Beverly Theatre Guild's To Kill a Mockingbird Auditions

To Kill a Mockingbird
Written by Harper Lee
Adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel – original adaptation

Director: Mary Lee Hoganson
Assistant Director: Sterlin Johnson
Producers: Morgan Ayres, Gail Lauryn

From the publisher: Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird opens in a sleepy Alabama town in the midst of the Great Depression, where Scout and her brother, Jem, live with their widowed father, Atticus Finch. Reminiscent of a bygone era, the play immerses us in a simpler time as the children play outside in the summer, act out stories and muse about their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley. The facade of the seemingly peaceful town begins to crack when a young black man is accused of a terrible crime. Driven by an unshakeable moral conviction, local lawyer Atticus defends the man in a trial that sends violent waves through the community. Timeless and lingering, this hard-hitting work explores prejudice, compassion and the courage to do what is right.

From the Director: Although To Kill a Mockingbird is thought of as a school text, it has mature themes – including racism, racial epithets and assault. Parents of children auditioning should be aware of this. Great care will be taken to help these young people understand the historical context of the drama, as well as why the themes and derogatory language are present and essential to the play.

Audition procedures: Auditions will consist of prepared monologues and readings from the script. If possible, bring a photo we may keep. Theater resumes are welcome.
-Adults: Please prepare one contemporary dramatic monologue, approximately 1–2 minutes in length. Memorization is optional. A monologue from the play is permissible. Since a southern dialect is required of all actors, appropriate monologues might demonstrate dialect proficiency. You may be asked to do additional cold readings from the script. Although auditioners are asked to sign up for a time slot, please be prepared to stay later for reading in groups if requested by the director. Call backs on Thursday November 19 are expected of those called.
-Children: The Sunday November 15 timeslots from 5:00 to 6:30 pm are reserved for child actors, although they may choose a different audition time -- either that evening or Tuesday November 17. Child actors should be prepared to attend callbacks on Thursday November 19 if called. Portions of the script which children may choose to review prior to auditions are at this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ws7VHrkuwx99OBdFFFZ4FbNK9Zr7EOdZ?usp=drive_link

Additional Audition Details:
-Auditions, rehearsals, and performances are held at the Baer Theater at Morgan Park Academy (2153 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60643)
-You can park on 111th street in front of the building, or in the parking lot of the theater (the entrance is off of 112th St and S Bell Ave)
-Please arrive early for your audition slot to fill out paperwork; please also bring any conflicts you may have during the rehearsal process.
-Rehearsals are held Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons. First meeting of cast will be Saturday November 21 at 1:00 pm. First full rehearsal will be on December 1.
-Any additional questions can be directed to Morgan Ayres at moayres18@gmail.com

Performance Details:
Thursday February 18th (potential daytime performance for local students)
Friday February 19th, 7:30pm performance
Saturday February 20th, 7:30pm performance
Sunday February 21st, 2:00pm performance

**Important content to know prior to auditioning: This play contains overt racist language and themes, discussion of sexual assault, gunshots, violence, adult themes. It is recommended that those auditioning be familiar with the full script.

**It is especially encouraged for the parents of children who are planning to audition to thoroughly read and discuss the contents of the script together with their child prior to auditions to determine if the maturity level of the content is suitable for them.

**Scripts WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER SERGEL are available at several public libraries and may be purchased from Dramatic Publishing at: https://www.dramaticpublishing.com/browse/to-kill-a-mooriginal ckingbird-t91 (this link is to the original version which BTG is using)

Character descriptions:
-Jean Louse Finch (adult Scout): Female, age mid-forties. She is the woman Scout has grown into, and she reflects on the action of the drama as narrator.
-Scout: Female, age 7-ll in appearance. This is the story of her coming of age! Very strong-willed, sharp, curious and verbal. Must have stage presence and confidence.
-Jeremy Finch (Jem): Male, Scout’s older brother, age 9-13 older in appearance than actor playing Scout. Athletic and feels he is wise for his age.
-Dill: Male, age 7-11. Creative, energetic, mischievous. Small in stature. A summer visitor to Macomb, his character is the result of a more urban environment, as well as a difficult home.
-Atticus: Male, 45-60 in appearance. Committed father. Generous man of great moral integrity and humility. Respected, articulate and quietly impressive. Many layers of depth to his character.
-Calpurnia: African American female, age 40-60. As the Finch housekeeper she is the glue of the family who serves as a no- nonsense surrogate mother to Scout and Jem
-Maudie Atkinson: Female, age flexible. Kind and sympathetic neighbor who is caring to the Finch children.
-Stephanie Crawford: Female, age flexible. Gossipy neighbor who lives for a story to repeat and embellish.
-Mrs. Dubose: Female, elderly neighbor. She is a cranky, sick woman who takes her misery out on neighbors and young people.
-Walter Cunningham: Male, age 40-50. One of the dirt-poor farmers of the time and location. Despite being a grateful client of Atticus, he is easily turned to violence against Tom Robinson.
-Bob Ewell: Male, age 45-60. Ill-tempered blatant racist. Dirty and unkempt. Unloving, abusive, full of anger, resentment and spite.
-Maybella Ewell: Female, age 19 in appearance. She is the victim of her father’s vitriol and very frightened of him. Because of her fear, she is unable to refute her father’s lies and false accusations of a violent attack by Tom Robinson.
-Tom Robinson: African American male, age 25-40. Hard-working, powerful, and principled. He is also partially crippled. Falsely accused of attacking Maybella, he maintains his dignity despite being caught up in this terrible lie.
-Helen Robinson: African American female, age 25-40. Tom’s loyal wife who is collateral damage of Bob Ewell’s lies.
-Heck Tate: Male, 35-60. He is the local Sheriff, honest and principled. A good man doing his job.
-Mr. Gilmore: Male, flexible age. Lawyer for the prosecution. As a new lawyer trying this case, he wants to win.
-Reverend Sykes: African American male. Age 35-65 Mature, seasoned and realistic. He is the respected spiritual leader of the Black community and beyond.
-Judge Taylor: Male, age 50+. He is an honest judge placed in a difficult position in this trial.
-Boo Radley: Male, age 35-40. Described as a mysterious tall recluse. He has been shut away from society. His actions are ultimately the catalyst for the final scenes of the drama.
-Nathan Radley: Male, age 40+. Boo’s older brother. He appears only briefly, having stepped into his father’s shoes as Boo’s keeper. (Actor may double as Mr. Gilmore)
-Townspeople: Ideally some of those who audition will appear in the jail and courtroom scenes (no speaking lines), including a small number of children. Rehearsal time will be limited for these actors.