The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will hold auditions for The Miracle Worker on September 29 and 30 at 6:30 PM at 724 Market Street.

The Miracle Worker is the heartwarming story of an incredible friendship and bond between a teacher, Annie Sullivan, and her deaf and blind student, Helen Keller. Set in Tuscumbia , AL, 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 the young teacher 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.

Six females and five males are needed for the show. The characters include:

HELEN KELLER: appears to be 8-11 years old. 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.

ANNIE SULLIVAN: appears to be in her early-late 20s. 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. 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 40s – 50s, 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 30s – 40s, 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 – 20s, 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 30s – 50s,  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/ DOCTOR: Age 40s – 50s,  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. Will double as the Doctor.

VINEY: Age 30s – 60s is a servant. She is cheerful and very loving towards the Keller children. Though not required, this role is traditionally played by an actor of color.

MARTHA: Age 8-12 – she  is a playmate of Helen. Though not required, this role is traditionally played by an actor of color.

​PERCY: Age 8-12 – he is a playmate of Helen. Though not required, this role is traditionally played by an actor of color.

Age ranges listed are the character’s age not necessarily the actor’s age.

Audition information is available at the Guild’s website, https://www.actors-guild.com/miracle-worker.html.

The show will run January 17-26.

The production staff for The Miracle Worker includes Charlie Matthews, director; Sue Lamp and Lori Clark, assistant directors; Nathan Arnold, technical director; Marsha Mueller, stage manager; Actors Guild Costume Committee, costumes; Kathy Leavitt, costume liaison; Terri Borrelli, production assistant; and David Rexroad, advisor. The show is being sponsored by the Lions Club of Parkersburg.