To:   Actors, Directors, Producers, Theatre & Artistic Directors, etc . . . .         Please feel free to forward / refer other actors for consideration. Need Actors for Reading                                     Auditions - Mon. 8/22, 6:00 P                                                                                                        “Emporer of Lincoln Street,” by Richard AsburyReading in mid- late SeptemberLimited Rehearsals  WHO:       Richard Asbury, emerging local playwright, wants to see his project develop into being produced and performed as a fully staged production. WHAT:  Auditions for upcoming reading of his 2-Act drama, to refine and develop its concept, characters, content, and format. WHEN:  Monday, August, August 22, 2016.  6:00 P. WHERE:  Shaker Hts. Location, TBD.(Van Aken Blvd)    THE STORY LINE:  A drama in 2 acts that highlights a successful, upper-middle class, African American family in 1968. Set in the fictitious city of Jefferson in 1968.  The play addresses the issues of sibling rivalry, race in the African American community (at that time), homosexuality, and the price of success.The main character, NAPPY, is a "self made man" who is tough on his family and demands respect from all that cross his path. He is conflicted with the changes he sees in his community and his family's desire to leave his oppressive control and find their own lives. He loves them but does not know how to communicate that love.  CASTING:  Seeking actors who may be considered for portraying the lead and supporting characters,  | as the play is developed and produced. No need for ongoing commitment at the time of audition,beyond actual reading, mid - late Sept. unless actor expresses interest and availability for further auditions, rehearsals and performances.This is a non-AEA project. Exemptions from AEA. Small stipend, each actor.                              CHARACTERS: (Can portray the characters approximate ages. Certain roles may be double cast for reading, only.)  | NAPPY: 68, ‘self-made,’ fair-skin African American.  Good health, Athletically built. Veteran of WW-1. Veteran of the Harlem Renaissace. Has acquired his wealth solely in the Black community, under de-facto segregation. Stern tough, pragmatic, intolerant of most anything that differs from his point of view. Tough on his family and demands respect from all that cross his path. He is conflicted with the changes he sees in his community, and his family's desire to leave his oppressive control and find their own lives. He loves them but does not know how to communicate that love.  MENA: 49, African American. Brown skin, half sister of Nappy.  Raised by Nappy, with her twin brother Leo. Mena is warm, motherly, artistically talented. Peace-maker in the business and  family. She wants to leave the family businesses.  LEO: 49, MENA’s twin. Stiff, tightly wound. Deeply closeted homosexual. A wiz with numbers and anything mechanical. Hates NAPPY for his controlling nature, and fact that Nappy has tried to "beat the Sissy" out of him since he was teenager. Wants to leave the family businesses.  CUE STICK: 32, former college football player. NAPPY's Aide de Camp.  Born and raised in Jefferson. Street-wise hustler. NAPPY's confidant and surrogate son. Helps Nappy run his illegal operations with the the "numbers" racket and does "favors" for the local mob occasionally.   JEANETTA: 45-50, Jamaican American. Medium toned skin. NAPPY's lover. Local bank manager. NAPPY’S "tough-love" interest. Stylish, with an "effervescent elegance" in her walk and manner.  Knows NAPPY is a sea urchin, prickly, on the outside but luscious and sweet on the inside. SCHYLER/NARRATOR: 35-40,  African American woman, reporter for the Pittsburgh Courier. Polished, professional, ambitious.  OTTO: 30-40, Caucasian, Leo’s lover, former U.S. Marine. Macho, deeply closeted homosexual. Dispatcher and warehouse manager for one of NAPPY’s  factories in Jefferson. Met Leo through business dealings. Found that they both have an affinity for electronics and technology. Wants Leo to run away to San Francisco with him so that they can life their life openly.  Please submit headshot and resume to wakeupandlives@gmail.com.  Must be submitted by Fri. August 5.  Sue JohnsonDirectorWake Up And Live’s Actor Studio