Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts is holding an open casting call for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson and directed by Sonya McCarter on July 14 from 10 a.m.  – 12 p.m. at the Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers FL 33919. To schedule an appointment, please contact [email protected].

The play, which takes place in Pittsburgh during the early 1900s, is an August Wilson classic. It focuses on Herald Loomis and his daughter Zonia’s journey in finding his wife. When they take residence in Seth Holly’s boarding house, a microcosm of African-American life, the story unfolds as each character searches for a missing part of themselves. Their personal journeys’ inevitably become intertwined with a search for identity and a sense of self greater than their heritage has so far allowed.

When: Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd.
What to Bring: Monologue of your choice. Don’t have a monologue? We will provide material for you to read.

The production runs March 1-2, 7-9 and 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. and March 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. with a talk-back on March 17. This show is sponsored in-part by Noreen Raney.

Available Roles:

Seth Holly– In his early fifties, Seth is owner of the boardinghouse and works as a craftsman.

Bertha Holly– Seth’s wife of 25 years and five years his junior, Bertha runs the boardinghouse. She does all the cooking and cleaning, later with the aid of Zonia.

Bynum Walker– A “conjure” man staying with the Holly’s at the boardinghouse, Bynum is in his sixties and is a freed slave from the south.

Rutherford Selig– The only white character in the play, Selig is a peddler who sells Seth’s goods. Known as the “People Finder”, Selig is from a family that first brought Africans across the Atlantic to become slaves. But now he unites people by recording the names and places of all the people he peddles to.

Jeremy Furlow– Another resident of the boardinghouse, Jeremy is a guitar-playing 25-year-old. He came to the North looking for a job and a way in life. He works construction, putting in the new road outside of town.

Herald Loomis– An odd man who dons an overcoat and hat in mid-August, Loomis is 32 and a displaced slave searching for his wife. He was forced to work for Joe Turner for seven years, which separated him from his wife and daughter. He works as a deacon for the Abundant Life Church and at times was possessed by spiritual beings.

Zonia Loomis– Herald’s daughter, Zonia is described as a tall and skinny 11-year-old.

Mattie Campbell– Mattie is a 25-year-old girl who is disappointed with her position in life and is looking for love.

Rueben Mercer– Rueben is the Holly’s next door neighbor and about Zonia’s age.

Molly Cunningham– Molly is a good looking young woman of 26 who is strong and independent.

Martha Pentecost– Loomis’ wife, Martha is about 28 and very religious and a member of the Evangelical church. She left the South and her daughter behind.

Final performances are May 3-5 and 10-12 at 8 p.m. and May 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. The production is sponsored by Noreen Raney.

For more information, call Bill Taylor at 239-939-2787.