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  • Turtle Knows Your Name Audition Form

    I want to thank you for your interest in auditioning for The Little Theater of Gastonia and The African American Museum of History and Culture’s production of Ashley Bryan’s TURTLE KNOWS YOUR NAME. This stage adaptation is about a young boy in the Caribbean who learns to say his long name with the help of his grandmother and a turtle. Through song, dance, and bright island colors, the audience will be taken on a beautifully joyous journey of realizing how important it is to respect other people's names. The Performance dates are: Friday 2/21 at 11am for Gaston Count Schools Saturday 2/21 at 2pm and 6pm (open to the public) Sunday February 23 @ 2pm (open to the public)

  • What To Bring:

    Headshot: Required

    Resume: Preferred

    Monologue: Not required, cold reads will be available during auditions

    Dance: None

    Song: 32 bars of the song of your choice (acapella or with track that you provide)

  • CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

    CAST:   1 Male ~ 1 Female ~ 1 Boy ~ 16 Either

     

    NARRATORS 1 (either - singing role) ~ A village storyteller. 16-Adult. This character needs to bring a high level of enthusiasm and energy to the storyline. 

    NARRATORS 2 (either - singing role) ~ A village storyteller. 16-Adult. This character needs to bring a high level of enthusiasm and energy to the storyline. 

    NARRATORS 3 (either - non singing role) ~ A village storyteller. 16-Adult. This character needs to bring a high level of enthusiasm and energy to the storyline. 

    GRANNY (female presenting role - singing) ~ The grandmother of Upsilimana Tumpalerado. 35-65. She is the guiding force for Upsilimana since she is raising him.

    UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO (boy presenting - singing role) ~ The young grandson who learns the importance of one’s name. 9-12. Upsilimana is a bright, energetic, and friendly little boy. 

    TURTLE (male presenting - singing role) ~ The wise, old turtle who collects names. 20-45. The turtle is also deeply connected to the emotional significance of the names we are given.

    ZAMBA (either - light singing with ensemble and rap) ~ One of Upsilimana’s classmates. 9-12. Zamba acts as the oldest of the group of classmates. Zamba has a cocky personality. Very strong-willed and outspoken. 

    MOGANS (either - light singing with ensemble and rap) ~ One of Upsilimana’s classmates. 9-16. Mogans has a carefree and adventurous personality.  This Character loves to entertain and be entertained.

    DANDOO (either - light singing with ensemble and rap) ~ One of Upsilimana’s classmates. 9-16. Dandoo has a very playful personality.  

    BRASHEE (either - light singing with ensemble and rap) ~ One of Upsilimana’s classmates. 9-12. Branshee has an analytical personality.  This character is a bit serious and loves being right.

    DONKEY (either - non singing role) ~ A donkey that roams near the village. 9-Adult. Donkey has a silly and playful personality.  Donkey is very affectionate and loyal to Upsilimana.  He trusts him.

    GOAT (either - non singing role) ~ A goat that roams near the village. 9-Adult. Goat has a very sociable, lively, inquisitive, and intelligent personality. This character is very stylish and acts like it.

    COW (either - non singing role) ~ A cow that roams near the village. 9-Adult. Cow has a bold, energetic personality with an attitude.

    PIG (either - non singing role) ~ A pig that roams near the village. 9-Adult. Pig has an emotionally stand-offish personality and is very sensitive.

    VILLAGERS ENSEMBLE (either - singing and non singling roles) ~ The ensemble plays the local villagers of the town.  9-Adult.

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  • Rehearsals are Monday thru Friday from 7-9pm from 1/6/25 - 2/20/25.

    Work Call on Saturday 2/25/25 or Sunday 2/26/25 from 2-6pm

    Cast Interviews & Promo Video from 1-3pm

    MANDATORY: Tech Rehearsal 2/16/25 - 2/20/25 from 7-9pm

    Location: African American Museum of History and Culture – Loray Mill

    300 S Firestone St   Suite P   Gastonia, NC 28052

     

    Production Dates:

    Friday 2/21/25 at 11am

    Saturday 2/22/25 at 2pm and 6pm

    Sunday 2/23/25 at 2pm and 6pm

    Location: Little Theater of Gastonia ~ 238 S Clay St  Gastonia, NC 28052

     

  • Special Notes:

     • You understand that the audition information noted above, is true to your knowledge and that you recognize that D. Laverne Woods holds the ability to cast as desired.

    • Please note that roles you are willing to accept and conflicts with dates may weigh heavily on casting decisions.

    • If cast, please note that the director has the discretion to dismiss you from the production and recast your part if you miss two or more rehearsals.

    • Please note that rehearsals are closed (i.e., parents and guardians cannot attend).

    • Production agreements will be signed at the first rehearsal.  If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a permission form.

    • This is a volunteer-based production. As such, we do not pay actors, or supply reimbursement for mileage.

    • During the run of each show, the cast and crew are to keep the rehearsal space and theatre clean (this includes cleaning restrooms). Prior to opening night, the director will supply a list of housekeeping duties.

     

     

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