The Miracle worker
by William Gibson
Based on the life story of Helen Keller
AUDITION INFORMATION
August 28, 2024 (Wednesday) and August 29th, 2024 (Thursday)
6:30- Open Call for Children only in small groups (not Helen)
7-9 Adults, and Helen by appointment
Email castingnianticbayplayhouse@gmail.com
To set up an audition appointment
Callbacks will be in small groups tentatively 9/2 7-9pm
LOCATION: Niantic Bay Playhouse
279 Main Street Niantic CT. 06357
Important Info:
Doors open 30 min prior to auditions.
You should arrive 10-15 min. early to fill out audition sheets and review material.
Please bring your headshot/resume. Parents should attend with their child.
NOTE: Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Character Descriptions and
monologues/sides will be posted on our website nianticbayplayhouse.org or may be emailed.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
The Miracle Worker
Oct 18,19,20, 25,26,27 Nov 1,2,3
PRODUCTION STAFF
The show will be directed by NBP’s
Artistic Director Erin Sousa-Stanley
Ron McGory will serve as Stage Manager
SHOW DESCRIPTION
The Miracle Worker is the tremendous, heartwarming story of an incredible friendship and bond between a teacher, Annie Sullivan, and her deaf and blind student Helen Keller. Set in Tuscumbia , Alabama Helen contracts an illness at 18 months old that leaves her blind and deaf. Her parents, who pity and spoil their afflicted daughter and are desperate to have order, hire a young Annie Sullivan to try and reach the mind of Helen. After many battles and disciplined weeks together, Annie breaks through to Helen , giving her a connection to language and all the world has to offer.
ACTORS NEEDED : Six (6) female and Five (5) male of varying ages.
We will be casting 4-6 children ages 8-14
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:
HELEN KELLER
Helen Keller, who appears to be 8-11 years old, is a deaf, blind mute. She is trapped in her own world, unable to speak, hear, or see. She is almost not human as she has been blind and deaf since she was stricken with scarlet fever as a baby. She is involved in intense physical scenes. Must have a strong connection to Annie Sullivan. Due to the complexity of the show Helen is typically a bit older but is able to play young.
ANNIE SULLIVAN
Annie Sullivan, who appears to be in her early-late 20’s , is Helen’s teacher. She is a strong and vibrant woman who is determined to connect Helen to the world. Her challenging past is what drives her to push Helen to the brink. There is a crude vitality to her and she is undeterred by the Keller’s protection of their daughter Helen. She is involved in intense physical scenes. Must have a strong connection to Helen . The use of some sign language will be required. Irish accent is a plus.
CAPTAIN ARTHUR KELLER
Age 40’s - 50’s, is Helen’s father. As a captain (post civil war) , he is stern, but devoted to his family. He struggles to connect to young Helen, but he is loving nonetheless. Southern accent needed.
KATE KELLER
Age 30’s – 40’s, is Helen’s mother. She is tormented by Helen’s perceivable insurmountable disability. She seeks to please Helen in order to avoid the tantrums and to compensate for her extreme misfortune. She is a captain’s wife , completely devoted to her husband, but a fiercely devoted mother as well. She is determined to give Helen any chance she can get. Southern accent needed.
JAMES KELLER
Age teens – 20’s, is Helen’s half brother, the son of the captain. He is described as indolent. He sees Helen as mentally defective and believes it is best she be put in an asylum. Southern accent needed.
AUNT EVE
Age 30’s – 50’s, is Helen’s aunt. She is a talkative, opinionated woman who serves as the catalyst for the Keller’s contact with the Perkins School for the Blind. Southern accent needed.
MR. ANAGNOS
Age 40’s – 50’s, is Annie’s counselor at the Perkins Institution for the Blind. A dear and kind man, he is very fond of Annie. He serves as a mentor and friend.
VINEY
Age 30’s – 60’s is a servant. She is cheerful and very loving towards the Keller children.
MARTHA
Age 8-12 – she is a playmate of Helen.
PERCY
Age 8-12 – he is a playmate of Helen.
Jimmie
Annie’s brother, 6-10, died when he was young. Haunts Annie in visions.
( Age ranges listed are the character’s age not necessarily the actor’s age )