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I am holding auditions for The Miracle Worker and need some effective audition activities for the character of Helen. All my actors will prepare a 2-minute monologue and do cold readings, but I'm struggling with what to do for Helen.

Many of Helen's scenes are very physical (mostly with Annie), but I am hesitant to have actors cold read those scenes because of the lack of safety. I want some sort of activity (prepared or on the spot) for the actors I callback for Helen--something that shows how they would play a blind/deaf character, interact with others/objects, etc.

I have a few rough ideas, but I am the only acting teacher at my school & would love to hear what others have done or would do when auditioning for this role.   THANK YOU! :)

I am holding auditions for The Miracle Worker and need some effective audition activities for the character of Helen. All my actors will prepare a 2-minute monologue and do cold readings, but I'm struggling with what to do for Helen.

Many of Helen's scenes are very physical (mostly with Annie), but I am hesitant to have actors cold read those scenes because of the lack of safety. I want some sort of activity (prepared or on the spot) for the actors I callback for Helen--something that shows how they would play a blind/deaf character, interact with others/objects, etc.

I have a few rough ideas, but I am the only acting teacher at my school & would love to hear what others have done or would do when auditioning for this role.   THANK YOU! :)

I am holding auditions for The Miracle Worker and need some effective audition activities for the character of Helen. All my actors will prepare a 2-minute monologue and do cold readings, but I'm struggling with what to do for Helen.

Many of Helen's scenes are very physical (mostly with Annie), but I am hesitant to have actors cold read those scenes because of the lack of safety. I want some sort of activity (prepared or on the spot) for the actors I callback for Helen--something that shows how they would play a blind/deaf character, interact with others/objects, etc.

I have a few rough ideas, but I am the only acting teacher at my school & would love to hear what others have done or would do when auditioning for this role.   THANK YOU! :)

Elisabeth, these are great rehearsal ideas that could be worked into the audition process. Thank you! Also, thanks for the heads up on the autobiography. I'm ordering that today!

I welcome any more suggestions/insights. I so appreciate this forum community!

When I directed this play I had anyone wishing to audition for Helen to develop a short pantomime instead of a monologue. You can give guideline for what you want to see.

Also, I had the entire cast do trust walks and learn the finger alphabet to share the experience.

Elisabeth, these are great rehearsal ideas that could be worked into the audition process. Thank you! Also, thanks for the heads up on the autobiography. I'm ordering that today!

I welcome any more suggestions/insights. I so appreciate this forum community!

I am holding auditions for The Miracle Worker and need some effective audition activities for the character of Helen. All my actors will prepare a 2-minute monologue and do cold readings, but I'm struggling with what to do for Helen.

Many of Helen's scenes are very physical (mostly with Annie), but I am hesitant to have actors cold read those scenes because of the lack of safety. I want some sort of activity (prepared or on the spot) for the actors I callback for Helen--something that shows how they would play a blind/deaf character, interact with others/objects, etc.

I have a few rough ideas, but I am the only acting teacher at my school & would love to hear what others have done or would do when auditioning for this role.   THANK YOU! :)

I used 2 iconic scenes to make the actors think and then audition: a)  Helen working around the table taking food from others plates.  This enabled me to switch in multiple characters as they thought about how Helen worked in a world without sight and sound, as well as the others at the table to interact "normally" to her.  b)  and then there's always the pump scene - the 'break' through of communication with the world for Helen, and the frustration of Annie attempting to get through and Helen's return to the family norm.

The audition lead to a teachable moment for students thinking of how to be convincing without sight or hearing.

I also would encourage you to seek out a blind person(s) to come in and talk with the cast after the roles are set.  It was great interaction, and my visitor walked the set with the students so they saw real interaction and gleaned ideas for their characters.

I am holding auditions for The Miracle Worker and need some effective audition activities for the character of Helen. All my actors will prepare a 2-minute monologue and do cold readings, but I'm struggling with what to do for Helen.

Many of Helen's scenes are very physical (mostly with Annie), but I am hesitant to have actors cold read those scenes because of the lack of safety. I want some sort of activity (prepared or on the spot) for the actors I callback for Helen--something that shows how they would play a blind/deaf character, interact with others/objects, etc.

I have a few rough ideas, but I am the only acting teacher at my school & would love to hear what others have done or would do when auditioning for this role.   THANK YOU! :)

I am holding auditions for The Miracle Worker and need some effective audition activities for the character of Helen. All my actors will prepare a 2-minute monologue and do cold readings, but I'm struggling with what to do for Helen.

Many of Helen's scenes are very physical (mostly with Annie), but I am hesitant to have actors cold read those scenes because of the lack of safety. I want some sort of activity (prepared or on the spot) for the actors I callback for Helen--something that shows how they would play a blind/deaf character, interact with others/objects, etc.

I have a few rough ideas, but I am the only acting teacher at my school & would love to hear what others have done or would do when auditioning for this role.   THANK YOU! :)

I agree with  the comments from Jo.  Find some ways that Helen and Annie can interact with the doll, the suitcase, or even trying to eat while being blind.  I directed this show two years ago and had students act out some of the less physical scenes as a cold read, but I gave directions so they did not have to be tied to the script.  

As it turned out, the girl that I cast as Helen was a hearing impaired student from our school that loved theatre. She had too have an interpreter to communicate, but did a believable job in that role.  This is a wonderful show and was very rewarding for the cast and crew.

I am holding auditions for The Miracle Worker and need some effective audition activities for the character of Helen. All my actors will prepare a 2-minute monologue and do cold readings, but I'm struggling with what to do for Helen.

Many of Helen's scenes are very physical (mostly with Annie), but I am hesitant to have actors cold read those scenes because of the lack of safety. I want some sort of activity (prepared or on the spot) for the actors I callback for Helen--something that shows how they would play a blind/deaf character, interact with others/objects, etc.

I have a few rough ideas, but I am the only acting teacher at my school & would love to hear what others have done or would do when auditioning for this role.   THANK YOU! :)