Auditions- THe Color Purple

“Dear God, I’m thankful for every breath I take.”
The Dayton Playhouse Invites You to Audition for The Color PurpleThis extraordinary, Tony Award-winning musical is a story of survival, sisterhood, self-discovery, and ultimate triumph. Through breathtaking music and unforgettable characters, The Color Purple celebrates the power of love, faith, resilience, and finding your voice in a world determined to silence it.
We aren't just building a cast; we're building a community. We believe the stage belongs to everyone and that representation matters. While this story centers the experiences of Black women and families in the American South, we warmly welcome all performers who feel called to tell this powerful story with authenticity, respect, and heart.
The Creative Circle
“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.”
You'll be in collaborative, supportive hands with our production team:
Director: Tiffany Countryman
Assistant Director: Dana Graham
Music Director: Stevin Crane
Choreographer: Monica Heflin
Stage Manager: To Be AnnouncedII.
Finding Your Voice (What to Prepare)A Note on the Audition Space: No need to stress. Come prepared, be yourself, and let your light shine.Vocal: Please prepare 16–32 bars of a song in the style of the show. Gospel, soul, R&B, blues, or contemporary musical theatre selections are highly encouraged. Bring sheet music in the correct key; a live accompanist will be provided. No a cappella or recorded tracks, please.
Dance/Movement: Actors should be prepared to learn a brief movement combination. Please wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.
Acting: Those who audition may be asked to read sides from the script, which will be provided at the auditions.
The Timeline: Rehearsals & Performances
Important Dates:
Auditions December 7th & 8th, 2026
Callbacks: To Be Announced
First Rehearsal: To Be Announced
Opening Night January 22, 2027
Closing Performance February 7, 2027
The Commitment: Weekly Schedule & Times: To Be Announced
Mandatory Attendance: Attendance during technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals is mandatory. This is the sacred time when all production elements come together and every voice is needed to make the story whole.
The People of the Story (Character Breakdown)
All roles are open. Ages listed reflect stage age and character appearance.
Principal Roles
Celie (Ages 14–40s): The heart of the story. A resilient young woman who endures tremendous hardship while discovering her strength, independence, and self-worth. Requires a powerful actor and singer capable of carrying the emotional journey of the show.
Nettie (Ages 14–40s): Celie's intelligent, hopeful, and loving younger sister. Optimistic and determined, she serves as a beacon of hope throughout the story. Strong singer.
Mister / Albert (Ages 35–55): A troubled and emotionally complex farmer whose treatment of Celie causes deep pain, but who ultimately confronts his own shortcomings. Strong actor and singer.
Shug Avery (Ages 25–45): A glamorous blues singer with confidence, charisma, and a fiercely independent spirit. Dynamic vocalist with strong blues, gospel, and soul influences.
Sofia (Ages 20–40): Bold, fearless, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. One of the most powerful women in the story. Requires exceptional acting and vocal strength.
Harpo (Ages 18–30): Mister's son. Kind-hearted, funny, and often caught between expectations and his own desires. Strong singer and actor.
Squeak / Mary Agnes (Ages 18–30): Sweet, determined, and often underestimated. Experiences a powerful journey of self-discovery. Strong singer.
Pa (Ages 35–60): Celie and Nettie's abusive father figure. Strong actor.
Ol' Mister (Ages 55–75): Mister's demanding and judgmental father.
Church Ladies (Ages 25+): Doris, Jarene, and Darlene serve as narrators, commentators, and vocal powerhouses throughout the show. Strong gospel singers with excellent comedic timing.
The Heartbeat
Adult Ensemble (Ages 18+): The ensemble is the cornerstone of this production, portraying townspeople, church members, field workers, juke joint patrons, family members, and missionaries. Seeking versatile performers with strong singing, movement, and storytelling abilities.
A Note About Content: The Color Purple contains mature themes including racism, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. While these topics are difficult, the show ultimately celebrates healing, empowerment, love, forgiveness, and joy.
We are deeply committed to creating a rehearsal environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive for all artists.
A Note on Accessibility: The Dayton Playhouse is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive audition environment. If you require accommodations to participate fully in the audition process, please contact us in advance so we can best support you.We can't wait to meet you, hear your story, and see what you bring into the room.
The Color Purple is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW).