RAGTIME ENSEMBLE: Seeking well-­‐‑trained male and female legit voices that blend beautifully. Sopranos and first tenors to high B; one Harlem Soprano to high C. Altos need strong belts and at least a high F#; baritones need a rich, warm sound and a high F#. All must dance and/or move extremely well and must be strong character actors. Featured roles include…Historical Characters such as HARRY K. THAW, STANFORD WHITE, WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT, D.A. CHARLES WHITMAN and other domestics, firemen, Ford workers, policemen, vacationers, protestors, bathing beauties, reporters, etc. MOST ENSEMBLE MEMBERS WILL HAVE TO UNDERSTUDY A LEADING ROLE OR PLAY FEATURED ROLES IN THE PRODUCTION : YOUR SUBMISSION NEEDS TO INCLUDE: A VOCAL SELECTION OF YOUR CHOOSING, IN THE STYLE OF THE SHOW SHOWING THE VOCAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, DANCE/MOVEMENT FOOTAGE AND YOU SHOULD CHOOSE A SIDE FROM A CHARACTER PACKET THAT YOU COULD UNDERSTUDY OR THAT IS A SIMILAR TYPE TO YOU SO WE CAN SEE YOU READ. Sides for Ensemble Men: Choose from one of the role packets if better suited.
Side 1 - Policeman
POLICEMAN
We found her in the cellar of a home on the next block. She’s a washwoman there. Her name is
Sarah.
(MOTHER approaches SARAH.)
MOTHER
Are you the mother? Thank God, I found him. What if I hadn’t been working in the garden today?
POLICEMAN
Don’t waste your time, ma’am. She won’t say a word to anyone.
MOTHER
Where will you take her?
POLICEMAN
To the charity ward. Eventually she will have to stand charges.
MOTHER
What charges?
POLICEMAN
Well, attempted murder, I should think.
MOTHER
What’s going to happen to the baby?
POLICEMAN
They have places for unfortunates like that.
Side #2 - Admiral Peary & Henson sides (w/ Father)
(FATHER and ADMIRAL PEARY can be seen on the bridge of their ship. It is
night. The ship rides a swell.)
FATHER
It’s an honor to go on expedition with you, Admiral Peary. It’s men like you who’ve made this
country great.
ADMIRAL PEARY
It’s men like you who will keep it great.
(MATTHEW HENSON appears.)
HENSON
All sails set, Admiral.
PEARY
Thank you, Mr. Henson. This is my First Officer, Mr. Matthew Henson. (HENSON proffers his
hand.)
FATHER
Good Evening.
HENSON
Welcome aboard.
FATHER
What’s that? In the distance? Such a ghostly glow.
PEARY
They’re called rag ships. Immigrants from every cesspool in western and eastern Europe. Most of
them become very patriotic Americans. They’re your future customers.
HENSON
My people were also brought her on ships.
PEARY
Good watch, HENSON
Side for Ensemble Women :
Side #1 – Kathleen
KATHLEEN, the Irish maid, and YOUNGER BROTHER join MOTHER. In
silence, they look at the swaddled infant MOTHER is holding in her arms.)
KATHLEEN
Oh Holy Mother!
MOTHER
Get water, clean linens. Call the doctor.
(YOUNGER BROTHER goes back into the house.)
KATHLEEN
Is it alive? Oh, please, God, let it be.
MOTHER
It’s alive. It’s a Negro child. A newborn baby boy.
KATHLEEN
It’s like Moses in the bulrushes.
MOTHER
It’s like nothing of the sort.
KATHLEEN
What’s to become of us?
MOTHER
For the last time, Kathleen, make yourself useful.
Side #2 - you can choose an Evelyn Nesbit, Emma Goldman or Sarah reading –
depending on type