THE GULL
A reimagining of Chekhov’s The Seagull set in 1930s Black America
Synopsis:
In the summer of 1938, acclaimed Black radio actress Anna Cardin returns to her family’s Martha’s Vineyard home after losing the role of Mammy in Gone With the Wind to Hattie McDaniel. Her arrival stirs long-simmering tensions with her sensitive artist son Conrad (Connie), who resents her for prioritizing career over family. Connie is infatuated with young neighbor Nia, who aspires to be an actress like Anna, but is unaware of the steps needed to make that dream a reality. Sometimes, sacrifices are made for art, love, and survival in an era of limited opportunities for Black artists, exploring whether the grass is really greener on the other side.
"The tragedy isn’t falling short. It’s realizing you flew in the wrong direction.”
Themes:
* The cost of artistic ambition
* Generational conflict between tradition and modernity
* Love as both salvation and destruction
* The Black creative experience in Jim Crow America
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AUDITION NOTICE
Audition Form https://forms.gle/bo3bV5Xw2Hfpb5ZR9
Presented by: {theatre}+{náfsi}
Directed by: Reuben J. Tapp
When: Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Where: IUCC, 644 Titus Ave, Rochester, NY
Seeking:
* Anna Cardin (late 40s, Black): Charismatic, vain, deeply insecure star
* Conrad “Connie” Cardin (20s, Black): Brooding artist torn between ideals and reality
* Nia (19, Black): Vibrant dreamer whose innocence hardens into wisdom
* Barry Trident (30s, Black): Smooth operator masking his vulnerabilities
* Marie (20s, White): Gentle soul facing mortality with quiet courage
* Journalist/MC - 30's - White
* Peter (Uncle Pete) Cardin ( 40s+, Black):younger brother to Anna Cardin
* Paula (40s+, French accent, White)- Anna's housekeeper,
* The Doctor - 50+, either a white or black actor
Prepare: Be available for cold reads. Check Performance/rehearsal date.
Contact: info@mpactoday.com
Rehearsal/Performance: Rehearsal: 5:30-6:30 pm, Mon. Feb 16 & Tues. Feb 17. Performance: Feb 18, 2026, During Bronze Collective Show Opening Night
All ethnicities encouraged.
Audition Form https://forms.gle/bo3bV5Xw2Hfpb5ZR9
