Casting AT ALL COST by Rashida Costa, which will be in the JOCUNDA FESTIVAL Play Reading Series on Zoom Sun, Aug 2nd at 8PM EST

We are casting for AT ALL COST by Rashida Costa and Directed by Van Dirk Fisher, which will be in our Play Reading Series on Sunday, August 2nd at 8PM EST.  Actor's interested in auditioning must have access to a laptop, computer, iPad or iPhone, because we will be using Virtual Backgrounds.  If your are interested in auditioning please email your Picture and Resume to RiantTheatre@gmail.com. Please state which role you would like to be considered for.  We will send you the audition scenes.  You will then have to submit a videotaped audition or you can try to set up an audition on Zoom.  All submissions must be received by July 21, 2020.  Our rehearsals will be on Tues, July 28th and Thurs, July 30th from 3pm - 6pm and Fri, July 31st at 12pm - 3pm on Zoom.

Synopsis: 
Set in the 1950s, a submissive wife Juanita met and married the love of her life Wray Edmond. Time would later prove him to be an abusive drunk with an out of control gambling addiction. The couple’s son Sunny, an eighteen year old young man often falls victim to his dad’s abusive ways. Desperate for his dad’s approval, he later fell victim to his dad’s trickery and betrayed the most important person in his life, his grandmother.

As if things couldn’t get any worse, all came tumbling down for the Edison family when Wray’s gambling addiction got them in over their heads. With no money left in the bank, he gambled away his son’s college fund, the house, their cars and retirement accounts. When Wray had nothing else to gamble, he offered up his family to his debtors as a way to pay off his gambling debt without their knowledge.

Juanita finally had enough and asked Wray to leave, not knowing the place she had called home for 18 years was about to be taken from her as well.

Backstory:
Wray went to World War II in 1939 and returned home in 1945.  He is bitter and angry because he watched the white guys that were in the war with him come home and were able to provide a better life for their families. They flocked to upscale new neighborhoods, while Wray and other blacks remained in the roach infested apartments in poverty-stricken neighborhoods.

The majority of blacks were denied their GI bills and home loans that were backed by the government. This occurred because of the racial disparity that existed in the south.

Angry, resentful and bitter, Wray’s drinking problem exacerbated his situation and he started gambling away the little money that they have.  As a result, he becomes obsessed with owning a casino at all costs.

Casting Breakdown:
Wray Edmond: (Husband, age 37 to 45. African American) A selfish drunk with a horrible gambling addiction.  Always involved in a get rich quick scheme. He has sociopathic tendencies and shows no remorse. Very abusive, demanding and entitled. He dreamed of owning his own casino and will sacrifice everything to get it. (Protagonist- main character) 

Juanita Edmond: (Already Cast) (Edmond’s wife, age 35 to 38. African American) A devoted wife seen as submissive to her husband. Puts everyone first and doesn’t question her husband much, just does what she is told. However, that changed once she realized her kindness had been taken for weakness. A side her husband had never seen emerged as she is finally at her wits end. Anger, bitterness and brokenness. (Antagonists- stands in the way of her husband’s dream. Money is the other antagonist. 

Sunny Edmond: (their son, age 18. African American) Desperate for his father’s approval. Always feel like he can never measure up, low self-esteem and is a bit shy. 

Grandma May: (Wray’s mother, age 60-70. African American) A loving and devoted grandmother, who did not have the closest relationship with her son and tries to compensate for this by having the best relationship possible with her grandson Sunny. 

Mr. Hughes: (Debt Collector, mid 40s to early 50s. Caucasian) Very proper, well groomed with a transatlantic accent. Presents as polite but has a hidden condescending personality with his insults wrapped in humor. Speaks rather fast. 

Edison Brown: (Wray’s best friend, age 37 to 45. African American) A self-centered jerk who always tries to sabotage Wray’s marriage. He has no resources and wants in on the casino business, so he encourages Wray to “go after his dreams of owning a casino” but really he is just looking out for himself. 

Ida Samuels: (Juanita’s mother, age 60-70, African American) Supportive mother but not the meddling kind. Not afraid to speak her mind if she has to.

About the JOCUNDA FESTIVAL

Broadway World Article about BURNING HOUSE by Joseph Nelms

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Donation:  $15.00 to benefit the Riant Theatre.
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By Van Dirk Fisher