PROJECT TYPE: Off-Off Broadway
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Red Door Productions
DIRECTOR: Eve Bianco

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hellman was written in 1934; it is set in the same year, in a fictional town called Lancet in New England. The story follows two headmistresses, best friends since university and united by a shared dream, whose lives are destroyed when a malicious student whispers a scandalous accusation. It is later discovered that the gossip was pure invention. But it is too late. Irreparable damage has been done.

At its heart, it is a story about what society does to women — their reputations, their friendships, and their ambitions. In an era defined by cancel culture and the viral spread of misinformation, this play feels as urgent and alive today as it did when Hellman wrote it.

ROLES

All roles are open to actors of all ethnicities. A strong Northeastern American accent is required for all roles. All actors must be 18+.

MAIN ROLES

MARY TILFORD
Age: Plays 12–14 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: The spoiled and dangerously clever granddaughter of Amelia Tilford. A manipulative and calculating child who instinctively understands power. She shifts between charm, victimhood, and cruelty to control those around her, resorting to a variety of tactics including flattery, feigned sickness, blackmail, physical intimidation, and whining complaints.

DOCTOR JOSEPH CARDIN
Age: 28–35
Gender: Identifies as male
Description: A relaxed and amiable country doctor, and Karen’s fiancé. Warm, gracious, and quietly humorous, with an easygoing nature that makes him well-liked. He appears steady and grounded, though not always fully attuned to the emotional complexities around him.

MRS LILY MORTAR
Age: 45–65
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: A self-centred woman living in a romanticised illusion of her past theatrical success. Vain, theatrical, and deeply susceptible to flattery. Often unintentionally comic, yet rooted in a genuine need for admiration and relevance.
Special Skills: Strong comedic instincts; ability to find humour grounded in truth.

SUPPORTING ROLES

AMELIA TILFORD
Age: 60s
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: A wealthy, dignified widow and influential supporter of the school. Fair and generous, with strong social authority. Her critical flaw is her unquestioning belief in her granddaughter, which clouds her judgement.

ROSALIE WELLS
Age: Plays 12–14 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: Intelligent and morally conflicted. She initially resists Mary, but her sense of right and wrong is tested when she is blackmailed. A deeply human character torn between fear, guilt, and integrity.

PEGGY ROGERS
Age: Plays 12–14 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: Less privileged than the other girls, Peggy is hardworking, sensitive, and emotionally vulnerable. She lacks Mary’s strength and social confidence but carries a quiet resilience.
Special Skills: Ability to convey subtle emotional shifts and vulnerability.

EVELYN MUNN
Age: Plays 12–14 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: Timid, impressionable, and eager to belong. Both fearful of and fascinated by Mary, she is easily influenced and struggles to assert herself.

AGATHA
Age: 40-60
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: Mrs Tilford’s sharp, perceptive maid. Strong-willed and grounded, she sees through Mary’s manipulations and understands more than she outwardly expresses.

FEATURED ROLES

CATHERINE
Age: Plays 12–14 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: A bright, precocious student and eager overachiever. A teacher’s pet with a tendency to show off and assert dominance over others, particularly Lois.

LOIS FISHER
Age: Plays 12–14 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: A slower but deeply lovable student. Struggles academically, particularly with Latin, but brings warmth and sincerity.

JANET
Age: Plays 12–14 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: A student in the opening scene, attentive and observant during the Latin recital.

LESLIE
Age: Plays 12–14 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as female
Description: A student in the opening scene, listening alongside Janet. Engaged but secondary presence.

GROCERY BOY
Age: Plays 16–18 (actors 18+)
Gender: Identifies as male
Description: He appears in the final scene, carrying a box of groceries into the school’s living room. Awkward, curious, and slightly intrusive.

DETAILS

Location: Theatre 154, 154 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
Dates: July 8th – July 19th (10 performances)

Rehearsals will begin on May 1st, with three to four rehearsals per week. The schedule will be coordinated to accommodate actors’ availability. Rehearsals will be held in a combination of East and West Village studios, with later rehearsals taking place at Theatre 154.

Auditions are open to both Union and non-Union actors.

AUDITION TIMELINE

Self-tape deadline: Friday, April 17th
Callbacks: Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th