New York Theatre Workshop
New York, NY
US

DESCRIPTION

AUDITION DATE

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)

BREAK: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

CONTRACT

Off Broadway

$1158 weekly minimum (Off-Broadway BB)

SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in LIGHTS OUT: NAT "KING" COLE (see breakdown).

PREPARATION

Please bring sheet music and prepare a song in the style of the show. Please bring a headshot and resume, stapled together.

LOCATION

Actors' Equity New York Audition Center

165 W 46th St

16th Fl

New York, NY 10036

PERSONNEL

Written by Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor

Music by Nat King Cole

Tap Choreography by Jared Grimes

Directed by Patricia McGregor

New York Theatre Workshop

Artistic Director: Patricia McGregor

Associate Artistic Directors: Aaron Malkin, Rachel Silverman

Music Director John McDaniel

EXPECTED TO ATTEND:

Senior Associate Producer: Yang-Yang Chen

Casting: Claire Yenson

OTHER DATES

First Rehearsal: March 25, 2025

First Preview: April 30, 2025

Opening Night: May 19, 2025

Latest Closing Date: Jun 29, 2025

OTHER

EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.

An Equity Monitor will be provided.

Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination.

Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

BREAKDOWN

LIGHTS OFF: NAT "KING" COLE

SYNOPSIS: Despite being the voice that built Capitol Records, Nat King” Cole's groundbreaking NBC variety show faced cancellation as they could not find a sponsor. Now, on the night of his final broadcast, Nat must decide whether to quietly step out of the spotlight, or, as his friend Sammy Davis Jr. urges, !go out with a bang.” Tony and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo (Rustin) and NYTW Usual Suspect and Artistic Director Patricia McGregor (The Refuge Plays) bring us this electrifying exploration of the soul of an American icon who fought to break through America's color barrier in the early days of television. Starring Emmy Award nominee Dulé Hill ("The West Wing," "Psych") as Nat King” Cole and Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts (The Refuge Plays, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) as Sammy Davis Jr., Lights Out features Nat's hit songs, like Nature Boy,” “It's a Good Day,” “Smile” and Unforgettable.”

SEEKING:

NAT KING COLE: [THIS ROLE IS CAST - Dulé Hill] Character portrayed is a Black man in his late 30s. The iconic American singer, jazz pianist, and actor, on the final night of his eponymous television show. Grappling with whether to quietly step out of the spotlight, or leave with a bang. A strong singer, and dancer.

SAMMY DAVIS JR.: [THIS ROLE IS CAST - Daniel J. Watts] Character portrayed is a Black man in his 30s. The legendary singer, actor, comedian - and activist. Supportive of his friend Nat and outraged by the harm done by NBC, Sammy believes Nat should make a splash with his final show. A strong singer, and dancer.

CANDY/OTHERS: Character portrayed is a white female, 50s plus. To portray multiple roles, including CANDY, Nat’s makeup artist. Been in the business for a thousand years. She is nicotine personified. Some movement required, could be a singer or a character singer. NOTE: Tap dance experience a plus.

STAGE MANAGER/OTHERS: Character portrayed is a white man in his late 20s-30s. To portray multiple roles, including the STAGE MANAGER of the Nat King Cole Show. He appears somewhat uptight but is deeply kind. An excellent singer and mover. NOTE: Tap dance experience a plus.

EARTHA KITT/OTHERS: Character portrayed is a Black woman in her 30s. To portray multiple roles, including EARTHA KITT, singer/actress/icon. The epitome of worldly charm. Her hello is always a purr. An excellent singer and mover. NOTE: Tap dance experience a plus.

BILLY PRESTON/OTHERS: Character portrayed is an 11 year old Black boy. To portray multiple roles, including BILLY PRESTON, a musical prodigy who appears on the Nat King Cole Show. Vulnerable but full of joy. An excellent singer and mover.

BETTY HUTTON/PEGGY LEE/OTHERS: [THIS ROLE IS ON OFFER] Character portrayed is a white woman in her late 20s-30s. To portray multiple roles, including BETTY HUTTON, a brash, brassy comedienne who appears on the Nat King Cole Show, and PEGGY LEE, America"s sweetheart and a good friend of Nat"s. An excellent singer and mover. NOTE: tap dance experience a plus.

PRODUCER/OTHERS:[THIS ROLE IS ON OFFER] Character portrayed is a white man, 40s-60s. To portray multiple roles, including the PRODUCER of the Nat King Cole Show. Cares about Nat, but also cares about his business. Used to being in charge, not concerned with changing the world. NOTE: Some singing and movement required.

PERLINA/OTHERS: [THIS ROLE IS ON OFFER] Character portrayed is a Black woman in her 50s. To portray multiple roles, including PERLINA, Nat"s mother. Loves music and teaches her young son to love it too. An excellent singer.

SALARY

Off Broadway $1158 weekly minimum (Off-Broadway BB)

UNION

AEA