Walnut Street Theatre is currently seeking local non-union actors to be on-stage Extras and External Understudies for all roles in DREAMGIRLS this spring. Gerry McIntyre is set as the director/choreographer. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin on March 4, 2025 with performances running from March 25 - May 4, 2025.
SEEKING:
- EXTRAS – Black, all ages, gender-identities, body types, and voice parts to play non-speaking background roles. Will understudy larger roles (either Principal or Ensemble dancer) from within the cast. Should have strong contemporary pop/gospel/R&B voices and move well.
- ENSEMBLE U/S – All ages, gender-identities, and body types. Black and Caucasian characters, to understudy Ensemble dancers. All must have strong contemporary pop/gospel/R&B voices and dance in addition to possess unique and vivid personalities. Featured parts in the ensemble include “Dave & The Sweethearts”, reporters, disco dancers, and various other chorus parts.
- EFFIE WHITE U/S – Female late 20’s Black / African American. Lead Singer of The Dreamettes. A powerhouse and soaring singer with undeniable and overpowering talent. The true underdog. A headstrong, vibrant, confident, and outspoken young woman. A diva. Must have an exceptional gospel belt.
- DEENA JONES U/S – Female late 20’s Black / African American. Initially modest backup singer for The Dreamettes, turned lead singer of The Dreams. An ‘ingenue’ who possess the poise of what Curtis wants a leading lady to look like, and a quiet confidence beyond her years. Mezz, with a full belt.
- LORRELL ROBINSON U/S – Female 20’s Black / African American. The softest and youngest of the three Dreams. Although she is bubbly, youthful, and flirtatious, she is also pragmatic and eager for success. Soprano, on top of most triad harmony, with a full belt.
- CURTIS TAYLOR JR U/S - Male late 30’s-40s Black / African American. Slick and forceful used car salesman, who becomes the Dreams’ and Jimmy’s manager. Dates Effie, but eventually Deena. Becomes consumed with wealth and power. Handsome Tenor.
- JAMES THUNDER EARLY U/S – Male late 30’s-40s Black / African American. James Brown-like star who takes on Dreamettes as backup singers. A showbiz type who is high-energy, verging on chaotic with an endless amount of charm and charisma. Rock/R&B tenor.
- CC WHITE U/S – Male early 20s Black / African American. Effie’s songwriter brother. Very endearing, loyal, idealistic, and earnest. A soft-spoken Bari-Tenor.
- MARTY MADISON U/S – Male 40s+ Black / African American. Veteran music agent, who quiets as Jimmy’s manager and later becomes Effie’s manager, rebuilding her confidence and career. Hie represents an earlier age of black entertainment, which is in disagreement with Curtis’ ideas/schemes. Baritone.
- MICHELLE MORRIS U/S – Female 20’s Black / African American. A dynamic singer who fulfills Curtis’ aesthetic image for the Dreams and subsequently replaces Effie in the groups. Mezzo-sop.
Artists who are unfamiliar with Non-Union Extras and/or Understudies from within the Walnut Street Theatre School’s education performance program, details are provided below.
EXTRAS
- Are in the cast learning as part of the ensemble and perform in the show every performance / 8 shows per week. Rehearse full-time 6 days a week, plus tech before the run.
- Roles are non-speaking/dancing tracks, and understudy larger roles within the cast.
- Attend understudy rehearsals throughout the show’s run.
- Receive an expense stipend of $300/week for the duration of the production.
- Additional Rate: $50 a show if you perform as an understudy.
- Scholarship for free class at the Walnut Street Theatre School.
UNDERSTUDIES:
- Are “On Call” for a specific role in the cast and must be in town for the duration of the run of DREAMGIRLS – Mar 4 – May 4.
- Learn/observe as much of the rehearsal process as you’d like on your own.
- Attend Final Dress Rehearsal– March 23
- 6 required understudy rehearsals during the show’s run –3/27, 3/28, 4/1, 4/3, 4/8, & 4/11- from 1-6PM
- Receive an expense stipend of $315 to cover any expenses in participating (parking for a day, etc.)
- Additional Rate: $50 a show if you perform as an understudy.
- Scholarship for a free class at the Walnut Street Theatre School.
Walnut Street Theatre is committed to diversity and engages in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of ALL ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to submit.
