A Christmas Carol

Adapted by Jacqueline Goldfinger from the novella by Charles Dickens

Directed by Kyle Weiler

Audition Information

When: Sunday, August 16, 12:30-3:30 PM; Monday, August 17, 5:30-9:30 PM; and Sunday, August 23, 12:00-2:00 PM

Where: Auditions will be held at the Phipps Center for the Arts (109 Locust St, Hudson, WI 54016) in the Black Box Theater.

Who: This audition is open to performers ages 9 and up.

What to Expect: Auditions will be held in 5-minute time slots with a 15-minute movement call at the end of the hour. Please prepare:

A 1-minute comedic monologue or short story. You may also prepare an excerpt of the opening narration from A Christmas Carol. (Find the excerpt here)
A 1-minute cut of a holiday tune of your choosing, to be performed acapella. If you are an instrumentalist, you may accompany yourself.
Be prepared for a short movement call. Dress comfortably, and wear shoes you feel good moving in.
If you play an instrument, we would love for you to bring it along and demonstrate a short, 1-2 minute excerpt of your choosing. Your selection can be any genre!

Performers must fill out the audition form here: A Christmas Carol Audition Form

Callbacks: Invited callbacks will be held on Sunday, August 23, from 2:00-4:00 PM in the Black Box Theater at the Phipps.

Video Auditions: If you are unable to attend auditions, please submit a video audition of you performing a 1-minute comedic monologue or short story AND a 1-minute cut of a holiday tune of your choosing. Please slate your name at the top of your video audition. Upload a link to your audition video when prompted on the audition form.

What to Bring

If you haven't submitted your audition form before the audition, please bring a resume and headshot.

About the Show

A reimagining of the classic tale, the Phipps is excited to present a new production of A Christmas Carol. Condensed into one act, this production will be rooted in ensemble-based storytelling, utilizing puppetry, dance, music, and theatrical magic of all kinds. The creative team is eager to highlight actors who play instruments - violin, guitar, percussion, cello, etc. This production will showcase 8 versatile adult actors and 4 child actors*, who can each fulfill a variety of roles.

*To provide more opportunities, we are looking to double-cast the youth tracks. Performances will be shared.

Character Breakdown

The majority of characters we currently encounter adhere to the gender binary. Despite these limitations, our casting aims to be inclusive. We encourage and welcome auditions from gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors for roles that resonate with their identities.

Actor 1: Ebenezer Scrooge

Actor 2: Bob Cratchit, Caroler, Ensemble

Actor 3: Collector, Mr Fezziwig, Christmas Present, Poor Old Man, Caroler, Ensemble

Actor 4: Belle, Belinda, Fred’s Wife, Poor Old Woman, Caroler, Ensemble

Actor 5: Apprentice Scrooge, Peter, Collector, Caroler, Ensemble

Actor 6: Marley, Postman, Mr. Wilkins, Old Rich Man, Fred’s Friend, Caroler, Ensemble

Actor 7: Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Cratchit, Old Rich Woman, Christmas Day Woman, Caroler, Ensemble

Actor 8: Nephew Fred, Dick, Poor Young Man, Caroler, Ensemble

Youth Actors 1 & 2 (Ages 9-14): Tiny Tim, Ignorance, Caroler, Ensemble, Wilkin’s daughter, Young Scrooge, Martha, Want, Turkey Boy

Scheduling Information

Rehearsals Begin: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Tech Week Begins: Saturday, November 21, 2026

Performances:

Fri, Nov 27 @ 7:00pm
Sat, Nov 28 @ 2:00pm
Sun, Nov 29 @ 2:00pm

Fri, Dec 4 @ 7:00pm
Sat, Dec 5 @ 2:00pm
Sun, Dec 6 @ 2:00pm

Fri, Dec 11 @ 7:00pm
Sat, Dec 12 @ 2:00pm
Sat, Dec 12 @ 7:00pm
Sun, Sept 13 @ 2:00pm

Fri, Dec 18 @ 7:00pm
Sat, Dec 19 @ 2:00pm
Sat, Dec 19 @ 7:00pm
Sun, Sept 20 @ 2:00pm

Background Checks

As detailed in the Phipps Youth Protection Policy, all staff, contractors, and volunteers (including all parents/guardians) of the Phipps Center for the Arts who may have contact with youth as part of their responsibilities are required to submit to and pass a background check before attending rehearsals. Once the background check is complete, the Phipps will delete the background check form and personal information.