DECATUR, Ill .-- Millikin University’s School of Theatre & Dance is inviting community members of all ages to audition for a stage reading of Lorraine Hansberry’s classic “A Raisin in the Sun,” directed by Sandra Brown, on Saturday, August 31 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the Center for Theatre & Dance, Room 315.
Sides and audition materials will be provided. No previous theatre experience is required.
Potential cast members will need to be able to attend the following rehearsals and performances.
- •Rehearsals are November 20, 21 and December 3-5, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- •Performances are December 6-7 in Kaeuper Hall and community talkback sessions following the reading.
This production connects with the storytelling and subject matter of Bruce Norris’ 2010 play “Clybourne Park,” which was inspired by “A Raisin in the Sun,” and will be performed February 27-March 2, 2025.
Cast members from “A Raisin in the Sun” and the community will be invited to participate in more panels, talkbacks, and events surrounding the “Clybourne Park” production.
Millikin is looking to fill the following “A Raisin in the Sun” roles:
Walter Lee Younger (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 on the South Side of Chicago. Hansberry describes Walter as a lean, intense man with nervous movements and erratic speaking patterns.
Lena Younger (Mama) (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 (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 (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 (pre-teen)
Walter and Ruth's 10-year-old son.
Joseph Asagai (early 20s)
A Nigerian college student pursuing Beneatha.
George Murchison (20s)
Beneatha's boyfriend and classmate who hails from a wealthy black family.
Mrs. Johnson (50s-70s)
The Youngers' nosy neighbor who points out the dangers of moving into Clybourne Park
Karl Lindner (40s-50s)
A white, middle-aged representative from the Clybourne Park Improvement Society.
Bobo (20s-40s)
A fellow investor in the liquor business, along with Willy and Walter.
Willy (20s-40s)
A partner in the liquor business scheme who eventually runs off with Walter and Bob's investment money.
