THE MIRACLE WORKER - Kentwood Players Non Equity Auditions

Kentwood Players announces auditions for

Williams Gibson’s Tony Award-winning play

“The Miracle Worker”

On Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18, 2012

At the Westchester Playhouse

Kentwood Players announces auditions for “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson on Saturday, March 17 from 11:00am to 3:00pm and on Sunday, March 18 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester (LA 90045). Callbacks will be held on Monday, March 19^th from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. The production is directed by Shawn K. Summerer and produced by Elizabeth Bouton and Alison Mattiza by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., New York City. Performances will be from May 11 to June 16, 2012 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm at the Westchester Playhouse.

Adapted from Gibson’s 1957 Playhouse 90 teleplay of the same name, “The Miracle Worker” is based on Helen Keller’s autobiography The Story of My Life and won several Tony Awards including Best Play. Set in Alabama in the 1880s, this classic tells the true inspiring story of Annie Sullivan and her student, the blind and mute Helen Keller. Trapped in a secret, silent world, unable to communicate, Helen is violent, spoiled, almost sub-human and treated by her family as such.  Only Annie realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence.   

Auditions will consist of reading short scenes from the script.  The director requests that you be familiar with the play.  Girls interested in reading for Helen should be prepared to perform a short physical scene with no dialogue (knee pads suggested).  Please bring your headshot, resume, and appointment calendar with you as the rehearsal schedule will be posted. Advance appointments are not necessary.

Cast Breakdown:

Helen Keller – (10-16 female) Blind, deaf, and mute since a very early age.  Has a rough, tough, tomboy-ish attitude.  A spoiled brat until Annie arrives.  This is a VERY physical role. The role will likely be understudied.

Annie Sullivan – (20s female) Partially blind herself, Annie underwent an experimental operation to restore her sight.  Her job as Helen’s teacher is her first.  She is stubborn and strong-willed.  Should have just a hint of an Irish accent, but not necessary.  This is a VERY physical role.

Captain Keller – (40s-50s male) Former confederate officer. He is old-fashioned and used to being in charge. His marriage to Kate is his second marriage.

Kate Keller – (30s-40s female) Annie’s mother.  She is very protective and comforting to a fault.

James Keller – (20s male) Captain Keller’s son from his first marriage. He struggles to be respected by his father.

Aunt Ev – (40s-60s female) Captain Keller’s sister is an aged southern belle. Will double as one of the offstage voices.

Viney – (30s-60s female) The black housekeeper, very kind and hard-working.  Will double as one of the offstage voices.

Martha – (8-15 female) A black girl who plays with Helen.

Percy – (8-15 male) A black boy who plays with Helen.  Will double as one of the offstage voices.

Anagnos – (40s-60s male) Annie’s teacher and director of the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston.  Kind and supportive.  Will double as one of the offstage voices.

A Doctor – (40s-60s male) A medical doctor.  Will double as one of the offstage voices.

Servant – (20s-50s female) Martha and Percy’s mother.  Non-speaking but will double as one of the offstage voices.  May also double as stage manager.

Blind Girls – (ages 8-17 female) At least 3 girls who go to the Perkins Institute for the Blind with Annie.

For more information about Kentwood Players including our current productions, upcoming auditions, and our Kentwood Kids Children’s Theatre Classes, please visit the Kentwood Players website atwww.kentwoodplayers.org. And you can also sign up and be a Kentwood Players friend on Facebook.  

             To meet the “The Miracle Worker” production team and learn more about Kentwood Players and what goes on at the Westchester Playhouse, the public is invited to attend our general membership meetings, which are free and held on the third Wednesday of each month at 8pm at the Westchester Playhouse located two blocks west of the San Diego Freeway and two blocks north of Manchester at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045.