Casting Call: Concert Reading of One Puka Puka Christmas
Location: Los Angeles
Type: Theater
Seeking actors for a concert reading of the musical One Puka Puka Christmas, scheduled for Saturday, December 14th, at 3 PM at the Union Church of Los Angeles.
About the Story:
Set during World War II, the musical follows three Japanese American soldiers who are at odds with each other. To improve their attitudes, they are sent to a Japanese American internment camp, where they assist with a struggling talent show.
Project Details:
- Type: Non-union
- Format: Concert reading using music stands and scripts. No major costumes; actors will wear black. No blocking involved.
- Compensation: Paid
Casting Information:
- Who: All Asian American actors are encouraged to audition.
- Auditions: Tuesday, August 13th, starting at 6 PM. Additional audition on Wednesday, August 21st, at 6 PM.
- Callbacks: Friday, August 16th, from 6 PM to 9:30 PM.
Rehearsal Schedule:
September & October: Spotty, held on Mondays.
November: Mondays and Tuesdays (text and music, TBD).
Mandatory Dates: December 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, and the 14th for the performance.
Performance Date: December 14th, with a 2 PM call time and a 3 PM to 6 PM performance.
Roles:
- Corporal Israel “Izzy” Takemoto | 20-30s | Hawaiian | Big personality, the “big brother” of the group. Speaks mostly in pidgin.
- Corporal Henry Kagayama | 20-30s | Nisei | Carries a chip on his shoulder, determined to redeem himself and his family.
- Private Albert Murakami | 20-30s | Hawaiian | Easygoing, Izzy’s best friend, can switch between pidgin and mainland English.
- Narrator/Doc & Other Roles | 50-60s | Japanese American | The Narrator is the MC, while Doc is a drunken academic who uses humor and irony to cope with his incarceration.
- Mrs. Fusai Kagayama | 60s+ | Originally from Hawaii, head of the Kagayama family, mostly speaks mainland English but can slip into pidgin.
- Sam Kagayama | 20-30s | Nisei | Henry’s older brother, politically opposed to the camps and the draft.
- Midori Kagayama & Other Roles | 20s | Nisei | Youngest Kagayama child, idealistic, determined to escape the camp.
- Francis Russell, Camp Director / Tom Quincy | 50-60s | Caucasian | Fussy, ambitious camp director, also plays Tom Quincy, a Quaker and ally to the internees.
- Rose, Camp Secretary & Other Roles | 20s | Caucasian | Pretty, well-meaning, an ally to the internees.
- Lulu, Mrs. Oki & Mrs. Sasaki | 30-40s | Requires strong character skills, also reading stage directions.
- Gino, General McCarthy, Commander & Other Roles | 30-50s | Caucasian | Requires strong character skills, also reading stage directions.
To Audition:
Email onepukapukaxmas@yahoo.com with your headshot, resume, and preferred audition time to schedule an appointment.
Audition Preparation:
Please prepare a song from the 1940s. A pianist will be available, but you may bring your own equipment if you prefer taped accompaniment.