The EU Theatre Department is thrilled to announce open auditions for its upcoming mainstage production of Lynn Nottage's critically acclaimed play, Crumbs From the Table of Joy.
ALL Eastern University students are invited to audition
We believe that great theatre is created by a diverse community, and we are looking for passionate, committed students from all majors and all levels of experience.
No experience? If you are curious about acting, storytelling, or just want to try something new, we encourage you to audition. Our process is supportive, and designed to help you succeed, regardless of your familiarity with the stage. Come prepared to stretch yourself and grow.
Audition Requirements
AUDITIONS:
Monday, January 12th, between 6pm and 9pm
CALLBACKS:
Tuesday, January 13th, 6pm-9pm (by invitation)
- Sign up for an audition time slot.
- Please fill out the Audition Form prior to your audition. If you are unable to do this in advance, you should arrive 10 minutes early to allow sufficient time for paperwork completion.
- Prepare and memorize ONE dramatic monologue no longer than two (2) minutes in length. Selection Guidance: Choose a monologue that resonates with you and showcases your ability to connect emotionally. The monologue should not be from Crumbs From the Table of Joy.
- Please bring a printed copy of your monologue for the directors.
- Theatre majors and minors should bring their most recent headshot and an updated résumé. A headshot and résumé are encouraged but not required for non-theatre majors and minors.
Character Breakdown (5 roles)
(Playing Age 17, African American Female)
The narrator of the play, earnest and highly sensitive. She is a dreamer trying to make sense of the world, navigating her burgeoning sexuality, her father’s rigid faith, and the volatile relationship between her aunt and her father. She longs for a life beyond her family's strict confines.
(Playing Age 15, African American Female)
Ernestine's younger sister, pragmatic and less introspective. She is more rebellious and adventurous than Ernestine, quickly embracing the freedoms of the secular world outside their apartment.
(Playing Age 40s–50s, African American Male)
Ernestine and Ermina’s father. A hardworking, devout man who is struggling with the death of his wife. He finds solace and structure in the teachings of Father Divine, which often leads to strict and emotionally distant behavior towards his daughters.
(Playing Age 30s–40s, African American Female)
The deceased mother's sister. She is stylish, politically outspoken, and fiercely independent. She represents worldly freedom and rebellion, clashing with Godfrey’s religious austerity.
(Playing Age 40s–50s, German/White Female)
Godfrey's new wife. A quiet, recent immigrant from Germany who meets Godfrey through the Peace Mission. She is sweet-tempered and brings a gentle, unassuming presence to the household, forcing the family to confront their racial and cultural assumptions.
Monologue Suggestions
(For those who need help finding one)
The strongest choices will come from African American playwrights of the same or nearby time periods (e.g., the August Wilson Century Cycle, Lorraine Hansberry) or from other Lynn Nottage works, as this allows the actor to demonstrate command over the specific cadence and dramatic realism needed for Nottage's world. Please Note: Audition monologues should not be from Crumbs From the Table of Joy. These suggestions are provided to help you find material that aligns with the play's style, period, and emotional depth. There are many other good options!
For Women:
- A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
- Fences by August Wilson
- Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau
- Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage
- Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress
- The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
- A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
For Men:
- Joe Turner's Come and Gone by August Wilson
- Take Me Out by Richard Greenberg
- Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
- Fences by August Wilson
- The Human Comedy by William Saroyan