One, and two, and three, and four! It’s an opportunity for the superb steppers at Florida A&M to shine. The search is on for both Greek and non-Greek, male and female step teams.
The same Hollywood studio (Rainforest Productions) that brought “You Got Served” and “The Gospel” along with ARPR Marketing is introducing a film based on the ancient art of stepping.
Although the movie is in its preliminary stages, a live casting call will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18 for selected step teams at FAMU.
Catara Hampshire, 26, is a FAMU alumna who serves as the president of ARPR Marketing in Los Angeles. “We, along with the casting directors, are looking for good and raw talent to cast in stepping at the audition,” Hampshire said. “We are going to different schools to find the best of the best.”
Hampshire described the film, which is tentatively titled “Step Show” as a “step show version of ‘Drumline.'”
As the search is on for the best steppers at FAMU, some organizations are ready to earn a spot on the film.
“We are going in with the mindset to gain a spot in the movie but at the same time, remain humble,” said Courtney Patterson.
Patterson, a 22-year-old fourth year pharmacy student and member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has a position on the organization’s step team. Patterson, a Jacksonville native, said the Deltas have submitted an audition tape and plan to audition next week.
The Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. also hopes to nab a spot in the motion picture.
“We are excited about this opportunity and are going to take it serious and, at the same time, have fun,” said Ranaldo Allen, 22. Allen, a fourth year business administration student from Jacksonville, holds the position as step master of the chapter.
“We plan to put on a show that is good enough to be nationally recognized.”
The movie is not just serving as a way to get organizations on campus their 15 minutes of fame, but an effort to show blacks in a different light.
“It is very positive. There are a lot of movies that have come out about blacks in general will reflect in negative connotation,” said Allen. “This movie is going to show an American audience the world of black Greek life.”
Patterson agrees. “The film will show the intensity and hard work that goes into a real step show,” she said.
Auditions for the film will be held next week.
There is still time for other organizations to submit their videos. Go to steppingcall.com for more information.
Contact Nyerere Davidson at nyejournal@hotmail.com