As part of Control Group Production’s GAP initiative, T. Carlis Roberts (writer, composer, performer) will present a work-in-progress production of STONO. STONO explores the 1739 Stono slave rebellion through the voices of more-than-human witnesses. The story is told through music, spoken word, and movement, drawing on multiple African-diasporic roots traditions including ring shout, bomba, and rumba.

Looking for Black and Afro-Latinx Performers

We are seeking two (2) lead singers who:

  • Can sing strong lead vocals on multiple numbers and hold difficult harmonies

  • Can speak/act dialogue

  • Can play simple parts at the same time as singing such as shakers or bells

  • Identify as Black, Afro-Latinx, or Afro-descended (if there is question about whether this fits, please reach out and we can discuss)

  • Have experience with one or more Afro-roots styles (preferred but not required)

We are seeking one (1) actor-singer who:

  • Has strong acting skills, especially in non-traditional contexts

  • Can sing lead on one song and supporting/ensemble vocals on multiple other numbers

  • Can play simple instrumental parts at the same time as singing such as shakers or bells

  • Identify as Black, Latinx, or Afro-descended (if there is question about whether this fits, please reach out and we can discuss)

  • Identify and/or present as masculine/transmasc

We will rehearse approximately 2x/month from September to November 2026, 2-3 more intensive weeks staging the show in January 2027, and tech/perform in February 2027. The rehearsals and production will take place in the Denver Metro area. All project artists are contracted at $20/hour for an estimated 125 work hours (~$2500). Ensemble members will be considered for future productions, gigs, and touring of the full show and excerpts, which will be booked separately.

If interested, please send an email to bruce@manossagrados.com with the following:

  • Description of performance experience and/or resume

  • Performance samples:

    • Lead singers: Two clips that demonstrate your best singing

    • Actor-singer: One clip that demonstrates your best acting and one that demonstrates your best singing

  • Known conflicts during rehearsal/production dates (one-time or ongoing)

Please submit by July 27th at 5pm. We will hold callbacks on August 1 and/or 2.

Questions? Email Bruce Trujillo at bruce@manossagrados.com.