent and energetic, she is always hopeful for a brighter future. She is a constant reminder of an idyllic past. Sings with a high soprano voice. NINA 2: (Female, 18-30, African-American.) The Singer. Represents NINA between ages 20 through 30. She is on the verge of success, optimistic yet cautious. She’s been burned and is a little gun shy. She finds her deepest pleasure in music. Sings with a mezzo soprano/belt. NINA 3: (Female, 28-45, African-American.) The Activist. Represents NINA between ages 30 through 40. She is angry and ready to buck the system. She becomes more personally involved in the increased racial turmoil of the early 70s. More psychologically vulnerable and susceptible to moment of emotional exhaustion and collapse. Sings with a mezzo soprano/belt. NINA 4: (Female, 35-60, African-American.) The Exile. Represents NINA between ages 40 through 50. She is wise, yet jaded. She has seen the way of the world and chosen to reject it. She speaks her mind bluntly and doesn’t care who takes offense. Sings with a rich alto voice. ** There will be one AEA contract available for this production. ###