Use This Link to Sign Up for Auditions: bit.ly/raisin-auditions
AUDITIONS: October 9 - 11
REHEARSALS: October 30 - November 30
ON STAGE: December 1 - 24
PLOT + CHARACTER BREAK DOWN:
A classic stage drama considered to have “changed American theater forever” and the first play written by a Black woman produced on Broadway in 1959, A Raisin In The Sun tells the story of a lower-class black family’s struggle to gain middle-class acceptance.
In 1960 A Raisin In The Sun was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Play (Lorraine Hansberry), Best Actor (Sidney Poitier), Best Actress (Claudia McNeil), and Best Direction Lloyd Richards).
Walter Lee Younger
30’s, he is the husband of Ruth, father of Travis, brother of Beneatha, and son of Lena (Mama) Younger. Walter works as a chauffeur and drinks a bit too much at times. When he discovers that his mother will receive a $10,000 check from his father's insurance, he becomes obsessed with his dreams of a business venture which will give him financial independence and, in his mind, will make him a more valuable human being.
Lena Younger (Mama)
50s - 60s. The mother of Walter Lee and Beneatha, mother-in-law of Ruth, and grandmother of Travis. Lena's (Mama's) every action is borne out of her abiding love for her family, her deep religious convictions, and her strong will that is surpassed only by her compassion. Mama's selfless spirit is shown in her plans to use her $10,000 insurance check for the good of her family, part of which includes plans to purchase a house in a middle-class white neighborhood.
Ruth Younger
The 30’s wife of Walter Lee Younger and the mother of Travis, their ten-year-old son. Ruth acts as peacemaker in most of the explosive family situations. Very low-key, Ruth reveals her strongest emotions only when she learns of the possibility of their moving to a better neighborhood.
Travis Younger
10 year-old son of Walter and Ruth Younger. Living in a household with three generations in conflict, Travis skillfully plays each adult against the other and is, as a result, somewhat spoiled. In spite of this, he is a likable child.
Beneatha Younger
The early 20’s sister of Walter Lee and the daughter of Lena Younger. She is a college student planning to go to medical school. The only family member privileged to have the opportunity for a higher education, she is sometimes a little overbearing in the pride she takes in being an intellectual.
Joseph Asagai
20s. An African college student from Nigeria, Asagai is one of Beneatha's suitors. Mannerly, good looking, and personable, he is well liked by all members of the Younger household.
George Murchison
20s. Beneatha's other boyfriend, he too is a college student. His wealthy background alienates him from the poverty of the Youngers. Easily impressed, Ruth is the only member of the Younger household who naively overlooks George's offensive snobbishness.
Mrs. Johnson
Brash and abrasive neighbor of the Youngers, she insensitively points out to the Youngers all the negative repercussions that await them should they decide to move into the white neighborhood.
Karl Lindner
A weak and ineffectual middle-aged white man, Lindner is the spokesman for the white community into which the Youngers plan to move. He has been sent to persuade the Youngers not to move into the white neighborhood. In fact, he has been authorized by the white community to offer the Youngers a monetary incentive not to move in.
Bobo
The somewhat dimwitted friend of Walter Lee who, along with another friend, Willy, plans to invest in Walter Lee's business scheme.
Two Moving Men
Having no speaking parts, they enter at the end of the play to help the Youngers move to their new neighborhood.
Auditions will be held in-person at:
Celebration Arts
2727 B Street
Sacramento, CA
For the audition, you will be provided with sides to read from the script.
After the auditions, select actors will be invited to a callback.
Use This Link to Sign Up for Auditions: bit.ly/raisin-auditions
Videos
