Auditions for our winter production of
ma rainey’s black bottom are NOW OPEN!
Virginia Samford Theatre proudly invites actors to audition for August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the play that launched the American Century Cycle and remains one of the most exhilarating explorations of artistry, ambition, race, identity, and power ever written for the stage.
Set in a Chicago recording studio during the sweltering summer of 1927, the play follows the legendary “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey, and the musicians assembled to record her latest album. As personalities collide and dreams clash with harsh realities, the recording session becomes a profound meditation on dignity, legacy, and the price of having your voice heard.
Yes, This is a play about music…but more importantly, it is a play about people.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative rehearsal process. While August Wilson wrote specifically about the African American experience, we welcome artists of all experience levels to audition. Roles will be cast in accordance with the cultural and historical context of the play, while seeking actors who bring honesty, vulnerability, generosity, and a spirit of collaboration to the work.
Auditions can be submitted by clicking the link below to fill out the audition form.
Please fill out the audition form completely, attach a headshot and resume, and submit an audition video consisting of 32 measures from contemporary a musical theatre song or a pop rock song that showcases your voice. No songs from the show, please! Please prepare your song with accompaniment so we can hear your performance as intended. We ask that you do not sing a cappella.
After submitting, you should receive an email confirmation with your submission. If you do not, your audition may not have been submitted successfully. Please check spam folders for email confirmation and feel free to reach out and confirm we’ve received your submission!
Your video audition should be uploaded to YouTube as an UNLISTED link, and NOT a private link to make sure that we will be the only folks viewing your audition video. The link for this audition video will then be shared in the audition form.
The deadline for submissions is October 1st, and callbacks will be the week of October 10th (dates and times TBD). Callback times and a schedule will be sent with the callback notice on Monday, October 5th. Casting will be announced to all auditionees sometime in early September.
Thank you for your interest in auditioning with us! If you have any questions, please email Producer, Jenna Bellamy (jenna.bellamy@vstbhm.org) or Director, Marc Raby (encorebham@gmail.com).
Character Breakdown – MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM
All roles are open. We are seeking strong, collaborative actors who are excited to bring these richly layered characters to life. Age ranges are approximate and should be considered a guide rather than a limitation.
Major Characters
Ma Rainey: (Black woman | 40s–60s) Known as the “Mother of the Blues,” Ma is a legendary recording artist at the height of her career. Fierce, commanding, deeply intelligent, and unapologetically protective of her music, her voice, and her dignity. She understands exactly who she is and refuses to surrender her power.
Levee: (Black man | 30s–late 30s) A gifted, ambitious trumpet player determined to forge his own path. Charismatic, passionate, witty, and endlessly driven, Levee dreams of becoming a bandleader and believes talent alone can change his future. His confidence masks profound pain and unresolved trauma.
Cutler: (Black man | 40s–50s) Guitarist and trombone player; the unofficial leader of the band. Practical, dependable, deeply spiritual, and respected by the other musicians. Often serves as the peacemaker while understanding the realities of the world they navigate.
Toledo: (Black man | 50s–70s) Pianist and the intellectual of the group. Thoughtful, well-read, philosophical, and deeply reflective. Toledo often challenges those around him to think beyond themselves and the circumstances of their lives.
Slow Drag: (Black man | 40s–50s) Bass player. Easygoing, humorous, observant, and quietly wise. Though he appears relaxed and unassuming, Slow Drag possesses a grounded intelligence and steady presence within the band.
Supporting Characters
Mel Sturdyvant: (White man | 40s–60s) Owner of the recording studio. A businessman whose priorities are centered on efficiency and profit. Confident, impatient, and accustomed to being in control.
Irvin: (White man | 40s–60s) Ma Rainey’s manager. A skilled negotiator constantly balancing the demands of Ma and the recording studio. Diplomatic, practical, and often caught between competing interests.
Dussie Mae: (Black woman | 20s) A young woman traveling with Ma. Beautiful, confident, flirtatious, and ambitious, Dussie Mae is navigating her own place in a world shaped by fame, survival, and opportunity.
Sylvester: (Black man | 18–20) Ma’s nephew. Earnest, sweet, and eager to prove himself. Despite a speech impediment, he is determined to succeed and make his aunt proud.
Police Officer: (Any ethnicity | Adult) Appears briefly but plays an important role in illustrating the racial realities of the period. Strong presence and authority required.