SIMPLY SIMONE - EPA Audition

Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA

Audition Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Location: Portland Playhouse, 602 NE Prescott St, Portland, OR 97211-3966, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM (P) with a break from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary Space.

To sign up for an audition, please email us at: [email protected]. Audition time slots will be in 5-10 minute increments. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.

Written by: Robert Neblett and Davis Grapes
Musical and Vocal Arrangements by: Vince Dimura
Directed and Choreographed by: Patdro Harris
Expected to attend: Brian Weaver (Artistic Director), Charles Grant (Producing Director), Patdro Harris (Director and Choreographer), Brenda Hankins (Music Director)

Contract: SPT: $718 weekly minimum (SPT 7)

Other Dates: First Rehearsal: March 23rd, 2027; First Preview: April 28th, 2027; Opening: May 1st, 2027; Closing: June 6th, 2027; Possible extension through June 27th, 2027.

Preparation: Please prepare one song of your choosing - it can be any song - no more than 32-bars please. We will also ask you to prepare a song in the style of Nina Simone (I Love You Porgy) and sheet music will be provided to you when you schedule an audition. An accompanist will be present, so please bring sheet music for the song of your choosing. Also, please bring a physical copy of your headshot and resume with you to your audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

Seeking:
NINA 1 - 16-20 years old. The Child. Innocent and energetic, she is always hopeful for a brighter future. She is also the constant reminder of an idyllic past. High soprano voice.
NINA 2 - 20-30 years old. The Singer. She is on the verge of success, optimistic yet cautious. She’s been burned and is a little gun shy. She finds her deepest pleasure in music.
NINA 3 - 30-40 years old. The Activist. She is angry and ready to buck the system. As racial turmoil increases in the country, she becomes more personally involved. But as that mood of protest increases, she also becomes more psychologically vulnerable. A powerful soul singer.
NINA 4 - 40-50 years old. The Exile. She is wise yet jaded. She has seen the way of the world and chosen to reject it, rather than continue to live amongst hypocrisy and hatred. She speaks her mind bluntly and doesn’t care who takes offense. Rich alto voice.