We’re Seeking Ambitious Artists interested in undertaking TUSKEGEE, an Immersive Partnership between ROUGE and the Military Aviation Museum
Presented by ROŪGE: Theater Reinvented
Written by Sherilynn Cherry
Directed by Sharon Cook
Video Submissions Only Accepted thru July 30th
About the Project
TUSKEGEE, an immersive theatrical experience transforming the Military Aviation Museum into a living historical journey honoring the courage, excellence, and brotherhood of the Tuskegee Airmen—the Black military aviators whose service during World War II reshaped American history. Through storytelling, live music, and movement, TUSKEGEE honors the legacy of the heroes whose determination redefined military excellence and inspired generations to soar.
Rehearsals:
Tuesday, August 25 - Friday, Friday September 11 | 6-10p
Rehearsals are typically 26 hours a week, with two weekdays off. Weeknights are typically 4 hours. Weekends are typically 7-8 hours.Tech Weekend | September 12 & 13 | 1 - 10p
Dress Run | Wednesday, September 16
Performances
September 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 | 7:30 - 8:30p
Performance Location: Military Aviation Museum (1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach VA)
From the Director
This production is an ensemble-driven theatrical experience that blends history, memory, and storytelling. Several actors will portray multiple characters, moving fluidly between historical figures, family members, ancestors, and symbolic roles. We are seeking performers who are collaborative, emotionally truthful, and capable of embodying both realistic and theatrical styles of performance. The ability to create distinct characters while contributing to a unified ensemble is essential.
Roles & Responsibilities
As a performer in the TUSKEGEE, you will:
Rehearse in a collaborative environment focused on cultivating an evolving work
Perform in lightly-staged or choreographed reading of the resulting work
Collaborate with the creative team to shape a shared, intimate performance environment
Participate in rehearsals, tech, and performances as scheduled
Uphold ROŪGE’s values of care, consent, clarity, and respect throughout the process
Clear boundaries are central to this work. Any concerns about content or expectations of the reading will be discussed and agreed upon before acceptance of a role.
Character Breakdown:
Wood - Grounded, reflective, and unwavering in purpose, Junior inspires the others to keep believing when the weight of prejudice threatens to pull them down.
Jaybird - Musical, energetic, and full of life, Jaybird embodies hope, joy, and the resilience that carries the men through their darkest moments.
Junior - Grounded, reflective, and unwavering in purpose, Junior inspires the others to keep believing when the weight of prejudice threatens to pull them down.
Ace - Charismatic, fearless, and endlessly entertaining, Ace lifts the spirits of the group with humor, confidence, and optimism.
Whit - Quiet, loyal, and dependable, Whit's steady presence makes him the emotional anchor of the brotherhood.
Mature Black Man (40s-60s) - Father • Ancestor • African Griot • General Benjamin O. Davis Sr.
A commanding, grounded presence with deep emotional intelligence. He is the keeper of history, carrying the wisdom, resilience, and dignity of generations. Whether portraying a loving father, a revered ancestor, a griot preserving the stories of his people, or General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., he embodies strength, integrity, and unwavering conviction. He serves as a moral compass throughout the story, offering guidance, perspective, and hope. Requires an actor capable of conveying authority, tenderness, and profound emotional depth.Mature Black Woman (40s-60s) - Mother • Praying Mother • Ancestor
A woman of extraordinary faith, grace, and quiet strength. She represents the countless mothers whose love, prayers, and sacrifices sustained families through uncertainty and injustice. As both mother and ancestor, she is a source of comfort, resilience, and spiritual grounding. She carries both joy and sorrow with dignity and possesses a nurturing presence that anchors those around her. Requires warmth, emotional authenticity, and a strong stage presence.Black Woman (20s-40s) - Sister • Ancestor • Praying Mother
Intelligent, compassionate, and resilient. She represents the younger generation of women whose love and encouragement sustain the Tuskegee Airmen from home. She balances hope with fear, strength with vulnerability, and determination with deep compassion. As an ancestor, she also becomes part of the enduring legacy that connects past, present, and future. Requires emotional versatility and the ability to transition seamlessly between intimate family moments and symbolic storytelling.White Man(30s-50s) - Military Officer • Government Officials • Various Supporting Roles
A versatile actor portraying multiple authority figures who shape the Airmen's journey. These roles range from military officers and government officials to other characters representing the institutional challenges and societal attitudes of the era. The actor should avoid caricature, instead portraying individuals whose beliefs, decisions, and actions reveal the complexities of a segregated America. Requires strong character work, adaptability, and the ability to distinguish multiple roles through voice, physicality, and intention.
This production centers the Tuskegee Airmen and Black American history. Some roles are race-specific, and casting will honor the cultural and historical communities represented. Performers of all genders, abilities, and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.
Performers must be 18 years of age or older.
Audition Sides:
Principals Side
Those interested in the named roles of Wood, Jaybird, Junior, Ace, and Whit.
Female Ensemble Sides
Please use this side for either Black Female Roles
About You
You are someone who:
Is curious about physical storytelling and non-traditional performance formats
Feels comfortable working in intimate, audience-facing environments
Values collaboration, communication, and care in artistic processes
Is interested in process-driven work and collective creation
Is open, grounded, and present in your body and performance
Additionally, We’re looking for someone with most of the following
Experience with movement-based, immersive, or site-specific performance (formal training not required)
Ability to hold presence and intention in close proximity to audiences
Reliability, clear communication, and respect for ensemble and community process
Interest in projects that prioritize consent, safety, and mutual care
For some roles, experience in dance, choreography, or other embodied movement practices
What We Offer
A collaborative, human-centered creative process
Clear communication around expectations, boundaries, and logistics
A chance to work in a nationally recognized historic site
A project that values intention, presence, and artistry over spectacle
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: $240.00 Weekly Rate
Documentation of work (photos and/or video, as available)
Participation in a collaborative, care-centered creative process
Audition Process
Our audition process is designed to be respectful of artists’ time and accessible to a wide range of performers. We aim to keep the day organized, efficient, and welcoming, with clear communication throughout.
Submission Type: Video submissions (hosted via Google Drive, YouTube, Vimeo, Etc.)
Deadline to Submit: Wednesday, July 30, 2026
Sign-Up Process: You will use the audition video form, and follow the instructions below for content to include.
Audition Format: Please upload a video that begins with a brief slate stating your name and the character you are most interested in playing. You will then present a reading of the side associated with your desired role, as well as a one-minute vocal selection that best reflects that character. Music in the show is primarily in a 1940s style.
Final Selection: There will be no callbacks. Casting decisions will be shared no later than August 14.
For any questions about your submission, please email Connor Norton (Connor@rougeva.org)