Characters and Casting

“The Stonewater Rapture” is a play in West Texas, it is heavily about religion and about discovering oneself, and also it involves temptation of all kinds. In regards to race, if you were to cast one black actor and one white it would change the outlook of the play. It would bring another controversy to an already heavy play. With everything that is going on during the course of this play, to add the effects of a mixed race relationship with the two character would just be piling on to an already burning fire. The race of the characters doesn’t matter as long as the characters are both of that race. Now it doesn’t say you cant mix races but it would be hard for the audience in this day to be as color blind as theater. If you cast two same race characters, doesn’t matter what race then I feel the play and its content will be delivered smoothly and will be easier for the audience.
As far as same gender it really doesn’t allow it in the text. Referring to Whitney in the boys locker room, ripping off his towel. Also Carlyle at the barn being raped by the football team, it is very clear about the sexuality of the characters. In this play there is a huge issue in sexuality and to bring it forefront and saying it doesn’t matter would actually take away from the story, plus you would be changing the authors intent completely, therefore destroying the message. There is really no wiggle room for changing the sex of the characters, they are as they stand, Whitney is the male and Carlyle is a female.
Carlyle’s character is not heavily physical there are some stage directions in the script that talk about running outside, or throwing oneself at the other character but I feel with some work on blocking, you could cast someone with physical disabilities, such as someone limited to a wheelchair. I think it would also add to her character and give her character more conviction. Regarding Whitney’s character the actor would have to be someone in the physical shape to tryout for the football team, so probably could not be someone with disabilities.