The Canebrake Players will hold auditions for “The Miracle Worker” on Sunday, March 4, at 3 p.m., and again on Monday, March 5, at 6 p.m., at the Old School on Main. Rehearsals will begin with a read-through on March 11. Performance dates are May 4 – 7.

“The Miracle Worker” is a three-act play by William Gibson and is based on Helen Keller’s autobiography “The Story of My Life.” The strength of the human spirit is explored in the amazing true story of two remarkable women, Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller.

The Canebrake Players are looking for actors to fill seven male and female adult roles ranging in age from 20’s through over 65. With respect to children, there is a part for a 14-20 year old male, as well as parts for two girls and one boy ranging in ages from 8-12. Additionally, there are 10 small parts for girls ranging from age 8 to early/mid teens. More detailed information on all of the parts can be seen on The Canebrake Players Facebook page.

Following are the roles to be filled:

Annie Sullivan 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. She is involved in intense physical scenes. Appears to be in her 20’s.

Helen Keller is a deaf, blind mute.  Helen has been trapped in a secret silent world, unable to communicate since she was stricken with scarlet fever as a baby. She is violent, spoiled, almost sub-human and treated as such by her family. This character is involved in intense physical scenes. Appears to be 8-12 years old.

Captain Arthur Keller is Helen’s father. A retired civil war officer, he is stern, but devoted to his family. He struggles to connect to young Helen, but he is loving nonetheless. Age 40s/50s

Kate Keller is Helen’s mother. She is tormented by Helen’s perceivably insurmountable disability. She seeks to please Helen in order to avoid the tantrums and to compensate for her extreme misfortune. She is completely devoted to her husband, but is determined to give Helen any chance she can get. Age 30s /40s

James Keller is Helen’s halfbrother, the son of the captain. He is described as indolent.  He sees Helen as mentally defective and believes she should be put in an asylum.  Age teens/20s

Aunt Eve is Helen’s aunt. She is a talkative, opinionated woman who serves as the catalyst for the Kellers’ contact with the Perkins School for the Blind.  Age 30s/50s

Anagnos/Doctor 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. May double as the Keller family doctor. Age 40s/50s

Viney is a servant.  She is cheerful and very loving towards the Keller children.  Age 30s/60s

Martha is Viney’s daughter and a playmate of Helen.  Age 8 – 12

Percy is Viney’s son and a playmate of Helen.  Age 8 – 12

5 – 10 girls who are students at the Perkins Institute for the Blind. One short scene. Some will have speaking parts. Ages 8 – early/mid teens