Radium Girls
AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions: October 12 and 13 at 7:00 pm in the Rehearsal Hall
Show Dates: January 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 January 18 and 25 at 2:30.
Radium Girls Directing Staff:
Director: Lori Venable Clark
Assistant Director: Betty Dotson
Technical Director: Nathan Arnold
Stage Manager: Lyndsay Richards
Production Assistant: Nora Corra
Costumer: Karen Gessner Parlett
Props: Danny Bayer
Synopsis:
Radium Girls" tells the story of young women working in factories in the 1920s who were poisoned by the radium they used to paint watch dials. Initially unaware of the dangers, the women, encouraged to "lip-point" their paintbrushes, begin experiencing severe health issues. As they fight for recognition and justice against their former employer, they face not only corporate resistance but also skepticism from their families and communities. The story culminates in legal battles and ultimately, landmark changes in workplace safety regulations.
Casting:
The play "Radium Girls" generally requires a cast of 9-10 actors who can play multiple roles, with doubling of parts being common. The play is known for its fast-paced, highly theatrical style and features characters like factory workers, friends, lovers, relatives, attorneys, scientists, and bystanders. There are no specific requirements regarding ethnicity or disability accommodation, and it's open to actors of all abilities.
Specific requirements and considerations:
Cast Size:
The play is written for 9-10 actors, allowing for doubling of characters.
Character Doubling:
Actors will need to be comfortable playing multiple roles.
The play "Radium Girls" features a large ensemble cast, with actors often playing multiple roles. The central character is Grace Fryer, a dial painter who falls ill after working with radium. Other key characters include Grace's coworkers, her fiancé Tom, and the president of the radium company, Arthur Roeder. The play also features various other characters, such as reporters, company representatives, and medical professionals, many of whom are portrayed by the ensemble cast.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Key Characters:
Grace Fryer:
The protagonist, a young dial painter who fights for justice after being poisoned by radium.
Arthur Roeder:
The president of the U.S. Radium Corporation, initially unaware or in denial of the dangers of radium.
Tom:
Grace's fiancé, a postal worker who supports her fight.
Kathryn, Irene, and other dial painters:
Coworkers of Grace, some of whom join her in her fight, while others may be skeptical or fearful.
Markley:
Counsel for the U.S. Radium Corporation, a rational but ethically ambiguous character.
Lee:
Vice President of the U.S. Radium Corporation, later becomes President.
Flinn:
An industrial hygienist who is initially hired by the company but later becomes involved in the case.
Reporters:
Members of the press who cover the story and contribute to public awareness.
Ensemble Roles:
The play often utilizes an ensemble cast, where actors play multiple roles, sometimes even playing both male and female characters.
These roles can include:
Shopgirls and Society Women: Reflecting different social classes impacted by the radium issue.
Board Members: Representing the company's leadership and their decisions.
Doctors and Scientists: Highlighting the medical and scientific aspects of the story.
Various Bystanders: People who are affected by or have opinions about the case.
Themes and Conflicts:
"Radium Girls" explores themes of corporate greed, workers' rights, the dangers of unchecked science, and the fight for justice. The play highlights the human cost of industrialization and the courage of those who fought for their rights in the face of adversity. The conflict between Grace and Arthur Roeder, and the differing perspectives on radium's impact, drive the narrative.
Show Dates: January 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 January 18 and 25 at 2:30.
Radium Girls Directing Staff:
Director: Lori Venable Clark
Assistant Director: Betty Dotson
Technical Director: Nathan Arnold
Stage Manager: Lyndsay Richards
Production Assistant: Nora Corra
Costumer: Karen Gessner Parlett
Props: Danny Bayer
Synopsis:
Radium Girls" tells the story of young women working in factories in the 1920s who were poisoned by the radium they used to paint watch dials. Initially unaware of the dangers, the women, encouraged to "lip-point" their paintbrushes, begin experiencing severe health issues. As they fight for recognition and justice against their former employer, they face not only corporate resistance but also skepticism from their families and communities. The story culminates in legal battles and ultimately, landmark changes in workplace safety regulations.
Casting:
The play "Radium Girls" generally requires a cast of 9-10 actors who can play multiple roles, with doubling of parts being common. The play is known for its fast-paced, highly theatrical style and features characters like factory workers, friends, lovers, relatives, attorneys, scientists, and bystanders. There are no specific requirements regarding ethnicity or disability accommodation, and it's open to actors of all abilities.
Specific requirements and considerations:
Cast Size:
The play is written for 9-10 actors, allowing for doubling of characters.
Character Doubling:
Actors will need to be comfortable playing multiple roles.
The play "Radium Girls" features a large ensemble cast, with actors often playing multiple roles. The central character is Grace Fryer, a dial painter who falls ill after working with radium. Other key characters include Grace's coworkers, her fiancé Tom, and the president of the radium company, Arthur Roeder. The play also features various other characters, such as reporters, company representatives, and medical professionals, many of whom are portrayed by the ensemble cast.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Key Characters:
Grace Fryer:
The protagonist, a young dial painter who fights for justice after being poisoned by radium.
Arthur Roeder:
The president of the U.S. Radium Corporation, initially unaware or in denial of the dangers of radium.
Tom:
Grace's fiancé, a postal worker who supports her fight.
Kathryn, Irene, and other dial painters:
Coworkers of Grace, some of whom join her in her fight, while others may be skeptical or fearful.
Markley:
Counsel for the U.S. Radium Corporation, a rational but ethically ambiguous character.
Lee:
Vice President of the U.S. Radium Corporation, later becomes President.
Flinn:
An industrial hygienist who is initially hired by the company but later becomes involved in the case.
Reporters:
Members of the press who cover the story and contribute to public awareness.
Ensemble Roles:
The play often utilizes an ensemble cast, where actors play multiple roles, sometimes even playing both male and female characters.
These roles can include:
Shopgirls and Society Women: Reflecting different social classes impacted by the radium issue.
Board Members: Representing the company's leadership and their decisions.
Doctors and Scientists: Highlighting the medical and scientific aspects of the story.
Various Bystanders: People who are affected by or have opinions about the case.
Themes and Conflicts:
"Radium Girls" explores themes of corporate greed, workers' rights, the dangers of unchecked science, and the fight for justice. The play highlights the human cost of industrialization and the courage of those who fought for their rights in the face of adversity. The conflict between Grace and Arthur Roeder, and the differing perspectives on radium's impact, drive the narrative.