For Immediate Release
June 13, 2002

SAINT JOHN THEATRE COMPANY BEGINS SEARCH FOR "HELEN KELLER"
Local Child Needed For Powerful, Challenging Role

The Saint John Theatre Company is beginning a search for the girl who will perform one of the most powerful, challenging stage roles ever written for a child.

Auditions for the part of Helen Keller, a deaf and blind girl who lived in the American south early in the 20th century, are scheduled for June 24, 26 and July 2.

The successful young actor will perform at the Imperial Theatre November 15th and 16th in the Saint John Theatre Company production of William Gibson’s The Miracle Worker.

The role calls for a short, slim pre-teen – or at least a girl who can look between the ages of six and 12. There isn’t a single line, but this is anything but a “bit” part.

"To audition, hopefuls should find out a little something about Helen Keller and prepare by imagining what it would like to be deaf, blind and mute and practice functioning that way for a while," explains Bob Doherty, the director of the play. "Each girl who auditions will be asked to move about and perform some simple task such as eating a meal or trying to communicate."

The Miracle Worker opened on Broadway in the 1950s, and Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke won Oscars for their performances in the 1962 film adaptation. The play is the true story of how a teacher, Annie Sullivan, worked relentlessly to bring the gifts of language and understanding to the unruly Helen. Before Sullivan’s ultimate breakthrough, Helen frequently resorted to wild kicking and screaming.

"Because Helen often experienced great frustration and rage, each girl will be asked to display those emotions in the course of the audition," Doherty says. "This is a very demanding role and it will require talent and commitment."

That means commitment not only on the part of the child actor, Doherty says, but by her family as well. The parents will be expected to drop their daughter off at evening and weekend rehearsals and pick her up afterwards. Rehearsals will begin in September.

Auditions for the role of Helen Keller will take place at the Saint John Theatre Company Loft located at the 4th floor of 86 Prince William (next to MexiCali Rosa’s). Audition dates are Monday June 24th, Wednesday June 26th, and Tuesday, July 2nd. Auditions will begin at 7 pm. Parents or girls who would like to have more information should contact the Saint John Theatre Company at 634-1990 or stage@sjtconline.com

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