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–THE BURNING OF HAMPTON—
(Multi-media, live outdoor performance event)
Hampton History Museum, Hampton, VA
Script by Lucinda McDermott
Videography by Metro Productions
Special Effects by The Lighting & Sound Co.
Directed by Lucinda McDermott

SYNOPSIS/DESCRIPTION:  A multi-media event to portray the Burning of Hampton, VA, August 7, 1861, one of the first major events of the Civil War. Confederates abandoned the town, then torched it to prevent former enslaved people from settling on their property.  The Burning of Hampton allowed freedom-seeking slaves, called Contrabands, to build a new free community on the ruins of the old town. Beginning at sunset in downtown Hampton, the audience will experience an immersive, multi-media presentation using live action, sound, lighting effects, and projection. The audience will process down King Street engaged by live action vignettes along their journey. The experience will culminate in the acknowledgment of the poignant legacy that remains today of Hampton’s Contraband Community.

REHEARSALS: Aug. 31, Sept. 14, Sept. 28, 29, and Oct. 4
PERFORMANCE (run twice): October 5, 2019 in Downtown Hampton
Non-Union. All performers paid.

Experienced actors sought, especially with experience in improv, historical interpretation, working in large outdoor venues.

Hampton History Museum is an equal opportunity employer. Performers of all ethnicities, races, gender identities, and (dis)abilities are strongly encouraged to audition.

AUDITION DETAILS
DATE: Sunday, June 16, 2019
TIME FRAME: 11:00am – 7:00pm
LOCATION: Hampton History Museum, in the Great Hall (conference space)
120 Old Hampton Lane
Hampton, VA 23669
--Parking is free in garage next to the museum--

WHAT TO PREPARE:
1) A 60-90 second monologue based in southern culture. May be contemporary or of a historical nature (first person).
And
2) Bring in a personal artifact that you can show and tell a story about. One minute in length, speaking directly with and relating to audition staff.

TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT:
Please email: cruschau@cwf.org
Include BURNING OF HAMPTON – Audition Request in the subject line.
In body of email include your full name, and telephone number. Attach  headshot and resume. Incomplete audition requests will NOT be processed
NOTE: Once your audition request has been processed, you will receive a Confirmation Email that contains further details regarding your audition, including your audition appointment time.

CALLBACKS;
Callback information will be included with audition confirmation.
Please direct all questions to cruschau@cwf.org . No phone calls, please.

SEEKING:

ELVY BROWN, enslaved woman belonging to WHITE WOMAN and WHITE MAN. Late 20’s- Early 30’s. Lives and works within her enslavers’ household and is intimately aware of their fears and concerns as well as current events and the coming war. She is implicitly trusted by her enslavers but does not let them see her strong sense of identity.

WHITE MAN, resident of Hampton, married to WHITE WOMAN, aged 60 or so. Represents the older citizens of Hampton that were outraged at the perceived threat to home and way of life by the growing presence of U.S. troops at Fort Monroe and Contraband decision, but too old to do anything about it.

WHITE WOMAN, resident of Hampton, married to WHITE MAN, aged 60 or so. Angrily confused and frightened at the changing world, and yet ready to lend her voice to the Confederate cause and pass on any worthy rumor.

JACK, white male, late 20’s early 30’s, nephew of WHITE WOMAN and WHITE MAN. Represents the rash and ruthless young men eager to fight for blood and glory to preserve their way of life, including racism and white supremacy. Minimal training in the local Militia, he joins the confederate Old Dominion Dragoons, a mounted force which did the actual torching of Hampton.

WILLIAM ROSCOE DAVIS, 49 years of age. African American. Preacher and respected member of the community. One of the first Contrabands. Subsequently given a great deal of responsibility from the Union Army. Born enslaved but able to operate a pleasure boat business.

MARY PEAKE, 39 years of age. Free black woman of Hampton, married to Thomas Peake, former slave. Life’s mission to teach free and enslaved African Americans to read prior to the Civil War, and during the time the Contraband Community was forming. She is part of the legacy of how Hampton University began.

VIGNETTE ACTORS
            6-8 Enslaved Men and Women
            2 Senior women (60 +)
            3 Senior men  (60 + )
            1 young mother (20s-30s)

———END OF NOTICE——