Description:

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is holding auditions for A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol, adapted by Krista Scott and musically arranged by George Maurer, will be directed by Brendan Ragan (he/him), music directed by Ken McMullen (he/him), and choreographed by Kaity Paschetto (she/her). Seeking Non-Equity adult & youth actors/singers/dancers. Actively seeking all identities, races, and ethnicities for all roles.

Audition Dates and Times: Mon 8/14, 3-10pm. Wed 8/16, 3-10pm. Callbacks: Fri 8/18, 4-5:30pm (Dance callback for the role of "Winter" only). Sun 8/20, 4:30-10pm. Mon 8/21, 6-10pm.

A Christmas Carol Description: Published in 1843, Charles Dickens' story about the redemption of a greedy, self-serving upper class man recognizing his privilege and discovering the importance of helping others is an allegory that resonates throughout the decades. A Christmas Carol is a vital and beloved holiday tradition for Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and the Arlington Heights community.

A Christmas Carol Characters:

Ebenezer Scrooge - Rich, greedy, angry, closed off, upper class; must be capable of great emotional range and transformation.

Bob Cratchit - Simple, working class clerk, a kind and patient father and husband.

Mrs. Cratchit - Overworked, strong-minded, loving but exasperated with Scrooge.

Martha Cratchit - Older teen/early 20's, hard-working, Bob's oldest child.

Peter Cratchit - Teen/early 20's, soon to be apprentice, second oldest Cratchit child.

Belinda Cratchit - Youth, mischievous, quick witted, middle Cratchit child.

Nicholas Cratchit - Youth, fun loving, shares the middle Cratchit slot.

Elizabeth Cratchit - Youth, sweet, gentle, second youngest Cratchit child.

Tiny Tim Cratchit - Youth, optimistic, sees the best in everyone, youngest Cratchit child.

Winter - A classical ballet dancer, en pointe, 20s-30s. An elemental spirit who guides our journey, unseen by the other characters. No speaking or singing required.

Jacob Marley - The spirit of Scrooge's long time business partner, who warns Scrooge of his fate.

Ghost of Christmas Past - Spirit who guides Scrooge through his youth and recent past.

Ghost of Christmas Present - Joyous Spirit with an infectious personality, love of life today, big presence, honest.

Ghost of Christmas Future - Will be portrayed by a large-scale, actor-controlled puppet; malevolent, dark, feared Spirit of what is to come.

Fred - Scrooge's nephew, upper class, confident, a leader, caring.

Constance - Fred's wife, upper class, supportive, loving.

Young Scrooge - Ambitious, aspiring to be rich, focused, but blind to those around him.

Ebby Scrooge - Pre-teen youth, upper class, deserted by father, very lonely and isolated.

Fan Scrooge - Youth, Scrooge's little sister, upper class.

Mr. Fezziwig - Joyful, generous, boss of his apprentices Scrooge & Dick, working class.

Mrs. Fezziwig - Boisterous, fun-loving wife of Mr. Fezziwig.

Belle Fezziwig - Fezziwig's child, Scrooge's love interest, loving, honest.

Ensemble also includes Londoners, Fezziwig Guests, Fred's Partiers, Carolers, Vendors, Charity Women, Beggars, Street dealers, and more.

Youth Ensemble members perform throughout the play as Londoners, Carolers, School Mates, & Belle's Children, and also act as Understudies for Youth Supporting roles.

Directorial Notes on Casting: All actors will play multiple roles, and most will understudy roles internally, so a demonstrated ability to truthfully portray multiple characters with distinctive traits will be valuable. We're seeking performers with a bold stage presence and a firm grasp of both elevated language and a British dialect. This fable has many fantastical and non-realistic elements, so though we are setting our tale in 1840s England, all ethnicities, races, and genders are encouraged to audition. A diverse representation of performers is highly desirable.

Pay: Scrooge: $700 rehearsal flat fee & $65 per show. - Adult Supporting Roles: $500 rehearsal flat fee & $50 per show + $100 flat fee for internal understudies. - Youth Supporting Roles: $400 rehearsal flat fee & $40 per show + $100 flat stipend for internal understudies. - Winter (ballet dancer): $600 rehearsal flat fee & $50 per show. - Youth Ensemble: $250 rehearsal flat fee & $30 per show + $100 flat stipend for internal understudies. - 28 shows total. - Travel stipend applications available.