Spark Theatre Company is seeking performers for its 2023-2024 touring show program. These productions occasionally have public performances but primarily travel throughout NE Ohio to schools as assemblies for approximately 15 performances. Actors do not need to be available EVERY day throughout the touring timeline, but should have general availability during school days and/or flexibility in their schedules. Actors receive a stipend starting at $500 based on role, and are reimbursed for travel to schools at the IRS rate of $0.62/mile. Anansi and the Middle Passage By Frank Higgins Anansi, the celebrated spider from African folklore, tells the story of an African mother and daughter who are kidnapped and sold into slavery. With each story, Anansi springs to life along with the story characters for action-packed, light-hearted adventures. When mother and daughter arrive in America as slaves, they carry with them the folk tales and wisdom of their homeland — stories that make their lives bearable and give them meaning. This wonderfully theatrical children’s play offers a unique perspective, imbuing the dismal tale of the slave trade with the bright, spirited folklore of African culture. Rehearsals Begin: Sept. 25th around actor availability Touring Period: October 17th-November 10th, 2023 Roles: Shontay/Bush Deer/Hare- (female identifying, BIPOC actor, adult to play a child) seeking a versatile actor to play a young girl who is kidnapped into slavery, a young deer with a big heart, and a smart hare. Nyame/Lion/Turtle/Hippo- (male identifying, any type) This track requires an actor to play multiple roles including the African Sky God, and other characters throughout the story. Mother/Wife/Vulture- (female identifying, BIPOC actor) seeking a versatile actor to play Shontay’s mother, who is kidnapped into slavery, a vulture, and other minor characters in the story. Python/Elephant/Villager- (any gender, any type, not age specific) seeking a character actor to play multiple roles in this folktale. Anansi the Spider- (CAST) this role has already been cast, but considerations can be made for understudies and/or replacements. A mischievous spider who loves to play tricks. To Audition: If you have previously worked as a performer for Spark, email sparktheatre4youth@gmail.com to express interest in which role(s) you are interested in. For actors who have not previously worked with us, please submit headshot, resume, which role(s) you would like to be considered for and any one of the following: 1. Record the side(s) for which you would like to be considered located on this page linked below. Sides do not need to be memorized, and a phone video is fine. 2. A monologue of your choosing. 3. Samples of previous work such as a reel. Callbacks will be held as needed. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT FOR ANANSI & THE MIDDLE PASSAGE is 08/25/2023. Casting for the rest of the season will continue as needed throughout the fall. Spark Theatre Company and LCCC Theatre embrace diversity and inclusion and utilize a non-traditional casting policy. Non-Traditional Casting is a method designed to increase artistic options by expanding casting opportunities for women, actors of color, seniors, and actors with disabilities in roles where race, gender, age or the presence or absence of a disability are not germane. To that end, we encourage all actors to audition, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or physical ability. -- Rachael Endrizzi Producing Artistic Director Spark Theatre Company *www.SparkTheatre4Youth.org <http://www.SparkTheatre4Youth.org>* 440-707-6887