AUDITIONS

It’s a Wonderful Life

A Live Radio Play

Adapted by Philip Grecian.

Based on the film by Frank Capra.

It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern  

Directed by Toni Schloss

Music Direction by Darylene Hecht

Stage Manager - Anna-Grace Medlin

THIS PRODUCTION IS PRESENTED WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE GREATEST GIFT CORPORATION. PRODUCED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS The Dramatic Publishing Company. 

ABOUT THE SHOW:

The production reimagines the beloved film as a live radio broadcast, filled with nostalgic holiday songs, vintage commercials, and more. As in the classic film, the story follows George Bailey, the kindest man in Bedford Falls, who is selfless to a fault. When George begins to question if his good deeds have made a difference in the world, a guardian angel descends to show him precisely how much his kindness has been worth. 

AUDITION INFORMATION:

For auditions:

Please prepare a one- to two-minute monologue that highlights your spoken vocal capabilities and range. Keep in mind that this show is presented as a radio play, therefore the vocalizations - how you sound - are the focus, as opposed to visual appearance.

Additionally, please be prepared to sing a verse or excerpt of a Christmas carol of your choosing. An accompanist will be provided, so please bring printed sheet music for your piece if you’re able (we will have for some carols). Note that we do not expect all cast members to be able to sing, nor to sing well - but we want to be able to discern capabilities for certain aspects of the show.

If time allows we will also read sides from the show; these will be provided.

Bring a completed audition form and conflict calendar with you. Mark all conflicts on the calendar, even if it is marked as off. A parent or guardian must sign the audition form for anyone under 18.

Headshots and resumes are welcome but not required. We will take a photo of you upon arrival.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Auditions: Thursday or Friday, September 10th or 11th at the Cary Arts Center. (101 Dry Avenue).

We will have two audition sessions per night: 6:45 pm and 8:15 pm. Please arrive by 6:30 pm to check in for the 6:45 audition, or by 8:00 pm for the 8:15 audition. There are no pre-sign-ups - just show up at the session of your choosing.

If you’re unable to attend auditions on the 10th or 11th of September, video submissions will be accepted. Please record a short monologue, and sing a verse from a well-known Christmas carol, and send the video to: toni@caryplayers.org with a subject of “Video Audition <your name>”.

Callbacks: Monday, September 14th at 6:30 pm

Read Through & Kick Off Meal: Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm

Rehearsals: Generally rehearsals will be Monday through Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 9:30 pm; not all cast members will need to be at all rehearsals. As we progress, we may also include some Saturday afternoons, or potentially a Friday evening or two.

Performances: There will be four performances over the course of a single weekend: December 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. The show on Saturday December 5th will be a noon show (due to Town of Cary activities), and the Sunday October 6th will be 3:00 pm matinee.

CASTING:

All actors over the age of 12 (there are several children’s parts), all ethnicities, abled and disabled are encouraged to audition.

Note: In reference to the character descriptions below – the characters in this show are on the binary and written with he/him or she/her pronouns, as you will see in the descriptions. However, we seek to be as inclusive as possible and ask gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to list on the audition form the roles they most identify with. Roles will be open for consideration of actors of all ethnicities. Also, the ages are relative and should not discourage anyone from auditioning for the role they desire.

Additionally, we will be casting for three Foley (sound) Artists. The sound effects for the production, presented as a radio play, will be performed live, on-stage, by the Foley Artists. The Foley crew will have no lines, but will be critical to the success of the show - the audience is typically fascinated by how the sound effects are created. ‍The Foley Artists will create sound effects for the show using old-fashioned sound making devices.  Prior experience is helpful, but not mandatory.

We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. We believe that all performers, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, disability, race, color, national origin, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law, should have the opportunity to audition for our roles. For every role, we will consider all qualified performers who submit. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, we will not discriminate against any performer based on any protected characteristic. Actors of all culturally diverse backgrounds will be considered for all roles. If you have any questions or require any reasonable accommodation, please let us know at info@caryplayers.org.

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

Note: the characters listed here will be doubled/multi-roled as shown in most cases, at a minimum. However, the characters assigned to each actor can vary and will depend on the individual actors and their vocalization capabilities. In other words, the roles as listed below can and probably will change to some degree as the show is cast. Click here for a full list of individual characters and descriptions.

• George Bailey

• Mary Hatch-Bailey

• Clarence Oddbody

• Joseph | Charlie | Sheriff

• The Boss | Marty Hatch

• Uncle Billy | Osgood

• Harry | Man on porch

• Young George | Tommy

• Young Harry | Young Peter Bailey

• Young Mary | Zuzu

• Young Violet | Janie

• Mr. Potter | Joe | Tollhouse Man | Finale Man

• Mr. Bailey | Chairman

• Tilly | Secretary | Helen

• Mrs. Bailey | Mrs. Thompson | Mrs. Hatch | Hortense | Woman 2

• Mr. Gower | Ed | Board Member 2 | Freddie | Man 2 | Mr. Welch

• Ernie Bishop | Mickey | Board Member 1

• Bert | Tom | Reporter

• Reineman | Sam Wainwright

• Carter | Announcer | PA Voice

• Violet | Ruth | Mrs. Welch

• Nick | Mr. Partridge

• Martini

AUDITION MATERIALS

Please download and complete an audition form and a conflict calendar. Resumes and headshots are welcome but not required.

Audition Form

Conflict Calendar

‍ ‍