Casting Teen Performers for "The Color Purple" Play

Alto. Harpo’s wife and Celie’s lifelong friend. A warrior woman who possesses a larger-than-life personality, along with great lust for life and sexual confidence. She is tough and demands justice.

Soprano. Harpo's girlfriend; sassy, fiery, and strong-willed with a caring heart; aspires to be a blues singer; although she is mistreated, she undergoes a thorough transformation by claiming her own independence and identity as a woman; actor should have a strong belt with Soprano.

Tenor. Mister’s son from his first marriage. Well intended, he often falls short and in love, he falls hard.

Mister’s father; a scathing, angry, selfish man who disapproves of his son and his relationship with Shug; he owns the farmland on which Mister lives and seems to believe that his own status as a landowner makes him better than other people; despite this, he is detested by most everyone; Preacher – the preacher at the local church; Bari-Tenor; ensemble.

Alto. Celie’s sister, and her rock. Smart, adventurous, driven and a devoted sister, she is torn apart from Celie and goes on to realize her life in Africa. [MISTER] Male. 35s - 45. African American. Celie’s husband and abuser- a troubled man. In love with Shug Avery, his misdeeds in life are eventually redeemed as he transforms throughout the play.

Mezzo-soprano/alto. Drives the story. Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, and mischievous. She appears passive but is an astute observer with a deep soul. Insecure with a wicked sense of humor, she eventually breaks away from a hard life and finds love and independence. Seeking a strong actor with a big belt.

Alto. A sultry juke-joint performer, past her prime, and at death's door. A former lover of Mister and a ‘good-time girl’, she forms a deep friendship bond with Celie who helps her rediscover her desire to love again.

Mister’s father; a scathing, angry, selfish man who disapproves of his son and his relationship with Shug; he owns the farmland on which Mister lives and seems to believe that his own status as a landowner makes him better than other people; despite this, he is detested by most everyone; Preacher – the preacher at the local church; Bari-Tenor; ensemble.

Seeking three actors to appear in the onstage ensemble as Doris, Darlene and Jarene, a trio of busybody types who love to gossip about the people of their town; they comment on the action throughout the show; these are country folk who shimmer with an eternally earthy and spiritual wisdom; will also cover the roles of Celia, Shug Avery and Sofia; fantastic high gospel belt; featured ensemble.

Baritone. An abuser and embittered man. He is father to Celie & Nettie, as well as father to Celie’s two children, whom he abducts from Celie and gives away at birth.