AUDITION NOTICE
THE CHILDREN’S HOUR
By Lillian Hellman
Directed by Shelbe McClain
AUDITION DATES, TIMES, LOCATION
Saturday & Sunday, August 9th & 10th from 11:00 am-2:00 pm
BakersfieldCommunityTheatre
2400 S Chester Ave
To make an audition appointment, request additional information, or if unable to attend in-person auditions, please email the director at
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Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
PERFORMANCE DATES
Fridays & Saturdays October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 at 7:30 pm
Sunday Matinees October 19 & 26 at 2:00 pm
REHEARSALS
Start the week of August 18th
Tech week: October 6th–9th, 2025
Monday-Thursday rehearsals 6:00pm-9:00pm.
According to character, you may not be needed every night. Occasional Friday/Weekend rehearsals may be scheduled based on need and actor availability.
Set in1980’s, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, when homophobia was rampant in society. This approach will not only honor Hellman’s original work but also provides a poignant, timely commentary on the dire consequences of intolerance and the brutal impact of bigotry and misinformation that is prevalent even in society today.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This show consists of heavy material with depictions of suicide and a gunshot heard off-stage. If you wish to read the play before auditions to be sure you are comfortable with the material, you may email the director to request a digital copy to peruse:
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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Please prepare to cold read from the script, slides will be available at your audition appointment. We also ask that you wear comfortable clothing and prepare to move in your audition slot. If interested in the role of Evelyn Munn, prepare to read with a lisp.
Please bring a list of any conflicts you may have during the rehearsal/performance process to include for the production staff.
ROLES TO BE CAST
Martha Dobie (Female, Lead) – Matha is part owner of the Wright-Dobie School, an all-girls boarding school. She, along with teaching partner Karen Wright, has worked very hard to build their school’s reputation. She is the more “emotional” one of the two friends, and the accusations of Mary Tilford may help her reach clarity but end in devastation.
Karen Wright (Female, Lead) - Karen Wright is part owner of the Wright-Dobie School. She, along with teaching partner Martha Dobie, has worked very hard to build their school’s reputation, and is devastated by the witch-hunt following Mary’s accusations. Karen seems more emotionally stable than Martha and usually functions as the calmer person in the relationship. Karen is engaged to Joe Cardin. She is resilient in a way that Martha is not.
Mary Tilford (Female, Lead) – Mary Tilford is always up to no good, causing trouble for her teachers, and a compulsive liar to get out of trouble. She has one side she shows to the adults in her life and a whole other side that she only shows to her classmates. Mary knows just how to play her cards right with her grandmother to get her way.
Lily Mortar (Female, Lead) – The eccentric aunt of Martha Dobie. Mrs. Mortar also lives on the school grounds and helps assist Martha and Karen in their teachings, however it is clear Mrs. Mortar has little to no control over her classroom and cares only of someday returning to the stage.
Joseph Cardin (Male, Lead) - Joe Cardin, a local doctor who also happens to be related to Mary Tilford. Joe is engaged to Karen Wright.
Amelia Tilford (Female, Lead) – The grandmother of Mary Tilford. Amelia is easily persuaded by Mary and undoubtedly will give Mary anything she wants.
Agatha is a no-nonsense maid employed by Amelia Tilford. Unlike Amelia, she sees right through Mary’s fake tears and complaints and has no problem letting her know it.
The Other Children at the school (Female, Supporting)
Rosalie Wells
Peggy Rogers
Evelyn Munn (Must have a lisp)
Lois Fisher
Helen Burton
Catherine.
(One student will double as the Grocery Boy).
Since 1927, Bakersfield Community Theatre has helmed works that encourage diversity and inclusivity, promoted local artists, and focused on the community aspects of theatre. While some scripts call for specific character guidelines, people of all ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, and physical abilities are encouraged to audition. BCT is a safe and inclusive place, and we take pride in the connection to our community.
bctstage.org
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