06/01/2026
We’re looking forward to Auditions - KVTA's Dreamgirls this weekend! For those that are considering it, here are the character descriptions for the actors we need to complete our cast!
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS (ages listed are stage ages):
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EFFIE WHITE – (African-American woman, 20-30.) Vibrant young woman who is as oversized in talent as she is in person. Effie is the true powerhouse in the group, a soaring singer whose voice overpowers and transcends Deena’s and Lorrell’s. She is smitten with Curtis from the start and is overcome with anger and jealousy when she senses his growing attraction to Deena. Effie should be full-figured, and her size carries with it a true sense of sexuality. Must have a huge gospel belt voice. Must move very well.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Etta James, Mavis Staples, Roberta Flack
DEENA JONES – (African-American woman, 20-30.) The young, thin, beautiful member of the dreams. Happy singing backup to Effie until Curtis puts her in the lead and grooms her as star of the group. Mezzo, big full belt. Must move very well.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Tammi Terrell, Thelma Houston, Natalie Cole
LORRELL ROBINSON – (African-American woman, 20-30.) The third member of The Dreams. Sexy, flirtatious girl from the projects of Detroit who has been singing with her best friends Effie and Deena for years. Carries on an affair with Jimmy Early, who refuses to leave his wife for her. Soprano, on top of most triad harmony, big full belt. Must move very well.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: Mary Wilson, Cindy Birdsong, Martha Reeves, Paulette McWilliams, Maxie Brown
CURTIS TAYLOR, JR. – (African-American man, 30-40.) Handsome, and very sexy. Slick car salesman who becomes the Dreams’ manager. Has an appreciation of R & B music and a sense of what it sells. Motivated by dreams, he takes over the management of Jimmy Early’s career and also oversees the rise to stardom of The Dreams. Initially warm and approachable he becomes hardened by wealth and power and the need to control everything and everyone. Baritone. Must move well.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: Sam Cooke, Ike Turner, David Ruffin, Otis Redding, Johnny Mathis, Harry Belafonte
JAMES “THUNDER” EARLY – (African-American man, 30-40.) James Brown-like R & B star. The Dreamettes become his backup singers. Has an affair with Lorrell. Charismatic, sexy, high energy. Rock and R&B tenor. Must move well.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: James Brown, Little Richard, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson
C.C. WHITE – (African-American man, 18-30.) Effie’s songwriter brother who writes all the Dreams’ hit songs. Endearing and soft-spoken, he tries to do what’s best but slowly gives up his ideals to Curtis’ controlling vision. High baritone. Must move well.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Lamont Dozier, Isaac Hayes
MICHELE MORRIS – (African-American woman, 20s.) Effie’s replacement in the dreams. Thin and beautiful, she sings bottom in the harmonies. Mezzo soprano, big belt. Must move well.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: Jean Terrell, Marlena Shaw, Gloria Gaynor, Phyllis Hyman, Pointer Sisters
MARTY – (African-American man, 30-45) A street savvy, long-time manager who oversaw Jimmy’s career and rise to R & B stardom. Represents an earlier age of black entertainment. At odds with Curtis and his ideas and schemes. Later oversees Effie’s comeback. Baritone. Should move.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: Lou Rawls, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Fats Domino
DAVE AND THE SWEETHEARTS - 1 Caucasian male and 2 Caucasian females - Strong singers who move well. They sing the all American pop version of “Cadillac Car”. Will play other ensemble roles such as reporters, press agents, etc.
MUSIC ARTISTS TO LOOK AT: DAVE: Pat Boone, Bobby Darin, Frankie Avalon
SWEETHEARTS: Lennon Sisters, Chordettes, McGuire Sisters
ENSEMBLE - African-American males and Females. Strong Singers & Dancers. Will cover roles such as Little Albert, Tony Joe, Wayne, Reporters, Managers, Party-Goers, Other music groups.
