Is This the Greatest Coup in Pre-Casting EVER in Community Theatre?

A few weeks ago I received an email from someome who called herself 'Ozzie Parker', asking me for advice as to how to get an entree into Theatre here in Perth. Luckily, I replied. Ozzie Parker turned out to be Pamela Parker, a respected and twice Pulitzer nominated playwright living in Atlanta, Georgia. She sent me the script of 'Second Samuel'. I read it, loved it, told her I would like to do it but couldn't due to the lack of African-American actors here in Perth. Her response was to say 'Don't give up, maybe I can send you one.' Naturally, I thought that this was a joke, but it turned out she was serious - and she is doing just that! Yes, truly! I shall be directing the Pulitzer nominated play 'Second Samuel' in its Australian premier at Subiaco Arts Centre in April/May next year. This will be a Pro-Am profit share production. I will be holding auditions in late February (actual date to be advised later), and will be looking for seven men and four women...BUT I freely admit that the role of U.S. Simpson has been PRE CAST. He will be played by Nat Martin, a professional black American actor, who has played the role numerous times all over the USA! He will arrive in Perth in late March 2010 and will be here for six weeks, during which time he will, in addition to rehearsing with the rest of my cast and coaching their southern accents, make himself available to give a series of workshops, seminars, lessons etc to anyone who is interested. Not just accents, but the whole range of theatre skills. Its probably a little too early yet to try to organise these sessions, but if there is something you would especially like to have included you can email me at justsuse2003@yahoo.com.au and I will begin to compile a list to discuss with Nat. There will be some charge for these sessions, but we will keep them very affordable. If you would like to consider auditioning for the production of 'Second Samuel' you can also email me to request a copy of the script. More news in a few weeks!