Bergen County Players (BCP) of Oradell, one of America's foremost theater groups, will hold open auditions for
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel
Directed by Bunny Mateosian
WHEN: (in order of arrival) Tuesday, December 10, at 7:30PM; Thursday, December 12, at 7:30 PM; Callbacks (by invitation only):Saturday, December 14, at 10:30 AM and Monday, December 16, at 10:30 AM (if needed)
WHERE: Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell
Performance Dates: March 22 to April 12, 2014
If you have any questions please e-mail the director at bunny42517@cs.com.
Set in Alabama during the Great Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows the journey of two young white children whose father, Atticus Finch, has been appointed to defend a black man framed for a crime he claims he did not commit. This landmark story about justice and racism compels us to take an honest look at our nation's past and our moral responsibility to each other.
Character Breakdown
Jean Louise Finch - Scout as a grown-up woman. Preferably able to play between 40 to 60ish. Will be looking for a resemblance to Scout.
Scout - able to play 9 or 10. Self-assured, inquisitive. Can be older but reading younger.
Jem - able to play 10-12. Scout's older brother. Most desires to communicate with his father.
Atticus - 50ish. Father to Scout and Jem. Tall, reserved, quietly courageous, looking to do what he considers "just."
Calpurnia - 40s and up. Black, proud and capable. Self-educated with high standards and uncompromising discipline.
Dill - able to play 10-12. Small, blond and wise beyond his years with an undercurrent of sophistication. Based on Truman Capote.
Maudie Atkinson - A bit younger than Atticus. A lovely sensitive woman.
Walter Cunningham - 40s and up. A hard-up farmer.
Reverend Sykes – Middle-aged to older. Black minister. An imposing man with a strong "minister's" voice.
Heck Tate – Middle-aged. Town sheriff. A complex man whose true feelings should be an undercurrent to his earlier actions.
Stephanie Crawford – Middle-aged to older. The town gossip who loves to stir things up.
Nathan Radley - Boo's older brother. 35ish and up. Thin and leathery. May possibly be double for Boo Radley.
Boo Radley - 30s and up. A pale recluse who is uncertain of how to deal with people.
Mrs. Dubois - Able to play elderly. She is ill, walks with difficulty from pain, which makes her bitter and angry.
Tom Robinson - 30-40. Black, handsome and honest. He has a crippled left hand which he holds against his chest. He faces up to a false charge with dignity and has an undercurrent of kindness, sensitivity and consideration.
Helen Robinson - 30-40. Black, wife of Tom, a young mother who is caught up in a nightmare.
Judge Taylor - Able to play elderly. A Southern gentleman who tries to see justice done in his court.
Mr. Gilmer – Middle-aged. The public prosecutor. Though seeming cruel and hurtful in manner, he has doubts as to Tom's guilt. Nevertheless, he goes after a conviction and it is a hard thing.
Bob Ewell – Middle-aged. Bantam-cock of a man with a large family, no money and no respect in town. He thinks this trial will make him important. He is full of rage and frustration.
Mayella - 20s-30s. Oldest daughter of Bob Ewell, she is desperately lonely and overworked. Her need for companionship has overwhelmed every other emotion so when this effort to connect explodes in her face, she fights desperately for what she thinks is survival.
Also need people of all ages to fill in as townspeople, farmers, and court room observers.
It is imperative that all those who audition be familiar with the era, the language, and the accent. A copy of the play is being made available at the Little Firehouse Theatre on a sign-out basis prior to auditions. Sides are also available. Be aware that there may be some double casting.
