African-American Shakespeare Company invites you to audition for the regional premiere of "Chicken & Biscuits" by Douglas Lyons, directed by Devin A. Cunningham

The Jenkins family is coming together to celebrate the life of their father — hopefully without killing each other. But any hopes for a peaceful reunion unravel when a family secret shows up at the funeral.

WHEN:

Saturday, May 10, 2025

10am - 7pm

WHERE:

460 Gough Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

SEEKING:

Non-union actors for roles in "Chicken & Biscuits."
Roles will be understudied.

Though there are specific characteristics for these roles, performers of all ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, and performers living with disabilities are encouraged to audition.

PERSONNEL:

Expected to attend:

Sherri Young, Founder and Executive Director of AASC

Devin A. Cunningham, Director and Co-Associate Artistic Director of AASC

James Mercer II, Casting Director and Co-Associate Artistic Director of AASC

BREAKDOWN:

BANEATTA MABRY (late 40s - mid 50s, Black, female) - An upstanding and stern Christian woman. Mother to Kenny and Simone, and wife to Reginald. She’s overbearingly full of love but quite stubborn in her religious ways.

REGINALD MABRY (50s, Black, male) - Baneatta’s faithful husband and the pastor of their church. He’s the peace maker amongst the family. He’s often stuck between his heart and his wife.

BEVERLY JENKINS (40s, Black, female) - Baneatta’s younger sister. The “fun Aunt” who’s always in a push up bra catering to what the kids want, but never what they need. A single mother and the life of the party. She can be ratchet when she wants to be.

LA'TRICE FRANKLIN (18+ to play younger, Black, female) - Beverly's daughter. The girl is nosy and will ask you anything under the sun. She knows no limits because her mother has given her none. Sarcastic at every opportunity.

KENNY MABRY (mid 20s - 30s, Black, male) - Baneatta and Reginald’s youngest child. He’s gay to the bone. Kenny was extremely close to his Grandpa Bernard. He refuses to let his sexuality be the elephant in the room. 

SIMONE MABRY (30s, Black, female) - Kenny’s older sister and Baneatta’s favorite. She followed the “right path”. She’s stern and fierce on the exterior but internally wounded from a recent failed engagement. 

LOGAN LEIBOWITZ (mid 20s - 30s, White, male) - Kenny’s neurotic white boyfriend of 4 years. He wants to steer clear of drama but also wants to be there for Kenny. He decompresses stress with weed.

BRIANNA JENKINS (40s, Black, female) - Baneatta and Beverly’s half-sister through an affair. She didn’t know her Father but has come to his funeral to learn more about him. Sweet, open and collected.

CLICK HERE TO SELECT YOUR TIMESLOT

***IF TIME SLOTS FILL UP, YOU ARE WELCOME TO SUBMIT A SELF-TAPE! FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE FORM.

CLICK HERE FOR CHARACTER SIDES

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact James via
james@african-americanshakes.org