Description:

AUDITION NOTICE for a Staged Reading

GhostCry Productions presents

Burden of Justice


This is the story of an American dream gone terribly wrong. In Detroit in 1925,one of the most explosive trials in history divided a nation along racial lines. An African American doctor, Ossian Sweet, defended his home in an all white neighborhood, against a violent mob. A bystander was shot and killed. Dr. Sweet, his wife, family members and friends were put on trial for thier lives with little hope for success. Clarence Darrow, the "Great Defender", one of the most controversial lawyers of all time, took their case.

Screenplay by Karilyn T. Starks, who has optioned material to an executive producer for a major television production company

Directed by Michael T. Starks, who has created several short movies and a full-length modern adaptation of Macbeth


WHERE: Auditions held at
LEGO Playwell Studios
1795 Dogwood Street, Suite 240
Louisville, CO 80027

WHEN: Sunday, August 28, 2011
from 11 AM to 4 PM


Auditions are by appointment only. Contact Michael by email
with a copy of your head shot and resume. Some actors can expect to play multiple roles. We plan to have three or four rehearsals. The staged reading is scheduled for the afternoon of September 18, 2011 at the Broomfield Auditorium.

Please prepare a one minute, contemporary, dramatic monologue. You may also be asked to read from the screenplay. (Sides will be available for your review at the audition.)

The screenplay is based on actual events. Our staged reading may influence how the final draft is prepared for agents and producers in Hollywood. The production is going to be recorded, and the video footage is going to be included in the materials viewed by producers for funding purposes.

For additional information or to schedule an audition, contact Michael
at 303-726-5210, or respond by e-mail at mtstarks@gmail.com


CAST MEMBERS:

HENRY SWEET (male, 21) An African American man with an inner core of strength

GLADYS SWEET (female, 23) An African American woman, married to Ossian

OSSIAN SWEET (male, 30) A handsome African American man, prone to arrogance

NORTON SCHUKNECT (male, 45) An enormous white cop

OTIS SWEET (male, mid 20's) Ossian and Henry's middle brother

PAUL SCHELLENBERGER (male, 30) Another cop, PRE-CAST

WILLIAM DAVIS (male, 30's) Ossian's friend and federal narcotics agent

WALTER WHITE (male, mid 30's) A blonde, blue-eyed man

JOEL SPINGARN (male, 50's) A chubby, balding man

JAMES WELDON JOHNSON (male, 50's) An African American with a thick mustache

ARTHUR GARFIELD HAYS (male, 43) Clarence Darrow's friend

CLARENCE DARROW (male, 69) A famous lawyer, PRE-CAST

RUBY DARROW (female, 58) Stylish wife of Clarence Darrow

JAILOR (female, adult) A woman jailor

MARY PAITON (female, 50) Long-time mistress of Clarence Darrow

REPORTER #1 (any)

REPORTER #2 (any)

FRANK MURPHY (male, 35) A Judge

IVA SWEET (female, 3) Daughter to Ossian and Gladys Sweet

DORA SWEET (female, 60) Ossian's dignified mother

HENRY SWEET SR. (male, 60) Ossian's father

ROBERT TOMS (male, 40's) Stately prosecutor

GEORGE SUPPUS (male, 11) Neighbor to the Sweet's

LEON BREINER (male, 30) Victim

RAY DOVE (male, 28) Neighbor to the Sweet's

KATHLEEN DOVE (female, 23) Neighbor to the Sweet's

WILLIAM RYAN (male, 45) Medical examiner

JOSEPHINE GOMON (female, 30's) Attractive love interest to Clarence Darrow

INMATE (male, any age)

GUARD (male, any age)

LONI GRANGER (male, 50) Head of water works improvement association

CEMETERY GUARD (any)

ADAM MATSON (male, 26) Reporter

WYATT (male, 11) Page boy

LEM PAITON (male, 56) Mary's husband

CHARLES NAAS (male, 40's) Jury foreman



Karilyn T. Starks
303-726-0167