Script and Songs Written By Alinka Angelova

Directed by Alinka Angelova

Music composed by Robert Chambers

Song, ‘In the Lowest Valley’ Written and created by Robert Chambers, and Jerome Chambers

Poster by: Jerome Chambers

Musical Director: Robert Chambers

Stage Manager: Deon Denton

Production Manager: Anna Gonzales

Backstage manager: Marie-Louise Ghanem

“The Lost Heroes of Oro” is an immersive narrative that transports you through the historical events of the 1700s-1800s, shedding light on a significant chapter of Canada’s past: slavery. At its heart, the story revolves around one of Canada’s Black heroes, Richard Pierpoint, and the profound connection between his journey and the African Methodist Episcopal Church nestled in Oro-Medonte. Through song, drama and dance, this captivating tale reaches back to the African continent, offering a glimpse into the remarkable life of Richard Pierpoint, a Black former slave. Driven by unwavering ambition, relentless determination, and an unshakable passion, Pierpoint embarked on a courageous journey that ultimately led him to the shores of Canada. His mission: to fulfill a destiny forged by his enduring spirit and resilience.

OPEN CALL for New Musical – ‘Lost Heroes of Oro’ – NON-UNION / PAID 

 

We are currently seeking non-union performers aged 10 to 60 for our upcoming musical in Toronto, celebrating Canadian Black history, set to premiere in February 2025 at the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres. 

Roles include leads, chorale members, and dancers. Fast learning abilities are essential as we have approximately one-month rehearsal period for this ‘Short-run musical showcase’. Exceptional work ethic, talent, performance, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a large cast are crucial criteria. Successful candidates may be considered for future opportunities, including a potential Broadway production of the show. 

Furthermore, if you seek valuable experience performing in a professional setting within a major production at one of Toronto’s largest theatres, then this opportunity is ideal for you. 

Title: Lost Heroes of Oro

Rate: $500 – $3000 depending on your role

Contract:  1 month and 1 week

Audition details: 

In-person Audition date: Saturday September 14th, 2024.

Location: Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres, 158 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T6, Studio B 5th Floor 

Callback date: Saturday September 21st, 2024.

Time: If successful, a representative will contact you with your audition time slot

Location: Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres, 158 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T6, Studio B 5th Floor  

Rehearsals:  January 5th, 2025, to January 31st, 2025, scheduled Monday to Sunday as needed, totaling 3 to five days per week, depending on your role. Rehearsals will be conducted between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm. Additionally, some rehearsals will involve special performance previews of the show in malls, streets, and at special events which you are required to attend. 

Tech week: Monday February 3rd – Wednesday February 5th, 2025

Shows: Thursday February 6th – Saturday February 8th, 2025.

Number of shows: 8

Location: Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres, 158 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T6

Submission deadline: Friday September 12th, 2024 at midnight (12am)

PLEASE DO NOT AUDITION IF YOU CANNOT COMMIT TO THE REHEARSAL AND SHOW DATES/TIMES.

 

Submission Instructions:

Before your scheduled audition, please submit a headshot and resume (PDF format only) to aglhoo2025@gmail.com with the subject line: LHOO – submission – [FULL NAME]. 

Indicate the role(s) you would like to audition for using the character breakdown below with three requested times you would like to have your audition.  A representative will contact you with your confirmed audition time slot.

*Please note that as we will try to give you one of your times requested, it is not guaranteed.

If you do not have a resume, please send a headshot (selfie is fine) and a full-body shot along with details of your previous experience and contact information. 

If you are unable to attend the in-person auditions but still wish to audition, please email the video link (Youtube or Vimeo) of your audition (audition preparation details below), headshot (selfie is fine), full-body shot, and resume to: aglhoo2025@gmail.com 

Audition Preparation

Singers: Prepare two contrasting pop songs of your choice to sing acapella. Each song should not exceed 2 minutes. Choose sections that best showcase your vocal range.

Dancers: Prepare two contrasting 1-minute dance pieces of your choice. Additionally, please submit your MP3s to aglhoo2025@gmail.com by Friday, September 13th, 2024, at 5 pm.

 

We are seeking the following roles:

 

OLD RICHARD: 45 – 60 years old, black, male; A seasoned and humble black leader, who, upon gaining freedom in Canada, establishes a black militia. Committed to uniting his community and improving living conditions, he also harbors the hope of returning to Africa. Must be a strong singer who can move well. 

Pay: $3000

 

YOUNG RICHARD: 20 – 35 years old, black, male; A determined and motivated young black man, emancipated from slavery in the USA and relocating to Canada after participating in the war. Struggling to forge a better life, he endeavors to uplift himself and those around him.

Must be a strong singer who can move well.

Pay: $2000

 

RUMI / CHANTELLE: 20 – 45 years old, black, female; A middle-aged strong black woman who escapes slavery through the Underground Railroad; A contemporary woman, she delves into the history of the local Black community. Must be a strong singer who can move well. 

Pay: $2000

 

NYOTA / SADIE: 20 – 30 years old, black, female; A sweet young black girl ensnared in slavery who is the love of Richard’s life; A contemporary woman forced into exploring the history of the local Black community from the past by her friend CHANTELLE. Must be a strong singer who can move well. 

Pay: $2000

 

UNDAE: 20 – 45 years old, black, male; An assertive middle-aged black man, forcefully taken from his African home to be enslaved. Later liberated from slavery in the USA and relocated to Canada, he forms a bond with Richard Pierpoint. Must be a strong singer who can move well. 

Pay: $2000

 

MASTERBILLY: White, male, 25 – 45 years old; A prejudiced white man who owns slaves, embodying the prevailing culture of that era and location. Must be a strong singer who can move well. Also plays other small characters; SLAVE CAPTOR, CAPTAIN RUNCHEY, AUCTIONEER

Rate: $1500

 

1. SANSON: White, male, 25 – 45 years old, gentle and kind man who helps runaway black slaves escape through the underground railroad. Must be a strong singer who can move well. Also plays other small characters; SOLDIER / GOVERNMENT REP / SLAVE CATCHER

Payment: $1500

 

CHORALE MEMBER: Any ethnicity, 20 – 65 years old. Must be a strong singer who can move well and have some acting skills. Selected few may play other small roles in the production. 

Pay: $800

 

DANCER: 10 – 45 years old, black, male/female. Must be able to dance and learn choreography with some acting skills. 

Pay: $500

 

CHOIR MEMBERS: Any ethnicity, 15 – 65. Singers who are interested in getting experience being in a Musical on a grand stage. Mature teens and adults only. 

Pay: Experience

Note: We thank all who apply but only those selected for a callback or role will be contacted. Please double check and make sure that your contact information is correct.