The Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos will hold several casting calls for men, women, and children of all ages to perform during the 10th anniversary of the Heritage Day celebration in Nipomo, to take place July 19. Actors are specifically needed to re-enact the 1850 wedding of the Danas’ eldest daughter to Henry Tefft. Participants will need to remain in character and mingle with visitors throughout the day. The celebration will include music, dance, games, and crafts from the 1850s. Volunteers are also needed for costuming, as well as general help during the event.
Casting calls will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on May 19, 21, and 22 in Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, and Guadalupe, with locations to be announced at a later date. An additional casting call will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 23 at the Dana Adobe, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., in Nipomo.
Available roles include Capt. William Dana, father of the bride; settlers on the Central Coast, such as John Price, Frances Branch, and Issac Sparks; prestigious Mexican Californio citizens and their families; and any others from all ages and ethnicities who visited the rancho.
Youth participating in the DANA casting calls will also be invited to join professional artists in creating a film and performance, which shares local culture with a global audience. Momentus International, an international nonprofit, will partner with DANA for the project to create a global conversation through art.
For more information about the casting call, contact Dynia Valdovinos at danaheritage08@yahoo.com.
This article appears in May 7-14, 2009.
