Casting for ONCE UPON A RHYME should reflect the pronouns as written specifically PRINCE, DEBORAH, CHARLES, GARY, STACY, THE MC, and BIG TREY, as it reflects the spirit and representation the writers intended. Additional principal and supporting roles such as SLIM and the CYPHERS can as fittingly be portrayed as anyone: male-identifying, trans, gender fluid and/or non-binary actor/actresses. To that end, please feel free to adjust any pronouns/language accordingly to reflect actor identity. Songs available in alternative keys upon request.

Protagonist. African American man, 18-22. A gifted, classically trained high school dancer and rapper. Nerdy and charming. Rapper, singer, dancer, actor. Childish Gambino/Donald Glover meets Chance the Rapper sprinkled with some Andre 3000.

African American male, mid-30s. Shape shifting, mystical storyteller who narrates the action of the show. Leads the audience on the journey with a secret connection to the story. Rapper who can sing. Chuck D meets James Earl Jones blended with a little Slick Rick.

Woman, any ethnicity, 18-22. Assertive, confident, trendy, brash, influenced by hip-hop culture. R&B/pop singer and dancer, rapper. Ariana Grande meets Cardi B garnished with some Janelle Monae.

African-American woman, 40s-50s. Community college African American studies professor. Strong, assertive, nurturing, no-nonsense humor. R&B singer. Aunt Vivian (the first one) meets Audra McDonald infused with some Whitney Houston.

African-American man, late 40s to early 50s. Works at an auto-factory. Good looking male who speaks his mind. Passionate, prideful, charming and stubborn. R&B singer. Poetry/rap is a plus. Charles S. Dutton meets Gerald Levert, with a splash of Teddy Pendagrass.

African American man, age 30. College dropout with aspirations of being a self-made businessman. Fun, energetic, carefree, slick, charismatic, a hustler. R&B singer and rapper. Fresh Prince meets Jason Weaver peppered with a little Kanye West...the old Kanye West.

Woman, any ethnicity, age 30. Gary's friend, works as a young executive for a major hip-hop record label. Responsible, charming, and professional but has swagger. Rapper who can sing. Angie Martinez meets Gabrielle Union drizzled with Vivica A Fox.

Caucasian man, age 25. Talented local gangster rapper with an incredible buzz around the industry. Tough, arrogant, lots of "street credibility" Don't get it twisted, he's no "fake thug" - he's the real deal and takes the streets very seriously. Can be rude. Rapper. Machine Gun Kelly meets Meek Mill soaked up in some Yelawolf.

Dance teacher, ensemble, lead narrators. 6-10 young, multi-ethnic, male/female identifying, non-binary rappers and dancers to play Prince's friends, neighborhood residents, Hip Hop Fans and various other shape-shifting characters. Singers, actors, rappers, dancers.