Auditions

Youth Auditions (Age 9-17) for Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Adapted by Steve Wargo
Musical Arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell
Stage Direction by Steven Maler
Music Direction by Dan Rodriguez

DATES:
First Rehearsal: on or about November 5, 2024
Production Dates: December 8-22, 2024
Press Opening: December 11, 2024

AUDITION INFORMATION:

AUDITION DATE:

Youth Auditions (Performers Aged 9-17)
Monday September 23, 2024
Appointments 3:00PM-8:00PM (ET)

Callbacks will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 with appointments between 3:00PM-8:00PM

AUDITION LOCATION:
Boston Playwrights’ Theatre
949 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA
Directions Here: https://www.bu.edu/bpt/plan-your-visit/getting-here/

At this time, we are not able to accept video submissions in lieu of a live audition. Additionally, we are unable to consider performers younger than 9 for this production.  For all performers under 18 a parent/guardian must accompany them at all times while on site at auditions, including in the audition room. 

PREPARATION
We ask you to prepare two pieces:

1.  Approximately 16-32 bar cut of a musical theatre song, or something similar, that shows your personality and your voice. An accompanist will be provided (please bring your sheet music clearly marked), should you need one (but bringing your own, singing acapella, or using a recorded track is admitted, too!) 
2. An approximately  1-minute monologue. 

OTHER:
This production will be rehearsed at a venue in Boston, MA (exact location TBD), and will transfer to the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre for tech and performances. Local hire only (no housing provided). 

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT SCHEDULE INFORMATION FOR YOUTH PERFORMERS: 

This production is under an AEA Agreement: LOA to LORT D and the adult company will either rehearse on a 5 or 6 day a week schedule (Tuesdays-Sundays) generally in the time window of 12:00PM-8:30PM. Additionally, we will rehearse Monday, November 25th and be OFF November 28th and 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday. Longer technical rehearsals will occur on December 5-7 (going until 11:00pm). Youth performers will not be required at all rehearsals and the youth rehearsals will be scheduled in the afternoon/after school and weekend window, specifics TBD. 

During our performance window, evening performances are at 7:00PM and actors will be called to the theater a minimum of one half hour prior to curtain. During our preview window (Dec 8 & 10) there may be additional daytime rehearsal before the performance. Lastly, there will be 2pm matinee performances December 14/15 and 21/22 and one weekday on Wednesday, December 18th. As youth roles are double-cast, performers will not be required for all performances. 

A more detailed schedule will be provided with a casting offer. 

BREAKDOWN

SEEKING:

Please note all youth roles will be double-cast to allow for split performance time and understudy possibilities, should illness or other situations necessitate. 

Tim Cratchit/Boy Scrooge/Ensemble (will sing): Small boy, looks about 7-8, with an undisclosed but serious medical ailment that causes weakness in his body but not in his lovely spirit. Also plays Boy Scrooge, who is left all alone at school at Christmas time. (Performers of all genders will be considered for this role.)

Fan/Belinda Cratchit/Ensemble (will sing): Young girl, looks about 12-14, who plays both Scrooge’s young, loving sister Fan, and Tiny Tim’s slightly older sister, Belinda. Both are smart, kind, precocious. This role will also perform in a number of ensemble moments.

Turkey Boy/Ensemble (will sing): Young person, looks about 11-12, who greets Scrooge on the first day of the rest of his life. Comes back with a turkey “as big as me”. This role will also perform in a number of ensemble moments.

Accommodations notice: 

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company encourages performers with disabilities and/or who are D/deaf to audition and will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who request them in advance. Accommodation requests may include: ASL Interpretation, Braille or Large Print Materials, Physical Access, and Social Narratives. To request an accommodation please email Artistic Associate Lauren Cook at auditions@commshakes.org. 

To request an audition time slot, please sign up using the form at the button below:

Additional Information:

All Youth Performers will be under the supervision of a designated Youth Supervisor while on site with CSC. CSC has a number of Safety for Minors Policies in place which will be shared with parents/caregivers with any casting offer for review. 

CSC has transitioned from ‘COVID Safety’ policies to ‘Infection Control and Prevention’ policies. We will continue to maintain COVID vaccination requirements (along with medical and religious exemptions) and may conduct COVID surveillance testing for this project. Our full policies will be communicated ahead of the first day of in-person work and will include requiring all CSC staff and contractors on the production to be current and fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster dose(s) if eligible.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is a participant in the Line Drawn Community Standards Initiative to prevent harassment and abuse in the New England performing arts community and requires all staff, contractors, and volunteers to abide by these standards. More information about Line Drawn can be found at https://commshakes.org/linedrawn/ along with a copy of the current standards.

CSC’s mission and values are summarized on our website at commshakes.org/mission-history. Those who work with us should reflect a commitment to these values. We celebrate diversity and access and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our full Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access can be found at https://commshakes.org/commdeia/. CSC is a place where everyone can grow, so however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a position that interests you.

CSC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Professionals of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Questions? Please reach out to us at auditions@commshakes.org