The Miracle Worker Background William Gibson created a “teleplay” a television play based on Helen Keller’s autobiography The Story of My Life, and letters from Annie Sullivan. William Gibson created a “teleplay” a television play based on Helen Keller’s autobiography The Story of My Life, and letters from Annie Sullivan. He adapted the production for the stage which later became the famous 1962 Academy Award winning version with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. He adapted the production for the stage which later became the famous 1962 Academy Award winning version with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. Later in 2000, Disney did a remake starring Hallie Kate Eisenberg. Later in 2000, Disney did a remake starring Hallie Kate Eisenberg.

Author of The Miracle Worker William Gibson Was born in the Bronx, New York, on November 13, Was born in the Bronx, New York, on November 13, The Miracle Worker is his second Broadway production for which he is best known. The Miracle Worker is his second Broadway production for which he is best known. Gibson was fascinated with Annie Sullivan’s triumph as Helen Keller’s teacher, which led him to write about her accomplishments. Gibson was fascinated with Annie Sullivan’s triumph as Helen Keller’s teacher, which led him to write about her accomplishments. See more information on the handout. See more information on the handout.

Characters in The Miracle Worker Helen Keller Helen Keller Annie Sullivan Annie Sullivan Captain Keller (Helen’s Father) Captain Keller (Helen’s Father) Kate Keller (Helen’s Mother) Kate Keller (Helen’s Mother) James Keller (Helen’s Step-brother) James Keller (Helen’s Step-brother) Anagnos Anagnos Aunt Ev Aunt Ev Martha Martha Percy Percy Viney Viney Offstage Voices Offstage Voices

Stage Direction mini-lesson What is it? Definition: A playwright’s instruction/directions to the director and actors (written in the script) Describes the position of the actors on the Stage.

Basic Stage Vocabulary Stage directions apply to the actor as he/she faces the audience Stage directions apply to the actor as he/she faces the audience Stage Right -R- the actor’s right Stage Right -R- the actor’s right Stage Left –L- the actor’s left Stage Left –L- the actor’s left Downstage -D- nearest the audience Downstage -D- nearest the audience Upstage -U- away from the audience Upstage -U- away from the audience C – Center Stage C – Center Stage

Other Stage Vocabulary Onstage – the acting area within the set, visible to the audience Onstage – the acting area within the set, visible to the audience Offstage – the parts of the stage not enclosed by the setting Offstage – the parts of the stage not enclosed by the setting Backstage – the area behind the setting Backstage – the area behind the setting Wings – the offstage areas to the left and right of the acting area Wings – the offstage areas to the left and right of the acting area House – the auditorium where the audience sits (also called ‘outfront’) House – the auditorium where the audience sits (also called ‘outfront’)

Body Positions Five basic positions: Five basic positions: One quarter One quarter Full front Full front Profile Profile Three quarter Three quarter Full back Full back

Act One (Pages 5-38) Scene 1: Setting= The Keller Household (Night time) Inside the Keller Household: Three adults surround a crib, in lamplight. They have been through a long vigil, and it shows in their tired bearing and disarranged clothing. (Captain Keller, Kate Keller, and the Doctor)

Act One (Pages 5-38) 1. What was the doctor's diagnosis of the baby? 2. Explain how Helen is James's half sister. 3. Why was Helen searching for buttons? 4. What two presents did Annie receive for herself prior to her departure from the Perkins Institute? 5. Why did Kate give Helen a peppermint drop? 6. What was Kate's first impression of Annie Sullivan? 7. What was the first word that Annie signed into Helen's hand? 8. State the philosophy behind Annie's first instructional lesson for Helen.