Directed by Fay Nass

Produced by the frank theatre company

Presented by the Cultch

November 2nd - 12th, 2023

the frank theatre company is looking to audition actors for their upcoming production of How Black Mothers Say I Love You by Trey Anthony.

From the author of the blockbuster hit ‘Da Kink In My Hair comes an emotional and raw look into family dynamics, trust, resolution and change.

Hard-working Daphne left her two young daughters in Jamaica for six years to create a better life for them in America. Now thirty years later, proud and private, Daphne is relying on church and her nearby dutiful daughter to face a health crisis. But when feisty queer activist Claudette arrives unexpectedly from far away to help out, her arrival stirs up the buried past, family ghosts and the burning desire for unconditional love before it’s too late.

Though rooted in strife and sadness, How Black Mothers Say I Love You is full of humour, love and tenderness as it explores the complicated perceptions of immigrant mothers.

Roles:

Daphne: 54-year-old former domestic worker from Jamaica. She has terminal cancer. She is a very religious woman. She’s known for being a bit dramatic and loves to tell a good story; however, she is also a very private and proud woman.

Claudette: 37 years old, a queer social worker and a social activist. She is Daphne’s eldest daughter. She’s a tomboy type who often wears a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans, occasionally she wears red lipstick.

Valerie: 35 years old, married into money, but works at her husband’s office. She is Daphne’s middle daughter. She tends to be a bit stiff and proper. She values tradition and the proper way of doing things. She is the peacemaker of the family, and thus often has a nervous energy about her.

Cloe: 10 years old, played by 20 year old actor. Daphne’s youngest child. She is “dead.” Yet her spirit remains a constant presence in the house. Cloe is seen mainly by Daphne but felt by everyone. Cloe died when she was 10 from sickle-cell anemia. We are seeking an adult actor who can believably play a youth. Non-speaking role, singing only.

Artist Fee:

$6600 ($1100/week) based on CAEA’s DOT Agreement.

As Cloe is a non-speaking role, with part-time rehearsals only, the fee for her role is $900/week for 4 weeks total ($3600)

Schedule:

Rehearsals: October 2 - November 1st at the Cultch Greenhouse and Historic Theatre

Run: November 2 - 12 at the Cultch Historic Theatre

Audition Dates:

Between May 22 - June 2 at Progress Lab 1422 (1422 Williams St.). Exact dates and times TBD.

How to submit:

Please send a headshot and resume to anais@thefranktheatre.com, and CC fay@thefranktheatre.com and maria@thefranktheatre.com.

Submission deadline: May 11, 2023