Synopsis: THE CALLING IS IN THE BODY is a choreopoem telling the story of a Nashville hero and early HIV advocate in the early 90s as the pandemic was growing internationally and changing culture and language around sex, safety, and intimacy. It is the story of her memory and legend as told by a young high school student who searched for closure after losing contact, a nurse practitioner and HIV/AIDS care trailblazer who befriended her, and a woman in recovery who commits to her cause and champions her work.
Venue: Auditions and rehearsals will be held at Actors Bridge Studio (4610 Charlotte Ave; entrance on 47th). Performances will be in the Darkhorse Theater.
Payment: All actors will receive a stipend for the production.
Casting: 4 actors
Audition Date: Sunday, May 22, 3-6 p.m. We will see actors every 10 minutes.
To sign up for a time, fill out this form.
Format: In-person auditions; reading from the script. Sides will be available in advance after signing up for an audition time. Please bring headshot and resume if available. Actors must show proof of vaccination.
Actors Bridge is committed to producing theatre that reflects the reality of our vibrant and diverse community; casting is open to all without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age or veteran status.
Read our policies for rehearsal and performance here.
Managing auditions:
Stage Manager Kat Tierney-Smith
In the room:
Director Cynthia C. Harris
ABE Producing Artistic Director Vali Forrister
Callbacks: by invitation
Rehearsals: Begin June 30, 2022. Rehearsals are Thursday and Friday evenings plus Saturday and Sunday afternoons until tech week. TECH WEEK is Sunday-Thursday, July 31-Aug 4, 6-10 p.m.
Performances: Friday – Sunday, August 5-7; Thursday – Saturday, August 10-13
All performances are at 7:00 p.m. except Sundays which are at 5 p.m.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Cast of Characters
Grandma – African American woman, Southern Black Grandma, experienced, woman of faith making sense of HIV in early 90s, 50s
Deidre – African American woman, early HIV advocate, outgoing and hopeful college student, bold in spite of fear, Mid to late 20s
Cynthia – African American woman, curious and observant, presents as quiet but is privately full of life, 15 year old Black girl and Mid to late 20s
Bev – white American woman, Foundational HIV/AIDS practitioner in Nashville, knowledgeable, straightforward with a sparkle in her eyes. TN, 40s – 50s
Ms. Mary – African American woman, HIV Health Educator,dynamic and outspoken woman in recovery and inspired to support other women, LOVES cheetah print, 40s – 50s
Healing Waters Productions 