McCarter Theatre will be holding open youth auditions for their annual production of "A Christmas Carol".This year, sign-ups for audition slots will be on September 17 from 3 - 6 p.m. at McCarter Theatre. If you are unable to attend in person sign-ups, you will be able to sign up for any remaining audition slots online starting on September 18. If you have trouble with this, you can call the theatre at (609) 258-6505. If you attend the in person signups, you will be given some details regarding the audition and rehearsal process, and give the theatre some information from you about your child. After that, information will be exchanged in order to schedule for the audition, and you will receive the specific audition time and materials. There will be plenty of time for you to ask the theatre any questions you might have. It is strongly encouraged to come to the sign-ups. There will be a fun, educational activity for children to participate in during sign-ups.
The theatre is looking for 14 children, ages 5-13. All children perform at every performance. There is no double casting. Roles are:
| Belinda Cratchit | 6-10 |
| Martha Cratchit | 10-13 |
| Christmas Pasts 1, 2, and 3 | 8-13 |
| Ensemble Girls | 6-12 |
| Female Fezziwig Dancer | 12-13 |
| Tiny Tim | 5-8 |
| Boy Scrooge | 9-12 |
| Peter Cratchit | 11-13 |
| Ensemble Boys | 6-13 |
Each audition will last 2-3 minutes. Your child must come prepared to perform the scene he or she has been given at signups and to sing a one-minute a cappella song (or verse of a song) of his or her choice. We recommend songs from mucials rather than pop songs. All children will sing and perform their prepared scene. The director may then work with the child for several minutes. If you have a younger child who is not comfortable reading, he or she may prepare another piece of text instead. This can be anything your child is comfortable with--a nursery rhyme, short story, poem, something memorized for school, or even an anecdote from his or her own life.
Please bring a copy of the scene and song lyrics to the audition, even if both pieces are memorized—these copies are for the child’s own reference just in case he or she needs it, since nerves can sometimes cause us to forget. Please bring a photograph of your child to the audition with his or her name on the front. While an 8x10 headshot is preferred, a smaller size will suffice. An enlarged photo printed on computer paper or a Xerox of a photo is fine. Photos will not be returned. You are welcome to submit a “resume” for your child outlining past experiences and lessons that might be of interest to us. Children should dress as they normally would on schooldays or weekends. New outfits, dancing clothes, special hairdos, etc. are strongly discouraged.
Due to Union regulations, the theatre cannot consider any child who is fourteen years of age or older. This includes any child who will turn fourteen before the end of the run. Children fourteen and over may be considered for an adult Supplemental Extra role. Please call the casting office at (609) 258-6505 for further information regarding Supplemental Extra auditions. Children should never, under any circumstances, be at the auditions unless they want to be there. We will not see children who are too terrified to speak. Parents are not allowed to attend or observe their child’s audition or callback. Parents and children should both be aware that there are very few roles available. We see over 150 children each year, and our casting policy is based on many factors in addition to talent (e.g. physical appearance in relation to other cast members, chemistry with other young actors, personality, etc.). Should you be requested for a callback audition, it will take place on October 13 from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
If you are cast, parents may not stay at the theater during rehearsals and performances (unless they are an usher). The facility does not have the space to accommodate cast members, staff, children, and parents. Therefore, it is requested that parents pick up and drop off their children for rehearsals and performances. There will be a Young Ensemble Supervisor on staff at all times to supervise the children once they are at the theater. All parents and children cast will be required to attend a parent orientation and Young Ensemble rehearsal on Thursday, November 13 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We ask that you do not cut your child’s hair until you discuss it with our costume shop. Each child cast will have a costume fitting prior to November 12 at a mutually convenient time.
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