Radium Girls - Auditions

About the Show

Radium Girls tells the true story of Grace Fryer, a former dial painter for U.S. Radium Corporation, as she battles her former employers and her own deteriorating health for justice, after being unknowingly poisoned in her workplace by extreme levels of Radium, the newest “miracle drug.” The courage and persistence of Grace and the other Radium Girls show the true power of the working class when united.

Radium Girls fiercely examines the commercialization of science, the pursuit of both health and wealth, the power of the underdog and the fierce injustice laborers in America have faced and may continue to face.

Note: The content contains mature topics, as well as gore through special effects, which may be unsuitable for some audiences. Due to the nature of this show, all actors should be at least 16 years old.

Ensemble characters will be cast into multiple roles, and the Radium Girls ensemble will take part in a pre-show performance.

Rehearsals will be scheduled based on scene needs and performer availability. Supporting and ensemble roles will not be expected to attend every rehearsal.

What to prepare

Everyone auditioning should:

1. Prepare a one-minute dramatic monologue of their choice. (Memorized preferred, but not mandatory.)

2. Fill out an audition form.

3. Sign up for an audition time slot.

4. Fill out a conflict calendar.

Please email the director if you have questions.

Character Descriptions

The Radium Girls

• GRACE FRYER: Our protagonist. A brilliant young dial painter. Grace is brave and kind at heart. Described as “a particularly civic-minded young woman,” she is incredibly intelligent and career-focused.

• KATHRYN SCHAUB: Another young dial painter. Described by other workers as “a lively, sociable girl with many friends” and “a very imaginative temperament.”

• IRENE RUDOLPH: The liveliest of the three girls, Irene balances determination and strength with her bubbly personality.

• MRS. ALMA MACNEIL: The supervisor at the radium factory.

• THE RADIUM GIRLS ENSEMBLE: The other girls working at the dial factory. This will require in depth character creation and personalization, for use onstage and in Pre-show performances. Women cast in these roles will also be cast as reporters and other ensemble roles and may act as understudies.

The Company Men

• ARTHUR ROEDER: President of U.S. Radium Corporation.

• EDWARD MARKLEY: Counsel for the company.

• C.B. “CHARLIE” LEE: Vice president, later president, of the company.

• DR. VON SOCHOCKY: The founder of U.S. Radium Corporation. Studied radium under the Curies and invented the luminous paint.

The Family and Friends

• TOM KRIEDER: Grace’s boyfriend.

• DIANE ROEDER: Arthur Roeder’s wife.

• HARRIET ROEDER: Arthur Roeder’s daughter.

• ANNA FRYER: Grace Fryer’s mother.

The Advocates

• KATHRYN WILEY: The executive director of New Jersey Consumer’s League.

• RAYMOND BERRY: The Dial Painters’ attorney.

The Scientists

• DR. CECIL DRINKER: Harvard industrial hygienist.

• DR. HARRISON MARLAND: The county medical examiner.

• DR. JOSEPH KNEF: A dentist.

• DR. MARIE CURIE: Discovered radium. This actor must be able to learn a Polish accent.

• FREDERICK FLINN, PH.D.: Columbia University industrial hygienist.

The Press

• JACK YOUNGWOOD: Reporter.

• NANCY JANE HARLAN/SOB SISTER: A tabloid reporter for New York Graphic.

The Witnesses

• WILLIAM J.A. BAILEY: Entrepreneur, a manufacturer of Radithor.

• MRS. MICHAELS: A consumer of Radithor.

• SOCIETY WOMAN: Mrs. James (Cora) Middleton, a well-bred woman.

• CLERK: An overworked public employee.