ROLE
We are looking for a performer who can play a 30-year-old black female for the role of The Amazing Daisy, the “straight man” character in a two-person comedy. Daisy is as excitable as Bob Newhart and just as dead-pan. You must be able to do a few basic magic tricks or be willing to learn. No nudity. No expletive language. The approximate running time is 50 minutes. Non-actors and comedians are encouraged to apply. You must be available to be in Los Angeles from June 1- June 29 for rehearsals and 5 performances with dates TBD. No pay. Video and photos will be provided for your portfolio. Assisting with lodging may be available.
SYNOPSIS
Set in 1955, That Old Black Magic is a story of two heroines who develop a deep bond over their similar and seemingly impossible dreams. Burlesquer Sweet Bojanski Brown performs for the audience with the grace of a wounded elephant, and The Amazing Daisy is about as magical as a box of Lucky Charms. Will the two women blossom into the stars they believe themselves to be, or will they forever remain as amateur performers with delusions of grandeur?
That Old Black Magic is a comedic showcase of dodgy illusions and historically accurate, but politically insensitive burlesque. With show stopping numbers chronicling the freeing of the slaves and bumbling sleight-of-hand “magic,” That Old Black Magic transcends racial stereotypes to present a comical story about unremarkable people doing remarkable things. At once, the piece explores the world of a segregated America, but is more about two peculiar souls trying to achieve success against the odds and their relative lack of talent.
That Old Black Magic was written by Jacquetta Szathmari and was presented at the 2012 Hollywood Fringe Festival as a one-woman show. It has been re-written as a 2-person show.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacquetta Szathmari is New York based comic, podcaster, writer and an experienced producer at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Read her complete bio at biggunsbigtobacco.com/bio
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION COMPANY
Szathmari’s production company, Big Guns Big Tobacco (BGBT), has produced yearly at the Hollywood Fringe, has participated in the United Solo festival, and is the production company behind the Festival of the Offensive (F-OFF), an independent theatre festival in Times Square. In addition, BGBT produces the popular weekly podcast Hey You Know It and Regular Black Women.
AUDITIONS
To audition please send a resume and 1-minute video clip of your best worst magic trick or a clip of “dead-pan” character work. Auditions will be accepted until February 28, 2014.
Please note that you do NOT have to be a black woman, black, or a woman to audition. You do need to be able to sensitively and accurately portray a black woman. Drag and trans performing artists are encouraged to apply.
Contact:
Jacquetta Szathmari
jacquettas@gmail.com
