Description:

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in downtown Arlington Heights, IL announces general auditions for A Christmas Carol. This years’ A Christmas Carol (Winter 2019) is a musical adapted for the Metropolis stage by playwright Krista Scott, directed by Kevin Wiczer, musical direction by Ken McMullen, and choreography by Kara Schoenhofer. Krista Scott’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol contains all the elements that combine to make Charles Dickens’ story a beloved holiday classic. The Metropolis’ production adds the warmth and humor that is characteristic of and true to the novel. Seeking adult, teen and child actors who can act, sing and dance. Particularly seeking actors of diversity, who are strongly encouraged to audition.

Characters:

Adult tracks:
Scrooge

Bob Cratchit/Mr. Fezziwig/Singer

Fred/Dick Wilkins/Ghost of Present Elf 1/Singer

Mrs. Cratchit/Singer/Fezziwig Guest 2

Mrs. Fezziwig/Singer/Street Person 2/Partier 4

Jacob Marley/Baker/Singer/Belle's Husband/Fezziwig Guest 5/Partier, also possibly Future

Charity Woman 1/Singer/Fezziwig Guest 8/Constance/Mrs. Crow

Belle/Older Belle/Street Person 1/Singer/Partier 1/Future Demon 1

Charity Woman 2/Prudence/Mrs. Dilber/Singer/Fezziwig Guest 9

Beggar/Singer/Fezziwig Guest 6/Ghost of Present Elf 2/Old Joe

Christmas Present/Schoolmaster/Vendor/Fezziwig Guest 1/Singer

Maggie/Singer/Fezziwig Guest 3

Female-Identified Street Person/Singer/Fezziwig Guest 10/Partier 5

Young Scrooge/Topper/Poulterer/Singer/Future Demon 2

Teen & Children Tracks:
Tiny Tim/ Ignorance/Street Urchin 2/Singer/Schoolboy 2 (this role will be double cast)

Christmas Past 1 (Female-Identified)/Belinda/Child/Singer

Christmas Past 2 (Male-Identified)/Street Urchin/ Child/Partier/Singer

Ebby/Nicholas/Child/Belle's Son/Turkey Boy

Peter/Child/Schoolboy 1/Fezziwig Guest 7/Partier 3/Singer

Street Urchin/Singer/Child /Fan/Belle's Daughter/Elizabeth/Want

Martha/Child/Fezziwig Guest 4/Singer

Teen/Child Ensemble

Pay: Rehearsals - Flat fee; Show(s) - Per show pay **Good pay **Regarding teens & children - please note that while lead, featured and supporting teen/child roles are paid, the Teen/Child Ensemble is unpaid.

Auditions: Monday, August 12 - 4:00pm-11:00pm; Wednesday, August 14 - 12:00pm-6:00pm; Audition slots will be individually assigned based on the closest available requested date(s)/time(s). Callback Dates: TBA

Time Commitment:
Rehearsals - Monday, October 14-Monday, November 18, 2019: Weekly rehearsals include 7:00pm-10:00pm Mondays-Fridays, 1:00pm-5:00pm Saturdays, and 6:00pm-10:00pm Sundays. There is at least one designated evening off each week, selected at the director's discretion. Teens and children are rehearsed less hours and are released no later than 9:00pm during rehearsals and by 10:00pm during tech. Understudy rehearsal will be Thursday 12/5, 1:30pm-5:00pm.

Tech Week - Tuesday, November 19-Wednesday, November 27, 2019: Actors with multiple tech week conflicts will not be under consideration. Schedule is as follows: Tuesday 11/19-Thursday 11/21, 6:00pm-11:00pm; Sunday 11/24, 12:00pm-11:00pm; Monday 11/25-Wednesday 11/27, 6:00pm-11:00pm. There are no rehearsals on Friday 11/22-Saturday 11/23.

Performances - Thursday, November 29-Monday, December 24, 2019: Sundays 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, & 12/22, 3:00pm; Sunday 12/1, 6:00pm; Monday 12/23, 3:00pm & 7:00pm; Tuesday 12/24, 3:00pm; Wednesdays 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18, 10:30am; Thursdays 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19, 10:30am & 7:00pm; Friday 11/29, 1:00pm; Fridays 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20, 9:15am, 11:30am & 7:00pm; Saturday 11/30, 1:00pm; Saturdays 12/7, 12/14 & 12/21, 3:00pm & 7:00pm.

Material To Prepare:
Teens & Children – Please prepare 16 bars of your favorite Christmas carol (please bring sheet music for the accompanist). Also, prepare a monologue one minute or less in length (in a standard British dialect if possible).

Adults – Please prepare 16 bars of your favorite Christmas carol that shows off your vocal abilities (please bring sheet music for the accompanist). Also, prepare a monologue one minute or less in length in a standard British accent.

An accompanist will be provided. You must audition and bring an updated headshot and resume even if you have been seen at Metropolis in past seasons. Dance calls will occur only during callback days.