Announcing auditions for the World Premiere of “Ashti’s Journey to Jazz” a play with music!
“Ashti’s Journey to Jazz” is a children’s play adapted from the acclaimed and beloved author Carmen Rubin’s debut book, Ashti Meets Birdman Al. The story follows a little girl and her mother who meet an old jazz musician who has the blues because a school’s music program is in jeopardy. When he shares his love of jazz music with them, Ashti is inspired to help Birdman Al keep the music alive, so she creates a fundraising event to earn money for the school’s music program.
Important Dates:
Rehearsals: May 28th-July 2nd
Tech: July 7th-July 10th, with previews July 11th-12th
Performances: July 18th-20th
The full calendar can be found HERE
All rehearsals/tech/performances will take place at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center (4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake MN 55110)
Director: Siddeeqah Shabazz
Assistant Director: Phinehas Bynum
Music Director: TBD
Choreographer: Michael Terrell Brown
Auditions are open to students in 3rd grade and up, and non union adults of all ages, character descriptions for all roles can be found HERE. Please note that the role of Mrs. Robinson has been pre-cast. There is no fee to participate for students. All adult actors will receive a stipend of $500. If cast, all actors over the age of 18 must submit a background check.
Audition Information:
Auditions will take place at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center on May 7th from 6:00-9:00 PM. Actors can sign up for a 5-minute audition slot HERE and must fill out the audition intake form by May 6th. If you are unable to attend in person, please email [email protected] to arrange a video audition.
Please prepare the following:
- 30-60 seconds of a reading (monologue, poem, or passage from a book)
- 16-32 bars (about 30-60 seconds) of a jazz song in any style (musical theatre, pop/jazz, jazz standard, etc) to be sung a capella/without accompaniment.
For this production we are actively seeking cast members who reflect the diversity of our community. We encourage actors of all races, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds, to audition for this production.
CHILDREN’S PERFORMING ARTS INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Children’s Performing Arts honors the uniqueness of each individual and embraces diverse backgrounds, values and viewpoints to build a strong, inclusive community that prepares everyone for life in a multicultural and inclusive society. Quality education is enhanced by shared perspectives of those with varied backgrounds and views.
We believe that all students belong at the center of the story, regardless of gender, race, size, sexual orientation, and abilities. CPA strives to be a “home to everyone.” This includes staff, students, contractors, board members, audience participants, volunteers, and community members. Children’s Performing Arts is committed to creating a supportive environment that welcomes all people regardless of race, beliefs, gender identity, disability, or economic status.