Auditions
Vagabond Players Hold Auditions for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
The Vagabond Players will be holding auditions for
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at the Vagabond Players, Inc., 806 S. Broadway,
Baltimore, MD 21231.
Audition Dates: June 28, 10am-2pm; Callbacks, July 1 and July 2, 7-10pm.
Production Dates: September 5-28
Director: Cornell Jones, home tel#: 410-523-8669, cell #: 410-375-5225. E-Mail: Godot1215@aol.com
Requirements: Prepare a two to three minute dramatic monologue. Will be
asked to
read from script. Will also be asked to participate in improvised situations
based on
script. Strongly suggest that actors read the play before auditioning.
Ability to sing and/or play instruments would be nice but not mandatory.
All Roles are Open:
- Irvin: Caucasian. He is a tall, fleshy man who prides himself on his
knowledge of blacks
and his ability to deal with them. He is Ma's manager.
- Sturdyvant: Caucasian. Owner of the recording studio. Preoccupied with money,
he insensitive to black performers and prefers to deal with them at arm's
length.
- Slow Drag: black band member. He is between 45 and 50 years of age. He plays
the bass. He's
the one most bored by life. He is a rather large man with a wicked smile.
- Toledo: black band member. He is between 45 and 50 years of age. He plays
the piano.
self-made philosopher.
- Cutler: black band member. He is between 45 and 50 years of age. He plays
the guitar and trombone.
He is the leader of the band.
- Levee: black band member. He is in his early thirties. He plays the trumpet.
Young, ambitious,
his voice is strident and he is flamboyant.
- Ma Rainey: Ma Rainey is a short, heavy black woman. Her manner is simple and
direct. She carries herself
in a royal fashion.
- Dussie Mae: a young black woman whose greatest asset is the sensual energy
which seems to flow from her.
- Sylvester: a black Arkansas country-boy and the size of a fullback. Most of
the time he stutters when
he talks.
- Policeman: Caucasian or black. He is simply a cop who's doing his duty.

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