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  • 1.  Miracle Worker auditions for Helen

    Posted 08-19-2014 16:19
    Hi Everyone,
    I think I'm the last theater teacher on the planet to do The Miracle Worker.  Does anyone have any advice on auditioning the role of Helen?  I have a few ideas, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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    Katherine Miller
    Theater Teacher
    Paul VI Catholic High School
    Herndon VA
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  • 2.  RE: Miracle Worker auditions for Helen

    Posted 08-20-2014 09:25
    When casting Helen, one of the key elements to keep in mind will be her physicality. You will definitely need to cast an actress who is comfortable with a wide range of movement and has a good sense of spatial awareness. Once you have narrowed down your actresses, I would dedicate a large portion of the callback to a movement call. You could roll out several tumbling mats if your school has them and go through a series of safe rolls, falls and tumbles. If you will be using a fight choreographer or movement choreographer, I would have them on hand to observe as well. I would also bring in the actresses you have narrowed down for Annie, pair them up with a Helen and go through a few very basic choreographed struggles (very slowly!), shoves, or falls. 

    I hope this helps! Best of luck with your auditions and production!

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    Chelsey Cavender
    Membership Service Specialist
    Educational Theatre Association
    Hamilton OH
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  • 3.  RE: Miracle Worker auditions for Helen

    Posted 08-24-2014 19:25
    They have to be fearless.  You might ask them to lay on the floor and throw a tantrum.  Or walk across a stage filled with furniture as if they were blind.  I've done it twice, and both times my Helen just had more guts than anyone else at audition.  Although, that applies to Annie as well and you are really looking for a lot of the same qualities in the two parts.

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    Sheryl Goodspeed
    Theatre Teacher
    Palos Verdes CA
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