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Mariemont Players, Inc. is pleased to announce auditions for our production of THE RAINMAKER, a play by N. Richard Nash.

Directed by Aaron Whitehead

Audition Dates/Times:

• Sunday, March 16 – 7-10 p.m.
• Monday, March 17– 7-10 p.m

Sign-up: Please sign up for an audition time here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44AFAB2FA2FE3-55522760-therainmaker

Callbacks: (as needed) Tuesday, March 18, 7pm

Location: Mariemont Players – 4101 Walton Creek Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227

Audition Requirements:

• Auditions will consist of “warm” readings from the script. Sides can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15VqsRG4QUzfl3a2QLEQIUvmngz95-QHl?usp=sharing
• Please bring a theatrical resume. Headshots are appreciated, but not required.
• The production team encourages actors of all races, ethnicities, identities, abilities, experience levels, etc. to audition – all are welcome!
• Please contact director Aaron Whitehead with questions about the script or audition process at awhitehead1981@gmail.com
• If in need of accommodations or questions about accessibility, please contact producers Aaron Whitehead at awhitehead1981@gmail.com

Production Dates: September 4-21, 2025

Rehearsal times: Rehearsals will begin August 4th and run through the opening.

Synopsis: At the time of a paralyzing drought in the West we discover a girl whose father and two brothers are worried as much about her potential future as an old maid as they are about their dying cattle. For the truth is, she is indeed a plain girl. The brothers try every possible scheme to marry her off, without success. Nor is there any sign of relief from the dry heat, when suddenly, from out of nowhere, appears a picaresque, sweet-talking man with quite the sales pitch. Claiming to be a “rainmaker,” the man promises to bring rain, for $100. It’s a silly idea, but the rainmaker is so refreshing and persistent that the family finally consents, banging on big brass drums to rattle the sky. Meanwhile, the rainmaker also turns his magic on the girl, and persuades her that she has a very real beauty of her own. She believes it, just as her father believes the fellow can actually bring rain. Rain does come, and so does love.

Character Breakdown

Lizzie Curry –  female – presenting 20s- Lizzie was forced to grow up too fast and be the mother for her two brothers. Never got to be a little girl. Worried that she’ll never be married. Wants to find someone that accepts her for who she is. Practical and straightforward but with a big heart. Initially hostile to Starbuck but ultimately sees there is more to him than he lets on.

File –  male – presenting 20s-30s – File enjoys his work as Deputy Sheriff and likes the people of his town. Still feels there’s something missing. Has never been willing to take a chance on another woman since his wife left him. A good soul and a very decent man. Is attracted to Lizzie but has never found a way to tell her.

Bill Starbuck – male – presenting 20s-30s – Brimming with charisma. Starbuck, the Rainmaker, is a con man who sells himself to others with his infectious confidence, good humor, and tremendous people skills. An eternal dreamer, never satisfied to stay in one place for too long. Not usually thrown off his game until he meets Lizzie.

H.C. Curry – male – presenting 50s-60s – H.C., the father of Lizzie, Noah, and Jim, is the emotional anchor of the family. He says a lot with few words. A good man at heart. Doesn’t want Lizzie to give up hope on finding happiness.

Sheriff Thomas – male – presenting 40s-60s – The Sheriff has lived in the town all his life and is a favorite among the locals. Politically savvy but good at his job. Sees more in File, his deputy, than File sees in himself.

Jim Curry – male – presenting teens to 20s – Jim has tremendous energy and is determined to know everything he can about the world. Still quite naive, and not as old and wise as he likes to pretend, Jim is none the less unfailingly loyal to his family. Competely taken in by Starbuck.

Noah Curry – male – presenting 20s-30s – Noah is the one who actually runs the ranch. Every farm needs a hard-nosed businessman to mind the details, and that is Noah. Decidedly unromantic. Practical. Often clashes with his father, as Noah feels that if he runs the farm he should have more say in running the family. Loves his family deeply but cannot express himself with kindness or tenderness.

information can be found on our website here: https://www.mariemontplayers.com/auditions1.