AUDITION INFORMATION
IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by David Ives and Paul Blake
Except where historical significance, age, gender or racial specificity are required by the narrative, all actors will be considered for open roles regardless of gender identity, age or race. While casting decisions are subjective and driven by the vision of the director and the creative team, Civic Theatre is committed to a diverse and inclusive cast, crew and staff whenever possible. However, we are often contractually constrained from making substantive changes to characters. While we may actively seek a diverse cast, actors should be prepared to execute portrayals in accordance with the script.
Audition Dates
Auditions: August 19 and 20, 2024 | 7:00 pm
Beginning July 27th, our online audition form will be available. You will fill out the form completely including conflicts (required), headshot and resumé (not required). You will have the opportunity to select your audition date. Twenty-four hours before your selected date, you will be provided with a specific time. Video auditions will be accepted. In general, we cannot arrange for individual times outside of the scheduled auditions. Should we deem it necessary, we MAY schedule alternate dates at a later time.
Callbacks TBD
Production Dates
Rehearsals: October 6 - November 27, 2024
In general, rehearsals will be held Sunday 2:00 - 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Monday through Thursday 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. All actors are not called for all rehearsals. The actual schedule will be determined once the show is cast.
NOTE: Days and Times on the conflict list can give a more detailed idea of ALL rehearsal days and times up to Opening Night. Use this for referencing and saving dates aside. You will find rehearsal dates and mark conflicts on the audition form.
Performances: November 29 - December 24, 2024
11/29 - 7:00 PM 11/30 - 7:00 PM 12/1 - 2:00 PM
12/6 - 7:00 PM 12/7 - 2:00 & 7:00 PM 12/8 - 2:00 PM
12/12 - 7:00 PM 12/13 - 7:00 PM 12/14 - 2:00 & 7:00 PM
12/15 - 2:00 PM 12/20 - 7:00 PM 12/21 - 2:00 & 7:00 PM
12/22 - 2:00 PM 12/23 - 7:00 PM 12/24 - 12:00 PM
Details
Director: Michael J. Lasley
Choreographer: Anne Beck
Music Director: Jennie Kistner
Come prepared with 16 bars of an appropriate song and sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. You may or may not be asked to read from the show. Everyone will be expected to go through a movement/dance audition.
Audition sides will be sent out and posted here the week of August 12th.
We are pleased to make a virtual audition option available. However, preference will be extended to those that attend the in person audition. While we understand that not everyone can attend, In-person auditions will almost always be considered for casting over virtual submissions.
Show Synopsis
Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, WHITE CHRISTMAS is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.
Character Descriptions
Bob Wallace
A former Army captain and half of the song-and-dance duo Wallace and Davis, Bob is a world-wise, cynical yet charming individual with a strong sense of loyalty and duty. He falls for Betty, the elder of the Haynes sisters. His key songs include "Happy Holidays," "White Christmas," "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," and "How Deep is the Ocean."
Gender: Male
Age: 25 - 35
Vocal Range Top: A4
Vocal Range Bottom: C3
Phil Davis
Phil, the other half of the duo, is Bob's complete opposite - a fun loving, adventurous, and somewhat mischievous individual who's always on the lookout for a good time and romance. He's instantly smitten with Judy Haynes. His main songs include "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing," "Sisters (Reprise)," "I Love a Piano," and "Count Your Blessings instead of Sheep."
Gender: Male
Age: 25 - 35
Vocal Range Top: F4
Vocal Range Botom: A2
Betty Haynes
Betty is the older Haynes sister. She's independent, pragmatic, and protective of her younger sister, Judy. Despite her skepticism, she finds herself falling for Bob. Her featured songs include "Sisters," "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me," "and "How Deep is the Ocean?"
Gender: Female
Age: 25-30
Vocal Range Top: F5
Vocal Range Bottom: A3
Judy Haynes
Judy is the more vivacious and adventurous of the Haynes sisters. She's a romantic at heart and often the driving force behind many of their decisions, including the one to follow Bob and Phil to Vermont. Her key songs include "Sisters," "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing," "I Love a Piano," and "Snow."
Gender: Female
Age: 20-25
Vocal Range Top: E5
Vocal Range Bottom: G3
General Henry Waverly
The General is a stern, authoritative figure with a gruff exterior but a kind and caring heart. He's the owner of the failing Vermont Inn and was the Commanding Officer of Bob and Phil during World War II. He doesn't have any solo songs, but his character plays a significant role in the plot.
Gender: Male
Age: 50-60
Non-singing
Martha Watson
Martha is the General's lovable and nosy housekeeper. She's a Broadway performer in retirement and still has a flair for the dramatic. She has a heart of gold and only wants what's best for the General. Her main songs include, "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy," and "Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun."
Gender: Female
Age: 40-50
Vocal Range Top: D5
Vocal Range Bottom: G3
Ralph Sheldrake
Jokester Army buddy of Bob and Phil's, now a major television executive. Fast talking, loud, brash New York professional with a good head on his shoulders.
Gender: Male
Age: 35-40
Rita & Rhoda
Bob and Phil's two star chorus showgirls. Brash, sexy and fun. Perhaps not the brightest.
Gender: Female
Age: 25-35
Ezekiel Foster
Practical, the ultimate laid back New Englander. A man of few words. Caretaker at the inn. Takes life at a very, very leisurely pace.
Gender: Male
Age: 45-55
Mike
Bob and Phil's Stage Manager. Can be overly dramatic and often hysterical, but gets the job done. Works to attempt a sense of control and order for the company. Doubles as Mr. Snoring Man, Winter Tourist.
Gender: Male
Age: 25-35
Ensemble
Various characters: Train Passengers, Inn Guests, Patrons of the Regency Room
If you have questions, please email auditions@civictheatre.org.
Sign up to receive emails from Civic Theatre.
Be one of the first to hear news about the season and upcoming events. Register with your email address below.
Operating Partners
