Audition for ‘Ragtime’

Published 9:39 pm Saturday, January 3, 2009

By Staff
ST. JOSEPH – The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra ('SMSO') is looking for a few good actors! Multi-ethnic and multi-aged performers are being sought for the SMSO's concert presentation of Ragtime on Saturday, April 18 at the Mendel Center.
A special audition is being held for lead and chorus roles Jan. 10, 2009, Saturday 2-4 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 232 Michigan St. in Benton Harbor.
Those auditioning need to bring in a prepared song to sing and be prepared to read from the script. Accompaniment will be available, including CD and tape player for songs. No prior stage experience is necessary.
According to Director, Scott Bradford, this special audition is being held specifically to help fill the African-American cast members of Ragtime.
Two of the lead roles of Ragtime are African-American and one special role is someone to portray Booker T. Washington. We are also looking to fill 10-12 African-American chorus and smaller roles.
Ragtime is set in New York City in 1912 and features three diverse segments of society (of all ages) at the time: The upper class "WASP" population, living in a wealthy New York suburb, African-Americans, including ragtime musicians and club patrons, and Eastern European immigrants.
Other historical figures featured in the production are: Booker T. Washington, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini, JP Morgan, and Henry Ford.
For more information about auditions, please call Director Scott Bradford at 269-876-6273 or email him at sabradford@aaamichigan.com.