Audition details:

• 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Anderson Center Theatre (7850 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230).
• Call-backs, if needed, will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Anderson Center Theatre.
• Auditions will consist of readings from the script.
• Please bring a resume and headshot. Headshots will be taken of those who don’t bring one.

Show synopsis:

This fictionalized account of the Scopes “Monkey” trial in Tennessee addresses basic issues which are still controversial today. Thinly disguised characters portraying William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow oppose each other in this dramatic re-creation of the trial of a teacher for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to a high school science class. It’s faith versus science in a play that reflects conflicts that still trouble our society.

The run of the show is May 8 – 16, 2015.

Character descriptions:
Cast size – 21 men, six women, two boys, one girl

Matthew Harrison Brady, a three-time presidential candidate and nationally known attorney. He is a Populist and a dynamic public speaker even though he is in his late 60s or early 70s.

Henry Drummond, another nationally known attorney who was once Brady’s closest friend and political confidante. He is about the same age as Brady. Folksy but can bristle when pushed.

Bertram “Bert” Cates, a Hillsboro high school teacher in his 20s who has taught the theory of evolution in violation of a state law banning its teaching in classrooms; uncomfortable in the limelight.

E. K. Hornbeck, a reporter for the fictional Baltimore Herald newspaper. He is young, sarcastic, cynical and deeply opposed to religious belief.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown, a fundamentalist preacher who believes fervently in Biblical literalism. He is widowed, and has a daughter – Rachel Brown.

Rachel Brown, the Rev. Brown’s daughter. She is 22, romantically involved with Bertram Cates before all this happened and is now very conflicted about the situation.

The Judge, a local county court judge who is subtly sympathetic to Rev. Brown’s views.

Howard Blair, a 13-year-old high school student who was in Bertram Cates’ class.

Melinda Loomis, a 12-year-old girl who believes strongly in the Bible.

Tom Davenport, the local district attorney who prosecutes Bertram Cates.

The Mayor, the top elected official of Hillsboro who is openly supportive of the Rev. Brown but also deeply political and concerned about the economic future of his town.

Meeker, a bailiff at the Hillsboro courthouse; very laid back.

Mrs. Sarah Brady, Matthew Harrison Brady’s wife; gracious, but protective of her husband.

Mrs. Krebs, a loudly outspoken supporter of Rev. Brown and leader of the Ladies’ Aid Society.

Various other townspeople.