Auditions
AUDITIONS
A Raisin in the Sun
Written by Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Desirèe Dabney
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📅 Audition Dates & Times
Wednesday, March 18 | 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Thursday, March 19 | 7:00 - 10:00 PM
📍 Location
Lee Street Theatre
329 North Lee Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
🎬 AUDITION DETAILS
Lee Street Theatre is holding open auditions for Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.
📖 SHOW SYNOPSIS & DIRECTOR’S VISION
Synopsis:
One family’s fight against a world determined to break them.
Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is a landmark American drama that follows the Younger family as they strive for a better future in the face of racial injustice, financial struggle, and generational dreams. At once deeply personal and profoundly political, it’s a moving portrait of hope, resilience, and the cost of holding on to dignity when the world tries to deny it. When a life insurance check arrives after the death of the family patriarch, each member faces tough choices that test their hopes, values, and unity.
With themes of identity, pride, and resilience, this groundbreaking play captures the complexities of family, the struggle for equality, and the enduring human spirit. A Raisin in the Sun remains a poignant and inspiring story about the fight to claim dignity and opportunity in the face of adversity.
Director’s Vision:
It is an incredible honor to direct A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry here at
Lee Street Theatre. When it premiered on Broadway in 1959, Hansberry made
history as the first Black woman to have a play produced on Broadway, forever
transforming American theatre by telling the story of a Black family with honesty,
heart, and courage. Her work demanded that audiences see the dreams, struggles,
and humanity of African American families in a way that had rarely been portrayed
on stage.
We also remember the greats who brought this story to life, from the original
Broadway cast including Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, and Sidney Poitier, to the
iconic 1961 film, and honor the legacy they created. Their performances set the
standard for generations of actors and reminded the world of the power of
storytelling to challenge, inspire, and unite.
Through the Younger family, Hansberry explores themes of dreams, family,
dignity, racial injustice, and resilience. Even more than sixty years later, the story
continues to resonate, reminding us of the courage it takes to pursue hope and the
strength found in standing together as a family.
As a Black woman director, I am proud to continue Hansberry’s legacy by ensuring
that Black theatre directors are seen, heard, and celebrated. I want to extend my
deepest gratitude to our remarkable cast for pouring their hearts into this story in
under four weeks, to our creative team for their vision and artistry, and to Lee
Street Theatre for supporting live theatre. A special shoutout goes to the legend,
Mr. Sidney Horton, whose inspiration has guided and uplifted theatre across North
Carolina.
Thank you for being here and sharing in the Youngers’ journey.
🎓 School performances are planned for April 22 & 28, 10:00am shows
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Note: Lee Street Theatre encourages performers of all backgrounds to audition. Unless
otherwise noted, all roles are open, and casting will be based on playable stage age rather than performers’ actual age.
WALTER LEE YOUNGER
African American, Mid 30s
A 35-year-old chauffeur who has a young son, Travis, with his wife, Ruth. The family lives in a small apartment with Walter's mother and sister in the South Side of Chicago. Hansberry describes Walter as a lean, intense man with nervous movements and erratic speaking patterns.
LENA "MAMA" YOUNGER
African American, 60s
The 60-something matriarch of the family. She has recently lost her husband Walter Sr, and will be the recipient of a $10,000 life insurance check.
BENEATHA YOUNGER
African American, early 20s
Walter's 20-year-old sister, a college student who invades the Younger household with her modern ideas and philosophies on race, class, and religion. She is a handsome intellectual who has worked hard to refine her speech.
RUTH YOUNGER
African American, early 30s
Walter's wife and Travis' mother. In her early thirties, Ruth is exceptionally pretty, but is aging before her time because of her impoverished surroundings. During her 11 years of marriage, she often bore the responsibility of keeping the household running, in addition to working as a domestic servant.
TRAVIS YOUNGER
African American, pre-teen
Walter and Ruth's 10-year-old son.
JOSEPH ASAGAI
African, early 20s
A Nigerian college student pursuing Beneatha.
GEORGE MURCHISON
African American, 20s
Beneatha's boyfriend and fellow classmate, who hails from a wealthy black family.
KARL LINDNER
White, 40s-50s
A white, middle-aged representative from the Clybourne Park Improvement Society.
BOBO
African American, 20s-40s
A fellow investor in the liquor business, along with Willy and Walter.