Beck Center, in association with Director/Choreographer Christopher Chase Carter (Artistic Director of Mercury Theatre Chicago) is thrilled to announce auditions for *ONCE ON THIS ISLAND*. Appointments are now being taken for Saturday March 11th and Sunday March 12 th. Appt. slots will occur between 4PM and 6PM each of the two days and can be reserved by calling the Beck Center Box Office during regular business hours at 216-521-2540. Performers are asked to prepare one 60 to 90 second vocal selection, ideally from the musical theatre canon. Bring sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be provided. If preferred, performers may choose to submit a video audition with the same requirements. Please send to Beck Center Artistic Director Scott Spence at scotts@beckcenter.org *Deadline*: March 10th, 2023 Callbacks will occur the weekend of March 18/19. It is anticipated that two AEA contracts will be available for this production. All non- Equity performers 18 and older will receive a stipend for their participation. Out of Town performers are welcome to audition, but please know that Beck Center is unable to provide housing. Stipending will not begin to cover Room/Board. *ONCE ON THIS ISLAND* opens July 7th and closes August 6th. Rehearsals will begin in late May/early June date tbd. *Staff includes*: Christopher Chase Carter (Director/Choreographer), Larry Goodpaster (Musical Director) and Libby White (Production Stage Manager) *Breakdown* *About the show*: This creative team will take an ensemble musical/story theatre approach to the play with all performers playing storytellers stepping into the characters. The production will explore Afro-Caribbean inspired spirituality and rituals. *About gender*: Come as you are. Audition for the role you want. Whatever your gender expression — you are welcome and will be considered. *About colorism*: The story features colorism as a plot point, and casting will reflect that in some characters, relative to the entire cast. *Director’s Statement*: I believe in diversity and representation in casting that encourages actors of all ethnicities, races, gender identities, ages, and body types, as well as performers with disabilities, to audition. *Seeking* *Ti Moune*: She/her. Black, 18 – 25. A beautifully spirited peasant girl full of restless energy and optimism. Tries to break social barriers to be with her love, Daniel. Moves well. High belt, vocal range G3-E5. *Daniel*: He/his. Black, 18 – 25. Ti Moune's love interest. A handsome, aristocratic young man who struggles with crossing social barriers. Sensitive and poetic. Struggles with the privilege and burdens that his lighter skin and wealth afford him. Tenor, vocal range C#3-F#4. *Mama Euralie*: She/her. Black, 30s – 50s. Ti Moune's adoptive mother. Caring, over-protective, superstitious, fiercely loving, and strong-willed, her similarities often lead to clashes with Ti Moune. Alto, vocal range Gb3-B4. *Asaka*: She/her. Black, 30s – 50s. Mother Earth. A mentor to Ti Moune. She is generous and good humored on the surface, but like all the gods, feared by the islanders; her motherly facade is not to be trusted. She is powerful, funny, and ironic. Mezzo/Soprano with strong high belt, vocal range A3-E5. *Erzulie*: She/her. Black, late 20s – 50s. Goddess of Love. A mentor to Ti Moune and foil to Papa Ge. Loved by the people. Set out to prove that love is stronger than the fear of death—by love, she means the power of the human heart. Soprano, vocal range A3-C#5. *Tonton Julian*: He/his. Black, 30s – 50s. Ti Moune's adoptive father. He teaches Ti Moune that love has no limits and he goes to great lengths to support her wishes. Caring, loving, and practical. Baritone, vocal range G3-E4. *Agwe*: He/his. Black, late 20s – 50s. God of Water. A mentor to Ti Moune. Larger than life, mysterious. Commanding voice and presence. Baritone, vocal range B2-E4. *Papa Ge*: He/his. Black, 30s – 50s. God of Death. Antagonist to the other gods. Cunning, sly, manipulative, seductive, cynical, and teasing, he is feared by the people because of what he represents: the unknown that is death. The other main instigator of the drama. Tenor, vocal range C3-G4. *Andrea Deveraux/Madame Armand*: She/her. Black, late 20s. Daniel’s betrothed; an elegant, aristocratic young woman, enjoying the privileges of light skinned society; she seems cold at first but turns out to be both humane and determined. Strong soprano. *Monsieur Beauxhomme/Armand*: He/his. Black, 30s – 50s. Black, Daniel’s stern father; reminds Daniel of the harsh realities of life; not deliberately cruel but determined; represents the heart of aristocratic, light skinned society. Strong baritone. *Ensemble*: Age 10 to 50s. Black. These 6 to 8 storytellers weave in and out of the show, and include young Ti Moune among others.