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CASTING CALL FOR NON UNION ACTORS
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For the Institute for Colored Youth (ICY) Graduation Ceremony Recreation and Performance
Spring 2026
 
​Seeking Actors for:
 
  • Octavius Catto and understudy
  • Caroline LeCount and understudy
  • 2 graduating ICY Students
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1838 Black Metropolis is casting six compelling performers:

 

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  • Two Graduating students of The Institute For Colored Youth

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We are seeking actors who:

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  • Are passionate about Black history and education
     

  • Can embody historical characters with both accuracy and emotion
     

  • Are comfortable improvising in character and engaging with youth
     

  • Are dependable, flexible, and committed to community-centered storytelling
     

Roles

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  • Octavius Catto: Black male-identifying actor, aged mid-20s to early 30s- brilliant scholar, educator, and blazing civil rights activist of 19th Century - charismatic, eloquent and determined advocator for the rights of people of African descent- Prominent and dignified personna- athletic and poised
     

  • Caroline LeCount: Black female-identifying actor, aged early 20s- prominent and brilliant scholar, educator, gifted orator, and staunch civil rights supporter- elegant, poised, and accomplished

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  • UNDERSTUDIES will possess the same qualities of the lead actors listed above

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  • Graduating Students: one male and one female student who will take their examinations before being granted graduating status- studious, serious scholars of mathematics, science, English composition, Latin and Greek languages
     

Commitment

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Leads: Approximately 50 hours total between October 2025 and May 2026​

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  • 2 hours archive visit

  • One week of visits (approximately 15 hours total) during the last week of February 2026 to four Philadelphia schools

  • 2 Hour Performance in a live historical graduation ceremony (Spring 2026)

  • 6 hours of Zoom rehearsals

  • 16 hours in-person rehearsals including dress/tech rehearsal

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Understudies and Graduating Students: 

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  • 2 Hour Performance in a live historical graduation ceremony (Spring 2026)

  • 6 hours of Zoom rehearsals

  • 16 hours in-person rehearsals including dress/tech rehearsal​​

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Compensation

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  • Hourly Pay $50 an hour
     

  • Wardrobe/ Costume kit stipend

 

Background 

 

  • Must be able to pass Pennsylvania Child Abuse Background Check 

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  • Must be over 18

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To Apply

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Please submit:

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  • A headshot, recent photo or selfie
     

  • Theatrical Resume or performance history
     

  • A short paragraph about why you’re interested in this role
     

  • (Optional) A link to a video of your work or self-tape introducing yourself in character

 

                 PLEASE SEND COMPLETED MATERIALS IN ONE EMAIL TO:

                     Professor Ellis-Scruggs  - janellisscruggs@gmail.com

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