Auditions for THE PIANO LESSON
By August Wilson
Directed by Michelle Aguillon
Dramaturg, Susan Harrington
August Wilson won his second Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990 for this tragic-comedy. Boy Willie arrives in Pittsburgh from the South. He has an opportunity to buy land, but he has to come up with the money as soon as possible. He wants to sell an old piano that has been in his family for generations, but he shares ownership with his sister, Berniece. She has already rejected several offers because the antique piano is covered with carvings detailing the family’s rise from slavery. Boy Willie tries to persuade his sister that the past is past, but she is more formidable than he anticipated.
Casting is ongoing and will continue until the entire show is cast. Auditions will be held on March 16 & 18 at 7:00 pm at Vokes Players. Self-tape auditions will also be accepted and can be sent to michelle.aguillon@gmail.com.
Callbacks will be scheduled only if needed.
The rehearsal schedule will be based on the cast’s availability from April to July starting with one rehearsal per week and increasing as the production draws closer to July.
Performances are July 22 – August 6, 2022:
- Opens Friday, July 22 at 8:00 pm
- Saturday, July 23 at 8:00 pm
- Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, July 28 – August 6 at 8:00 pm
- Matinees on Saturdays, July 23 & August 6 at 2:00 pm
The director highly suggests that actors familiarize themselves with the play.
ROLES To Be Cast:
Avery was one of Boy Willy Charles’ acquaintances down South, a preacher trying to raise funds to build a church. He courts Berniece Charles.
Doaker Charles is Berniece and Boy Willy’s uncle. Doaker lives with Berniece and Maretha. He used to earn his living building and working the railroads and now works as a railroad cook.
Wining Boy Charles is Doaker’s brother and Boy Willie and Berniece’s uncle. He is a musician. (It would be ideal if this actor can play the piano, but it is not required.)
Grace’s appearance on-stage is brief. She and Boy Willie have a brief encounter in the living room of Berniece’s house.
