Detroit Casting Call: Paid Roles for Jazz Opera “FORGOTTEN”

The Michigan Labor History Society is assembling a powerhouse cast for FORGOTTEN: The Murder at the Ford Rouge Plant, a 90-minute jazz opera steeped in 1930s labor history. If you sing, act, or dance—and you’re ready to bring Detroit’s union struggle to life—this is your moment. ✊🎺

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📜 About the Show

Title: FORGOTTEN: The Murder at the Ford Rouge Plant
Genre: Jazz opera (90 min)
Era: 1930s—Ford Hunger March, Flint sit-down strike, Battle of the Overpass
Creators: Composer Steve Jones · Director Elise Bryant
Dates: Oct 10 – 12, 2025 · Marygrove Theater, Detroit
Pay: All roles paid · Guest Equity contract

🔍 Roles Available

🌟 Principals (9 total)

Lewis Bradford — pastor / radio host, 40s, baritone 🎙️
Ella Bradford — his wife, 40s, strong mezzo 🎤
Henry Ford — 70s, character bass 👴
Clara Ford — 70s, supporting mezzo 👵
Fr. Charles Coughlin — 40s, baritone 🕯️
Harry Bennett — 40s, tenor or bari-tenor 🔧
7-9. Ford marchers & activists—varied ages/voices 👥

🎶 Chorus

9 adult singers/dancers (all voice types, all ethnicities)
1 girl, age 7-10 (solo line + ensemble)

🎤 Audition Details

When:
- Fri, Jul 11 • 5–8 PM
- Sat, Jul 12 • 12–5 PM
- Callbacks: Sun, Jul 13 • 3–5 PM
Where: St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church
8850 Woodward Ave, Detroit (enter via King St.)
Prepare:
- 🎵 One song (bring sheet music; live accompanist provided)
- 🎭 One-minute monologue
- No prerecorded tracks
To book a slot: Call Lynn Marie Smith · 313-320-5956
Walk-ins welcome (subject to time).

📥 How to Apply

☎️ Schedule or walk in on audition days.
Bring headshot & résumé.
Equity and non-Equity actors welcome.

Questions?

Audition info: Lynn Marie Smith · 313-320-5946
Music/score: Bill Meyer · 313-657-8493
More about MLHS: michiganlaborhistory.org