Auditions announced for  'A Christmas Carol'

Auditions are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, and Monday, Oct. 7, at The Belfry Theatre, 10690 Greenfield Ave., Noblesville.

Synopsis:

This holiday season, the Belfry Theatre presents a unique version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This adaptation is written by Doris Baizley, and it will be a great deal of fun for the actors and the audience. Experience a new spin on the traditional tale in which the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future take Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of reclamation where he learns the power of kindness and compassion. This adaptation tells the story through a traveling band of actors who put on the play.

Role Summary:

Casting 5-9 men (ages late teens to 50s+), 3-7 women (ages late teens to 50s+),and 2-4 children (ages 8-16). The play is an ensemble piece and actors will be asked to portray multiple characters. British accents will probably be used in this production. There will be no double casting and actors must be available for all performances. All roles are open.

Character Descriptions for Adult Actors (Ages 18 — 60+)

• Stage Manager/Ebenezer Scrooge: (M, 50s+) a bitter old miser
• Director/Marley: (M, 50s+) firm, ghost of Scrooge’s former partner
• Leading Man/Bob Cratchit: (M, 30s-40s) Scrooge’s clerk, a hardworking family man and caring father
• Leading Lady/Mrs. Cratchit: (F, 30s-40s) a strong woman who speaks her mind
• Young Leading Man/Fred: (M, 20s-30s) Scrooge’s nephew, kind and fun-loving
• Fred’s Wife: (F, 20s-30s) charming, vivacious young woman deeply in love with her husband
• Belle: (F, 18–20s): thoughtful and caring, Scrooge’s fiancée
• Young Scrooge: (M, 18—20s) handsome and sincere
• Old Clown/Mr. Fezziwig/School-Master: (M, 40s — 60s+) wise, jovial businessman and Scrooge’s old boss
• Character Woman/Mrs. Fezziwig/Charitable Woman: (F, 40s —60s+) skilled enough to play multiple, differing roles — funny, energetic, nervous
• Clowns 1, 2, and 3: (M or F, 18 — 60+) energetic, active, funny, physical comedy, physically fit, they all play a variety of roles

The following roles may be cast individually, or added to the adult actors portraying the above roles:

• Jake: (M, 20s — 50s+) buyer of stolen goods
• Scavengers: (four of them, 15 — 50+, male or female) picking over Scrooge’s belongings, shadowy and rough
• Ghost of Christmas Past (20s+ female) magical and whimsical
• Ghost of Christmas Present: (three of them, any age, male or female) energetic and playful, lots of physical movement
• Ghost of Christmas Future: (20s+, male or female) shadowy and scary (nonspeaking)
• Mother-in Law of Fred: (F, 40s —60s+) energetic, playful
• Spirit Ensemble (any age, male or female) spectral beings (dance movement nonspeaking)

Character Descriptions for Child Actors (ages 6-17)

• Prop Boy/Tiny Tim: (M or F, 6-10) small for his age, handicapped and sweet natured
• Little Caroler: (M, 6 -12) happy and energetic, must be able to sing
• Ghost of Christmas Present: (three of them, any age, male or female) energetic and playful, physically fit, lots of physical movement
• Spirit Ensemble (any age, male or female) spectral beings (dance movement, nonspeaking)

What to Expect when you Audition:

Please select one of the monologues in this Audition Packet. The monologue does not need to reflect your interest in portraying a particular character, but it could. Memorize your monologue, and be ready to perform it at auditions. You will also read from the sides (selected scenes) which are included in the packet. It is important that you practice reading from the scenes which contain the character(s) you are most interested in portraying.

SING OUT LOUD
Also, please be prepared to sing a familiar Christmas carol with a group.

This production is not a musical, but Christmas carols are sung throughout the show by the cast. British accents will probably be used in the show but you do not have to worry about accents during your audition. There is also one large dance scene in the show. Actors will also be playing handbells in this production. If you have experience playing handbells, please indicate that on your audition form. If you have the ability to juggle, or to perform magic, please be prepared to demonstrate that at the audition. If you have gymnastics or dancing ability, please be prepared to demonstrate that at the audition.

Callbacks:

If needed, callbacks are by invitation only and will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at The Belfry.

Performance Dates:

• November 29 and 30 at 8 p.m.
• December 6 and 7 at 8 p.m.
• December 8 at 2 p.m.
• December 13 and 14 at 8 p.m.
• December 15 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for ages 12 and younger and ages 65 and older.

Rehearsals:

Rehearsals are planned for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings (7-9 pm). Actors will only be called for rehearsals for which they are needed. The schedule will be finalized after the show is cast.