Seeking Actors for June 6-25, ‘23 Showcase: The Oberlin Wellington Rescue Theater Project

What: Workshop and Showcase of a new play by playwright Ifa Bayeza and directed by Tony Sias, exploring a transformative chapter of the history of the Underground Railroad (see synopsis below). (www.owrproject.org) PAID ENGAGEMENT.

When: Projected Rehearsal Dates: Tuesday, June 6 - June 21 (Schedule to be created around actors' availability); Performance Dates: Thursday, June 22 - Sunday, June 25 (Th-Sat. Evenings, Sunday matinee). 

How to Submit: ASAP to Debra Wise, Producing Artistic Director, dwise@centralsquaretheater.org: Headshot/Resume, Paragraph re interest in project, and all availability (day and evening) for the rehearsal and performance dates.

Who: A multi-racial cast of 12-15 actors to represent black and white residents of 1850’s Oberlin/Wellington/Cleveland, ranging in ages 12-80. Actors of all racial, ethnic, and gender identities, as well as physical abilities, are invited to submit. Characters will be drawn from various regions, and with various dialects and hues. Though it is not required to be a singer to audition, an ability to sing and a willingness to improvise/explore are a plus. Union and non-union actors are invited to submit.

Audition Process: After initial submissions are reviewed by Director and Playwright, self-tape audition invitations will be emailed, along with sides, character descriptions, and compensation details.

Questions: Debra Wise, dwise@centralsquaretheater.org, 617-645-2046

Synopsis of Play: The Rescue of John Price

1858. At the height of the frenzy over the Fugitive Slave Act, 18-year-old, illiterate captive John Price makes his way over the frozen Ohio River to the abolitionist sanctuary and utopian college town of Oberlin. While its citizens, white and black, fugitive and free, have pledged to live together equally and let no slave be taken from their midst, John quickly discovers that the town’s ideals are far from reality. Yet, when he is abducted by Kentucky slave-hunters, the town folk, despite their differences, rally en masse to free him and get him to safe haven in Canada. The joy of liberation is dashed, however, as John confronts a cold and lonely place and the rescuers are put on trial and jailed. While some congratulate themselves on their small victory, others, through the conditions of their imprisonment, come to understand the toll of enslavement. Two decide that the only way to rescue the nation is through radical revolution, and John, himself, is still in quest of true freedom. Based on actual history, the inside story of the little town that started the Civil War.