Description:

Rail Events Productions announces auditions for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, an hour long live, theatrical production based on the well-known film and book, The Polar Express. The show includes scripted scenes, live singing, dancing, and a great deal of audience interaction. The show happens aboard a slow moving train that leaves out of Union Station in downtown Chicago.

Seeking ACTORS and ACTORS/SINGERS for the following roles:

SANTA: Male identified character actor, any ethnicity, to play 45+; warm, formidable, sincere, full of real joy. Non-singer. Younger character actors with a commanding presence are welcome and encouraged to apply.

CONDUCTOR: Male identified, any ethnicity, to play 35-55; stoic to goofy, charming, outgoing, personable with a slight serious side. Simple singing and choreography.

HOBO: Male identified, any ethnicity, to play 25-35; high-energy, assertive, gruff, strong-voiced, imposing while masking a joyful heart. Non-singer.

PRINCIPAL TRIO (ACTORS/SINGERS)
STEWARD: All genders & ethnicities, to play 20-30, singer/actor, part of Principal Trio; authoritative, outgoing, team player

KIA or "Know-It-All": All genders & ethnicities to play 20-30, part of Principal Trio; comedic actor, energetic, personable, foil to 'Steward', team player, singing is a plus!

BAILEY: All genders & ethnicities to play 20-30, singer/actor, part of Principal Trio; outgoing, joyful, comedic, personable, team player

SANTA'S ELVES: All genders & ethnicities to play 20-25, actors who are movers or dancers; energetic, kind, effusive, loves kids. Simple but high energy dancing required. Non-singer.

HERO CHILD: Youth actor, all genders & ethnicities to play 11-13 years old, 5'5" or under; sincere, kind. Non-singer.

ALL ROLES PAID
All Roles (except Santa and Hero Child): $19/hour
Santa: $25/hour
Hero Child: $16/hour

Pay Rate Note: This role is paid on an hourly basis, including overtime for weeks exceeding 40 hours. Presuming a fully realized performance schedule (no unexpected cancellations or Acts of God), and if actors work the entirety of their assigned schedule, Chicago actors will work approximately 216 hours from the start of rehearsals to the closing day performance. Please visit our casting website listed under "Contact Info" for more information regarding pay rates and for the Hero Child pay breakdown.

Auditions will be by appointment Aug. 16, 17, and 18. We will also have an open call on Aug. 16 from 2:30 - 5:00pm. All auditions will take place at the Fine Arts Building in Chicago.