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Auditions
Porgy and Bess
Seeking strong singers for Stage Aurora's production of Porgy and Bess. Please see the audition details and important show dates below.
ABOUT
Known worldwide as a masterpiece and an "American Folk Opera,” Porgy and Bess® was George Gershwin’s final work for the musical stage. Based on DuBose and Dorothy Heyward’s play Porgy, Porgy and Bess® combines elements of jazz, classical and American folk music. The opera's notable arias include "Summertime," "A Woman Is a Sometime Thing," "My Man’s Gone Now," "I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’," "It Ain’t Necessarily So," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now" and "I'm On My Way."
Actors will receive a stipend. Performers who are not selected for Principal roles may be cast as supporting roles or ensemble.
Auditions will take place:
September 28, 2025
3:00pm - 6:00pm
First United Methodist Church
225 E Duval St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
For auditions, please bring a headshot & resume, a short song, preferably an aria, and be prepared to list your vocal range and any classical experience you have.
AUDITION DETAILS
Important Show Dates
Rehearsals:
October 15 - November 6
Principal Rehearsals:
One week before performances
Performances:
Friday, November 7 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:00 pm
FSCJ Kent Campus
3939 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
The roles of Porgy, Bess, and Serena have been cast. This production will also have an ensemble of chorus singers.
CROWN
Male, 30s – 40s, African American. A violent stevedore. He kills Robbins in a drunken craps game and goes into hiding. While abusive, he has a great sexual energy and power over Bess, to whom he was originally married. He competes for her love against his foil, the kind-hearted but crippled Porgy. High Lyric Baritone.
CLARA
Female, 20s – 30s, African American. A young mother and wife to the fisherman Jake. She sings a lullaby to her child and fears for her husband who is adrift at sea during a storm. Must be a strong singer. Soprano.
SPORTIN’ LIFE
Male, 30s – 40s, African American. A strutting dope peddler. He is appealing, sexy and VERY dangerous. The face of temptation for Bess, he provides not only “happy dust” but the promise of a better, glamorous life in New York City. Comedic tenor/Tenor II.
MARIAH
Female, 40 – 50s, African American. A cookshop owner and saucy matriarch of the community. Equally opinionated and motherly, she shuns Bess at first but then comforts her in her time of need. Must be a strong singer. Contralto.
JAKE
Male, 30s, African American. A strong, salt-of-the-earth fisherman and husband to Clara. Desperate for money for his family, he is forced to take his boat out during a violent storm. Jake will be part of the ensemble. Must be a strong singer. Lyric Baritone.
MINGO
Tenor
PETER
the honeyman
Tenor
LILY
Peter's wife
Soprano
FRAZIER
a black "lawyer"
Baritone
ANNIE
Mezzo-soprano
STRAWBERRY WOMAN
Mezzo-soprano
JIM
a stevedore who hauls cotton
Baritone
UNDERTAKER
Baritone
NELSON
Tenor
CRAB MAN
Tenor