Casting

There are two youth roles available for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson.

Set in Pittsburgh in 1911 during a pivotal era of migration and transformation, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone centers on Seth and Bertha Holly who run a warm, orderly boardinghouse for those navigating uncertain paths. But when a mysterious man named Herald Loomis arrives with his young daughter, the stillness of the house begins to shift. This timeless American classic is a profoundly moving story of personal awakening, collective memory, and the quiet power of human connection.

Rueben Mercer
Black, around 11, male
The Hollys’ next-door neighbor. Even as an adolescent, Reuben is aware of his place in society, notices the spiritual differences of people around him, and has decided how his life will go.

Zonia Loomis
Black, 11, female
Herald Loomis’ daughter, described as skinny in the text. Traveling with her father in search of her mother. Innocent, malleable and deeply curious.

Must be able to attend rehearsals and performances as required
Must be able to get permission from school to participate

To Audition

Please create a video of the youth actor performing the following scenes linked here: here: Joe Turner Youth Auditon Materials.
(these do not need to be memorized but actors should be very familiar with the material)

Rehearsals take place Jan. 2 – Jan 29, Youth Actor rehearsals will take place afterschool or on the weekends. Rehearsal times vary. Most youth rehearsals start after 3:30pm but a few select school days must be missed in the rehearsal process. Please plan for your Youth Actor to be needed for all weekend reherasal.

Performances begin Jan 30 and close Feb 22 and include some student matinees, which will require missing some school. Two teams of two young actors each will alternate performances.

If interested in being considered, please email us casting@irtlive.com with a tape of your young person performing the audition materials.

If you have any questions about the show, process or even making your video auditions, please email us casting@irtlive.com