ABOUT THE SHOW A Secret for Next Sunday is an original drama by Bay Area actor and San Francisco firefighter, Charles Johnson.  The play concerns two African American couples nearing retirement in Chicago.  Renewed public interest in the Emmit Till murder case stirs memories.  The wives long to return to the South after retirement but the husbands share a dark secret which forbids such return.  The play is filled with honest dialogue and truthful warm relationships between husband and wife and the two adult men.  Multi EthnicTheater is proud be part of the development and presentation of this touching and mysterious drama. DESCRIPTION OF ROLES and more about the play JIM is a middle-class African American in his 60's, happily married and living in Chicago with a good job and looking forward to retirement.  Sometimes, he's a bit of a couch potato, and he is less enthusiasic about Sunday morning church than his wife, Mattie.  Jim can appear carefree, but under the surface there is unresolved anger stemming from his youth in Alabama. MC COY is Jim's best friend since their younger, wilder days in Alabama.  He can be counted on to give good advice and support when it is most needed. MATTIE is Jim's wife.  She is an understanding, forbearing woman and an active churchgoer and participant. BESSIE is Mc Coy's wife and Bessie's closest friend. YOUNG KATHERINE is Jim's younger sister in the Alabama flashback scenes.  She is dating a nice white boy and is therefore too advanced for her family and too liberal for the bigoted society in which she lives. JERRY is Katherine's white boy friend.  He's a nice boy with somewhat raging hormones and a dream for them to escape from Alabama to a better place in California. YOUNG JIM is sensitive to the surrounding bigotry in Alabama.  Since the murder of Emitt Til, he has become too angry for his own good. YOUNG MC COY is Jim best friend and his accomplice in the discovery of Katherine's affair and the murder of  Jerry. THE BOY is a young punk living in the hood who clashes with the elder Jim over a parking space and slinks away in disgrace. GENERAL CASTING POLICY Many MET's productions feature color-creative, multi ethnic casting. MET presents many productions in which every role is open to all ethnicities.  All adult ages and persons with disabilities are encouraged to audition.  Cross-gender possibilities are often considered in casting.  Non-equity, but all actors and reherarsal staff including understudies receive a transportation allowance and a small share of box-office income.  Capable understudies are guaranteed performance opportunities. DOUBLE CASTING OPPORTUNITIES Some roles may be double cast in which case performance opportunities will be divided equally. UNDERSTUDY OPPORTUNITIES Understudies are an important part of the maintenance of high standards and the assurance of growth at MET.  In many ways they represent the future of the company.  Understudies work on stage at all blocking and books off rehearsals and at as many other rehearsals as possible. Capable understudies are guaranteed or two performances in the role or roles covered.  The pay scale for understudies is the same as for principals.  Understudies who perform may omit reference to understudy status on their resumes and MET will back up the claim if asked.  Understudies are sometimes also cast in smaller roles or serve on rehearsal staff or both. REHEARSAL STAFF OPPORTUNITIES Director Training Internships - per show One Stage Manager (director's assistant):    Attend all rehearsals and performances. Two Assistant Stage Managers (book holder and props):   Attend half of all rehearsals and performances. LEVEL OF PAY AND OTHER COMPENSATION Some pay will be available for actors, understudies and rehearsal staff.  MET uses mostly non-equity actors and stage managers.  Company members receive allowances for transportation to rehearsals and performances.  They also receive a percentage of box office income.  More important is the opportunity to work on a strong show and support MET's mission of creative inclusiveness. In addition, MET provides the following valuable services:  A head shot photo session (cost of film only) and a resume creation or update (free of charge).  Actors, understudies and rehearsal staff  all become members of the company and  as alumni receive continuing deep discounts on group training, private coaching, and admissions to shows by MET and other companies producing at The Next Stage in San Francisco.

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