Casting for THE ANCESTORS LIVE HERE!!!

[Darryl Moore]

Casting Notice

GoldFire Productions LLC, in partnership with African Ancestry.com, is casting for the hit stage play “The Ancestors Live Here”… an intricately woven urban drama to be performed at the 14th Street Playhouse in downtown Atlanta.

Johnny, an African American youth, is determined to become a statistic. His grandmother and his aunt should be the most influential people in his life. However, Johnny cannot come to grips with his family’s strange ways, a family whose greatest desire is to reconnect with their African roots. Unfortunately, Johnny is most influenced by his friends and therefore puts himself into the situation of having to make a life altering decision. Will he use his talents to propel him into a successful future or will he use his intellectual prowess to choose the ways of the streets? A cross between “A Menace to Society” and “Roots” this story takes you on an adventure through a family’s awakening and challenges by insisting that “The Ancestors Live Here.”

Character Breakdown

Johnny - African American male Ghanaian descent, 17-years old, 5’7” – 5’8”, attitude, pants always sagging, his IQ is genius-level. Wants to impress his friends and his goal is to become a trap star. Loves fashion, hip hop, makes exceptional grades in school, and doesn’t want his friends to know his greatest ambition is to fit in.

Nanny - African American female, late 50’s to early 60’s, youthful in approach, recently found out that her ancestry is in Ghana. Mother of three children, one boy (jailed for armed robbery), and one teen-aged daughter died in childbirth (Johnny’s mother). Johnny’s grandfather died when the children were young.

Tasha - College educated, African centered, African American female, late 20’s. Guardian to her nephew, Johnny. Her older sister, Johnny’s mom, died in child birth. Tasha and her mother have raised Johnny. She is regal and intelligent, but can be street wise when necessary.

Doc - African American male, early to mid 30’s, conscious of his heritage, stern in his approach to mentoring Johnny. Nation of Islam (FOI) affiliation - best friends with Johnny’s Aunt Tasha.

Judge - African American male, mid to late 40’s, realistic and fair, former street kid (gang member) friend of the family.

Souljah - African American male, late 20’s, drug dealer, career criminal, medium build, swag, rough personality, forceful … intimidating.

Ends - African American male, late 20’s, drug dealer, career criminal, medium build, swag, smooth talking, mild tempered.

Nico - Johnny’s best friend, 16 years old, African American male from well to do family of professionals. Family intact, social climbers. Parents in denial about son’s juvenile delinquency.

Mr. Addo - Ghanaian storekeeper, 50’s, friendly, mentors Johnny after he comes to work for him. Father of three and married.

Kojo - Johnny’s classmate, 17 years old, son of Mr. Addo. Extremely intelligent; bilingual, and ends up being Johnny’s best friend.

Officer #1 - African American male, mid–late 50’s, community affairs policing, participates in school career days and other police community events.

Officer #2 - Male, mid to late 30’s, any race, non-speaking.


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This is a paid, professional, non-equity production. Sides will be provided for cold reads. Rehearsal schedules will be announced.

Email your headshot and resume to [e-mail] and include the role(s) you will be reading for. Also, please remember to include your contact information. If you have questions, feel free to send an email. Auditions will be held:

1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Neighborhood Gallery Arts Center
2960 Alston Drive
Atlanta, GA, 30317

Thank you for your interest in this timely and relevant production.

Shahara M. Ruth, CEO
Goldfire Productions LLC
“Taking Urban Theater in a Different Direction”
Email: [e-mail]
www.goldfireproductions.com
www.myspace.com/goldfireproductions

Casting by Atlanta Talent Connections, LLC
"Casting for Film, Theatre, and TV Productions"
Office: 886-990-5557
Email: [e-mail]
www.atlantatalentconnections.com