Auditions: A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol –

Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge sums up his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.

Rehearsals – Rehearsals will be on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, within the range of  6 p.m – 10 p.m.

Important Dates –

First Rehearsal -October 2nd

Saturday, 9 a.m – 5 p.m Rehearsal – November 18th (potential to change)

Q2Q – November 25th

Tech Week – November 27th – December 1st

Field Trip Performances – December 7th and 8th at 10:00 a.m (will be confirmed)

Community Engagement Events –

The following are events that will require some cast members present for engagement!

• November 11th and 12th – Carolers at the Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta

• November 9th – Atlanta and Company (morning show) show taping – ideal to have Scrooge present!

• Downtown Woodstock Christmas Parade (pre-show, potentially)

PREPARATION

Woodstock Arts is deeply committed to building an inviting and inclusive arts community that celebrates individuality and diversity and treats everyone with fairness and respect. We invite artists of all genders, races, ages, sizes, and sexual orientations, as well as artists with disabilities to participate. We want to represent diverse communities in our organization and welcome you here.

Woodstock Arts is taking measures to ensure your safety and well-being. We want to make this experience as comfortable, safe, and fun as possible for everyone involved.

Auditions will be in-person on  Sunday September 9th from 6 p.m – 10 p.m  and Monday September 11th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m 

PLEASE NOTE – Audition Times from 6 – 8:00 p.m are reserved for student actors only, so that they may be seen for both A CHRISTMAS CAROL and THE SPONEGBOB MUSICAl.

If your student is only auditioning for A CHRISTMAS CAROL they may sign-up for any time.

STUDENTS WHO WISH TO AUDITION FOR BOTH SHOWS NEED ONLY SIGN-UP FOR ONE TIME SLOT/ON ONE AUDITION PAGE.

Video audition submissions will be accepted until Monday the 11th at 8:00 pm. You can send your Video Submission to zach@woodstockarts.org. Please Slate before your video audition. (NOTE: you will still need to fill out the online audition form along with a video submission.) 

Student actor in-person callbacks  will take place on Wednesday, September 13th from 6:00 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Adult actor in-person callbacks will take place on Wednesday, September 20th from 6:00 p.m. until 10 p.m. 

Information about callbacks will be emailed separately.

For your audition please prepare-

Please prepare one of the sides provided, as well as a cut of one of the songs found in the folder. Audition materials can be found at this link HERE. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Character Breakdown – 

Ebeneezer Scrooge – male, 45 to 65 – A man who lost his father to creditors as a child and has grown up heeding his father’s advice to save his money above all else. Until he realizes how terrible he’s become, he is a grumpy, unsympathetic man and has no time for anyone or anything. Vocal range top: G5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Ghost Of Jacob Marley –  male, 45 to 55 – A tormented and lugubrious ghost who, before his death, was Scrooge’s long-time partner in business. He returns to give Scrooge a chance to avoid the fate he secured for himself. Vocal range top: A5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Ghost Of Christmas Past – An ever cheerful, sprightly ghost who visits Scrooge to show him the events that led to his current state. Actor doubles as Lamplighter and Jonathan in Finale. This role will be played as male by an actor of any gender and is the youngest of the three spirits. Vocal range top: G5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Scrooge’s Father – A man seen for the last time as he is sentenced to prison for non-payment of debts. His final words to Ebeneezer become his son’s lifelong obsession and undoing.

Scrooge’s Mother – A woman who tries to instill values of compassion and love in her children. Though she dies while they are still young, her presence lingers long into their adulthood. Actor doubles as Ghost of Christmas Future and Blind Old Hag.

Child Eben – 8 to 12 – A determined boy who dedicates his life to making enough money to avoid the same fate as his father. Actor doubles as Child Smythe and Ignorance.

Child Fan – 8 to 12 – Scrooge’s sister from whom he is separated. She longs for an idealized sense of home, family, and belonging at Christmastime. Actor doubles as Grace Smythe and Want.

Young Eben – 18 – 30 – A hardworking young professional who seems to be going places. Surrounded by others who come from money, he can not shake the feeling that he must prove his worth. Actor doubles as Fred Anderson.

Young Marley – 18-35 – A striking and gregarious young man for whom money and affection have always come easy. He is perfectly suited to a partnership with Scrooge until his untimely death. Actor doubles as Bob Cratchit.

Emily –  18 to 30 – Scrooge’s fiancé from when they were young. She is a charming young woman who comes from a wealthy family and as such is not impressed or in need of money. Actor doubles as Sally Anderson.

Mr. Fezziwig – 35 to 55 –A jolly and charitable man who throws a huge Christmas party every year for the community. He is Scrooge’s first boss and after teaching him all he knows, he becomes deeply disappointed in the man Scrooge will become. Actor may double as Ghost of Christmas Present.Vocal range top: B5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Mrs. Fezziwig – 35 to 55 –A consummate and prideful hostess, Mr. Fezziwig’s wife revels in throwing the Christmas party every year. Actor may double as Ghost of Christmas Present. Vocal range top: A5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Ghost Of Christmas Present – 35 to 55, A jovial, larger-than-life spirit who comes to show Scrooge all the joy, love, and celebration he is missing out on. Actor doubles as Sandwichboard Man. Vocal range top: G5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Bob Cratchit – 30 to 40, A father and husband who cares deeply for his family, particularly his youngest son. Though he is a hard worker, he can not hope to meet Scrooge’s unreasonable expectations. Actor Doubles as Young Marley. Vocal range top: E5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Mrs. Cratchit – 30 to 40, female – Tiny Tim’s mother and Mr. Cratchit’s wife. She is a loving mother who tries to provide the best for her children with what she’s got. Vocal range top: E5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Martha Cratchit – 13 to 18 – Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit’s oldest daughter. She does not see her family regularly as she must work in a factory to help support them, but always tries to make it home for Christmas.

Tiny Tim – 8 to 12 – Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit’s youngest son. He uses a crutch to walk, and is the definition of loving Christmas spirit. He constantly reminds his family that as long as they all have each other, they will be happy. This role will be played as male by an actor of any gender, and will be double cast.

Fred Anderson – 25 to 35 –  Scrooge’s nephew and only living relative. He is a pleasant young man who believes in the good a joyful Christmas spirit can make in the world and longs for a connection with his mother’s family. Actor doubles as Young Ebeneezer. Vocal range top: F5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Sally Anderson –  25 to 35 – A staunch woman and Fred’s wife who is pregnant with their first child. She does not believe reconciliation with Scrooge is possible, but supports Fred’s efforts to do so. Actor doubles as Emily. Vocal range top: B5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Ghost Of Christmas Future – An inevitable and terrifying wraith, the Ghost of Christmas Future is strong and silent as she shows Scrooge what will happen to him and those around him if he continues down the path he is currently treading. Actor doubles as Scrooge’s Mother and Blind Old Hag. The oldest of the three spirits. Vocal range top: G5 – Vocal range bottom: A3

Ensemble:  Bankers, Charity Collectors, Charwomen, Merchants, Urchins, Ghosts, Judge, Bailiffs, Party Guests, Showgirls, Gravediggers, and People of London