Seeking Black actors, dancers, and rappers in New York to collaborate on our month long Residency Workshop of the New musical "LOUD: A Ghetto Ass Rap Musical," written and directed by Valentina Johnson and Composed by Michael Bahsil. The associate director will be Nadera Herbert-Bey with technical directions by Daki Mccullough.

"LOUD: A Ghetto Ass Rap Musical," unique and extraordinarily diverse at its core, exemplifies the grittiness of what it means to be Black authentically in the Mecca of Black excellence, Atlanta. 

Using motifs of astounding Black times such as Freaknik in Atlanta, along with the writing of uncensored Black vernacular, we strive to create the most dynamic and explicit world of what it means to find freedom in a space that you created but was was never claimed to be your own.

With stellar Hip-Hop choreography from Asha Rosalind and music inspired by Latto, J Cole, Sza, and more, we are challenging the "norms" of musical theater and how we experience Blackness on the stage.

 

If submitting for the ensemble, please submit a 1-2 min dance reel that highlights a style of hip-hop, and or Lyrical Hip-hop. Submitting a 1-2 min monologue is highly suggested but not required. 

 

If submitting for a specific character, please view the character descriptions below and submit a self-tape for the corresponding role using the link below along with a short song selection in the style of rap, hip-hop, or r&b. This can be acapella or self written if so desired.

 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zpoK_gxIaJicEw8Qh_rI5fjzaqlGD6cy?usp=sharing

 

 

Please send all materials in a viewable link or file along with a headshot and resume to aghettomusical@gmail.com by Jun 10th 11:59 PM.

 

In the subject line please indicate your name and the role(s) desired. For example: John Doe, Dream & Ensemble.

 

In the body of the message please indicate your availability for callbacks the weekend of June 13th-14th. As this is an unpaid residency workshop. We are willing to be slightly flexible with scheduling as we begin rehearsals and invited performances June 21st- July 14th.

 

If the role you so desire is already cast and you would still like to audition please submit a 1-2 min monologue and short song selection in the style of rap, hip-hop, or r&b for future consideration as the project expands.

 

Synopsis: 

Loud tells the electrifying story of Judah, a young Black trans woman who, on her summer break from college, is determined to carve out her own space in the rap industry in her hometown. We follow Judah’s journey of finding not only the passion for her career but love for herself, her loved ones, and maybe a guy or two along the way.

Throughout the story, we dive into the chaotic, colorful world of Judah’s Atlanta while meeting the bold personalities who shape her journey. Imani, her sharp-tongued best friend and a producer with big dreams. Franchesca, the quirky girl from the block with the voice of an angel. Dream, the irresistibly messy situationship chasing his own dreams in the rap industry, and a whole ensemble of unforgettable characters who make the city pulse with life.

In Loud, we explore themes of being seen, sexuality in terms of what it means to love a trans woman, and what it means to exist fully in spaces not designed for you to succeed. We follow her discovery of what it means to be earsplitting in a world not made for her to be heard. Through spoken word, rap, music, and dance, we embark on a journey of self-love, identity, and Black authenticity that culminates in Loud: A Ghetto Ass Rap Musical.

 

Character breakdowns:

        ENSEMBLE Black, All Genders. The heartbeat of Atlanta. They move the story and the city along. Very diverse in personal expression and style. Uniquely themselves. Should be strong in hiphop, lyrical hiphop, and their own personal type of movement. Comfortable in dey bodies and pussy poppin.


        
JUDAH (CAST) Black, Transgender Woman Early 20's. A questionably prideful Black Trans woman who is aspiring to be a rapper but is also still trying figure out how she fit into society and her own life. She struggles with her need to be seen but also the freedom and power in just being. Imani's Bestfriend. outspoken yet timid in her authenticity. Afraid of her own power. Must be a strong rapper, actor, and dancer. 
        
        THIS ROLE REQUIRES INTIMACY. INTIMACY COORDINATOR WILL BE PROVIDED.


        
IMANI (CAST) Black, Female identifying early to mid 20’s. A queer woman, running from trouble but toward her career. Imani is an amazing aspiring producer and artist and Judah's Best-friend. She isn't afraid to push Judah to the limits of her talent while still aggressively pursuing her own. Determined to get to da bag. She loves to play around with her masculine side. 
        
        THIS ROLE REQUIRES ONSTAGE INTIMACY. INTIMACY COORDINATOR WILL BE PROVIDED.


        
FRANCHESCA (CAST) Black, Female identifying Early 20's. An extremely weird Black girl who isn't afraid of how quirky and awkward she can be. She loves the present moment but is also obsessed with the idea that there is more to life than what we physically see. She Has a beautiful angelic voice that is otherworldly. She also goes by Franny. 
        
        THIS ROLE REQUIRES ONSTAGE INTIMACY. INTIMACY COORDINATOR WILL BE PROVIDED.


        
DREAM Black, Male early 20’s. A “soundcloud” rapper who got dreams of breaking into the rap industry. He is your classic hard nigga from around the block but when you get to know him you find that there is more behind this wall he has so carefully built. Emotional, daring. Cosmo’s younger brother. Must be a strong rapper. 
        
        THIS ROLE REQUIRES ONSTAGE INTIMACY. INTIMACY COORDINATOR WILL BE PROVIDED.


        
COSMO Black, Male late 20’s early 30’s. A seasoned producer and industry great who made it out the hood. He is a provider who strives to make sure his family and house is in order and that Dream Never loses sight of his dream. Wise, Strong. Dream’s Older Brother.


        
POP Black, Masc or male identifying late 20’s early 40’s. Your everyday unc who just be sitting outside. He may or may not be homeless don’t nobody know. That aint yo business. Wise. Featured in the dance ensemble.

 

        
SKEE Black, Male 20’s-30’s. A lit ass young nigga who always be outside. He is gonna always have a good time no matter what the fuck is goin on. He makes his own energy and moves to the beat of his own drum. Passionate, powerful, lit. Cosmo’s cousin.

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