Local In-person Auditions: Sunday, February 15 | 5:00-10:00pm
1707 Owen Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304
by appointment only
Local In-person Callbacks: Monday, February 16 | 6-10:00pm Dance call: 6:00-7:00pm, Appointments: 7:15-10:00pm
1707 Owen Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304
by invitation only
ABOUT THE SHOW: Get ready for a musical experience that lifts the roof and touches the soul. Crowns follows Yolanda, a tough Brooklyn teen sent South after a tragedy. There, she’s drawn into the world of Black church women who wear their hats like crowns and carry stories that span generations. Through gospel anthems, laughter, and testimony, Yolanda begins to see her past (and her power) with new eyes. Full of spirit, song, and sisterhood, Crowns: A Gospel Musical is a moving celebration of heritage, healing, and what we choose to carry!
Written by Regina Taylor
Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry
Directed by Allyson Tucker Choreographed by Randy Davis Musical Direction by James Clark, Jr.
Important Dates:
• Rehearsal Begins: April 14, 2026
• Previews: May 7-8, 2026
• Opening: May 9, 2026
• Closing: May 31, 2026 (with a possible extension thru June 7, 2026)
**Note: Student and Public Matinees may be added after casting.
Rehearsals are from 2:00pm – 10:00pm Tuesday – Friday and various times at the weekends. We may rehearse up to 42 hours a week. Your schedule and hours will vary depending on the size of the role.
Pay ranges from $375 per week for local, non-union actors (local is defined as living within 150 miles from CFRT); $500 for out of town, non-union actors. This production is an AEA Single Engagement Agreement Tier C production, and the weekly rate is $757.00 per week, plus per diem, health and pension, and weekly media bump. Housing for out-of-town artists is available.
For video submissions: All video auditions should be emailed to auditions@cfrt.org no later than 5pm on Monday, February 9, 2026. Videos should either be submitted via Google Drive, Dropbox, or YouTube link. Please make sure the link is viewable by anyone for easy sharing amongst the team. Include your headshot, resume, audition form, and conflict calendar in the email along with the show-specific material we are requesting. Reels are not considered a submission. Virtual callbacks will be scheduled for Monday, February 16 between 12-5pm EST. If we need to schedule you for a callback appointment, you will receive an email by Thursday, February 12 at 8pm.
To request an in-person appointment, please email: auditions@cfrt.org with your headshot, resume, and a filled-out AUDITION FORM and CONFLICT CALENDAR (Please bring these forms with you to your appointment!) Find forms here
What to prepare: Please prepare 32 bars (verse and chorus) of a spiritual or gospel song to be sung a capella, along with the monologue provided below for the role of your choice. If you are interested in more than one track, please only prepare one as time is limited!
Roles:
All monologues are available here
YOLANDA: Black female, 20’s (must be able to appear 15-18). Fiercely opinionated but introverted, Yolanda keeps her feelings inside, except when she raps. Keenly observant and intelligent, her evolution to fully express herself is at the core of this story. Ultimately must be charming, winning, and exuberant.
MOTHER SHAW: Black female, 50s-60s. The powerful matriarch of the family and the elder who holds wisdom and compassion as her legacy. Deeply spiritual. Needs to be a singer with emotional and vocal range.
VELMA: Black female, 30s/40s. Flashy and has a past, Velma now expresses herself in her vivid stories and glittery hats. Knows how to have fun, but she is tougher than she looks – hard times have offered her many life lessons.
MABEL: Black female, 40s/50s. The most conservative. Married to a minister and is a First Lady, and always did the right thing. Has a genuine insight into the
human condition but likes ladies to be ladies. She has a behavior code and believes in it – and you better believe in it too!
JEANETTE: Black female, 30s. She’s been a working girl a long time – cosmetics counter at the local department store. Prides herself on her appearance – and the ability of a hat to create mystery, flirtation, whatever the mood calls for. She’s a mother, wife and woman who really loves her hats.
WANDA: Black female, 30s. Can be extroverted or introverted – changing like the wind blows. Spunky. Always wants the last word.
MAN: Black male, 30-40s. [ALREADY CAST- CASTING UNDERSTUDY] Plays all the male roles in the play: Father, Reverend, Husband of the women. Versatile actor.
Good sense of humor. Must be able to move well.
FEMALE SWING: Black female, ages varying. We will cast two female-presenting performers to understudy the female roles.