A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller
Presented by Shreveport Little Theatre, Directed by Robert Alford II
Auditions
Shreveport Little Theatre Studio
812 Margaret Place, Shreveport, LA 71101
Tuesday, November 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Please fill out and submit our online audition form on TheaterForms and make an appointment for your audition.
https://www.theaterforms.com/Sportlittletheatre/asoldiersplay/auditionform/
Performances
February 12, 13, 20, and 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
February 14, 15, and 22, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Robert Alford II: Director
E. G. Rambo: Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Laura Beeman Nugent: Choreographer
Julie Edwards: Lighting Design
David White/Jade Crook Dishman: Set Design and Tech Direction
Jason Coffel: Properties Coordinator
This searing mystery/drama with some lighthearted moments is set in a segregated Louisiana army camp during World War II. Vernon C. Waters, the sergeant of a black company, has been murdered. Captain Taylor, the white commanding officer, worries the murderer may be a white officer or the local Klan. Richard Davenport, a black captain, based in Washington D.C. is assigned to investigate. Taylor, fearing the assignment of a black investigator means the case is to be swept under the rug, attempts to discourage Davenport. But Davenport perseveres, discovering deep-seated divisions and disappointment among the men in the company. Despite all the challenges and setbacks, Davenport eventually solves the case, revealing a truth more shocking than the murder itself.
Precast Actors
Role TBA: Adarian D. Williams
Role TBA: Robert S. Blue
Captain Charles Taylor: Chris Alan Evans
Private First Class Melvin Peterson: Mikah Thomas
Open Roles
Tech. Sergeant Vernon C. Waters
Captain Richard Davenport
Private C.J. Memphis
Lieutenant Byrd
Captain Wilcox
Private Anthony Smalls
Private Louis Henson
Private James Wilkie
Corporal Bernard Cobb
Corporal Ellis
Character Descriptions
Captain Richard Davenport
Black, 30s
A lawyer and Military Police Corps officer dispatched to investigate the murder of Sergeant. Waters. He is insightful, charming, and unwavering.
Technical Sergeant Vernon C. Waters
Black, late 40s-early 50s
A spit and polish veteran of World War II, he has a complicated relationship with the men under his command. He has strong negative feelings about Black soldiers who he feels discredit the image of Black people.
Captain Charles Taylor (Chris Alan Evans)
White, 30s
The West Point educated commanding officer of the all-Black regiment, he desperately wants the case to be solved and seeks to have Davenport taken off the murder investigation because he does not believe that a Black man can accuse white men or solve the case.
Private First-Class Melvin Peterson (Mikah Thomas)
Black, late 20s
A proud, intelligent model soldier he is the only member of the regiment who dares to stand up to Sergeant Waters. He eagerly joins the protest over Memphis’ death
Private C. J. Memphis
Black, 20s
A well-liked blues singer and guitarist from Mississippi, he is also the best player on the baseball team. Tech Sergeant Waters resents him. believing he is a disgrace to his race. Sergeant Waters has him accused for a crime he did not commit, then tricks him into hitting him.
Lieutenant Byrd
White, 20s
A hot-tempered ordnance officer. He was one of the last people to see Sergeant Waters alive.
Captain Wilcox
White, late 20s – early 30s
A compassionate medical officer, he was one of the last people to see Sergeant Waters alive. He demonstrates a sense of fairness, particularly in his efforts to restrain Byrd from harming Waters. He is the only white officer to consistently treat Captain Davenport with respect.
Private James Wilkie
Black, 40s
A career soldier, and former Corporal, who resents Tech Sergeant Waters for the loss of his stripes. He follows Sergeant Waters’ orders to frame Memphis for murder.
Corporal Bernard Cobb
Black, 20s
A compassionate leader of the regiment, with a somewhat wild side, he stands up for Memphis and spearheads a protest over his death.
Private Louis Henson
Black, late 20s – early 30s
The pitcher of the baseball team. Keenly observant. with strong opinions, he has an open disdain for officers.
Private Anthony Smalls
Black, late 30s
A compassionate, but easily manipulated career soldier, he disappears when Captain Davenport appears to be close to solving Sergeant Waters’ murder.
Corporal Ellis
Black, late 20s – early 30s
A by-the-book soldier, he is assigned to be Davenport’s assistant and guide.
Supported by a grant from the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, with funds from the City of Shreveport.
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Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.
Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment of the Arts.
