CASTING CALL FOR NON UNION ACTORS
For the Institute for Colored Youth (ICY) Graduation Ceremony Recreation and Performance
Spring 2026
Seeking Actors for:
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Octavius Catto and understudy
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Caroline LeCount and understudy
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Fanny Coppin
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Ebenezer Bassett
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2 graduating Institute for Colored Youth Students
$50/Hour
1838 Black Metropolis is casting six compelling performers:
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Octavius Catto, Carolyn Lecount, Fanny Coppin and Ebenezer Bassett, 2 students and understudies
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Portray professors and students as part of an immersive educational experience for high school students.
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We are seeking actors who:
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Are passionate about Black history and education
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Can embody historical characters with both accuracy and emotion
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Are comfortable improvising in character and engaging with youth
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Are dependable, flexible, and committed to community-centered storytelling
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
Carolyn LeCount
Black female-identifying actor, aged early 20s - prominent and brilliant scholar, educator, gifted orator, and staunch civil rights supporter - elegant, poised, and accomplished
Ebenezer Bassett
Black male-identifying actor, aged early 30s - school principal and professor - stern, composed, dashing.
Fanny Jackson Coppin
Black female-identifying actor, aged early 30s - school principal and trailblazing educator - direct, highly intellectual, plain
2 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
Leads: Approximately 50 hours total between October 2025 and May 2026
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2 hours archive visit
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One week of visits (approximately 15 hours total) during the last week of February 2026 to four Philadelphia schools
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2 Hour Performance in a live historical graduation ceremony (Spring 2026)
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6 hours of Zoom rehearsals
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16 hours in-person rehearsals including dress/tech rehearsal
Supporting actors, understudies and graduating students:
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2 Hour Performance in a live historical graduation ceremony (Spring 2026)
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6 hours of Zoom rehearsals
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16 hours in-person rehearsals including dress/tech rehearsal
Compensation
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Hourly Pay $50 an hour
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Wardrobe/ Costume kit stipend
Background
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Must be able to pass Pennsylvania Child Abuse Background Check
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Must be over 18
To Apply
Please submit:
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A headshot, recent photo or selfie
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Theatrical Resume or performance history
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A short paragraph about why you’re interested in this role
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(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-Scrugg