The Orphan Train

Auditions: August 25 & 26, 2009 at 6:30pm

(By special arrangement on Monday, Aug 31st)

Where: The Depot, 210 S Marion St, Martinsville

Who: Youth – Girls age 5-18 and Boys age 8-18

Cast consists of 6+ Girls and 6+ Boys, some will
play multiple roles.

Preparation: Readings from the script. Optional: May also prepare a nursery rhyme, story or poem to recite.

Rehearsals: Beginning Tuesday, September 1st. 6:30-8 pm. Not everyone will need to attend
every rehearsal.

Production Dates: October 16-18 & 23-25, 2009

Directed by: Joan Kimbley

Synopsis: This play consists of the stories of some of the children sent from New York City orphanages and street children to farming communities in the Midwest and West in the hopes of finding homes. Just as each of us is different, the stories surrounding each of these children were unique to them. While thought provoking at times, the play focuses on the uncertainties, struggles and joys of these children. Orphan Trains are a part of our American History seldom talked about but, it is estimated that between 150,000 and 200,000 children rode them between the 1880’s to 1930. Do you know anyone who rode an Orphan Train? Would they be an ancestor perhaps?