A Raisin in the Sun
by Classic Theatre of San Antonio
Oct. 04 - Oct. 14 (2023)
"A Raisin In The Sun" is a classic American drama written by Lorraine Hansberry. Set in the 1950s, the play explores the dreams, struggles, and aspirations of the Younger family, an African-American family living in a cramped apartment on the south side of Chicago. When the family receives a life insurance check following the death of the father, they face critical decisions about how to spend the money, revealing the complexities of race, class, and family dynamics in post-war America. This poignant and powerful story delves into themes of identity, racism, generational conflicts, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Character Descriptions:
*Age is relative and should not discourage you from auditioning.
*Karl Lindner is the only non-black character in the show.
1. Walter Lee Younger (30-40 years old): The story's protagonist, Walter, is a working-class African-American man who dreams of improving his family's circumstances. He is passionate, frustrated, and sometimes impulsive. Walter struggles with his role as a father and husband.
2. Ruth Younger (30-40 years old): Walter's wife, Ruth, is a strong, loving, and pragmatic woman who holds the family together. She works as a domestic servant and is weary from her daily struggles. Ruth is seeking stability and happiness for her family.
3. Lena Younger (50+ years old): Lena, also known as Mama, is the family's matriarch. She is deeply religious, wise, grief-stricken, and determined to provide her children and grandchildren a better future. Mama's character exudes strength and faith.
4. Beneatha Younger (20-30 years old): Walter and Ruth's younger sister, Beneatha, is a college student with dreams of becoming a doctor. She is outspoken and independent and grapples with her identity as an African-American woman in a changing world.
5. Travis Younger (7 - 15 years old): Travis is Walter and Ruth's son, a playful and innocent child growing up in a challenging environment. His presence is a driving force for change within the family.
6. Joseph Asagai (25-35 years old): A Nigerian student who becomes romantically involved with Beneatha. He is proud of his African heritage and introduces Beneatha to African culture and identity.
7. George Murchison (25-35 years old): George is Beneatha's wealthy suitor, representing a more assimilated and privileged segment of African-American society. He is conservative and somewhat aloof.
8. Karl Lindner (40+): An insidiously gentle white male representative of the Welcoming Committee from Clybourne Park, where the Youngers plan to move. He is kind and fragile and represents the sanitization of racism in America.
9. Miss Johnson (40+): The all-seeing, all-judging neighbor of the Youngers. She is the woman in the window found in most inner city ghettos: snappy, comical, and an intrusive thorn in the side of Lena and her privacy.
10. Bobo (30-40 years old) Bobo is, as his name suggests, somewhat dimwitted, but he is basically honest and appears to be a loyal friend. When he comes to Walter's apartment to deliver the bad news about the insurance money, he is so mannerly and polite to the women in the Younger household that he appears almost ridiculous.
Audition Details:
- Auditions will be held on Saturday, October 14, from 6:30 pm to 10 pm at The Cellar Theater at the San Pedro Playhouse, 800 West Ashby Place, San Antonio, TX 78212
- Virtual auditions are open now! Please film your audition in front of a clean/well-lit background. Submit at the bottom of the page. The deadline for Vitrual Auditions is Saturday, October 14th, at 6 pm
- Please prepare a dramatic monologue (1-2 minutes).
- You may be asked to read scenes from the play.
- Please bring your Headshot and resume.
- Please fill out the online audition form.
Production Details:
- Director: Darcell Andre
- Producer: The Classic Theatre
- Performance Dates: February 8th through February 25th, Wednesdays through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm / Additional performances may be added due to ticket sales
- Rehearsal Schedule: Start Wednesday, December 13th, Monday through Saturday (Off from December 18th through January 1st for the holidays)
- We will see Union Actors
Contact Information:
- For audition inquiries or to schedule an audition time, please contact Production Manager Jackie Perez at jackie@classictheatre.org or Jimmy Moore at jimmy@classictheatre.org
We look forward to seeing your talent and passion for "A Raisin In The Sun" come to life on our stage. Join us in telling this timeless and essential story that resonates with audiences today.
