(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company, a professional not for profit theater company located on the campus of Centenary University in Hackettstown NJ, will be holding an open call (AEA & Non-union welcome) for their upcoming production of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and Book by Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent. This production will be produced under an AEA SPT 4 contract, and both AEA members and non-union actors will be seen. Auditions will be held on Friday, September 27th from 6:00pm – 10:00pm and Saturday, September 28th from 1:00pm – 5:00pm with a dance call taking place from 4:00pm – 5:00pm.
To schedule an appointment, call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. Walk-ins will be seen as time permits. Auditions will be in the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ.
Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this lavish and thrilling Broadway adaptation. Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island), breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol.
This production will be Directed & Choreographed by Michael Restaino with Musical Director Sarah Brett England; Produced by Carl Wallnau.
Actors should prepare 16-24 bars of a mid-century musical theatre song (1960-late 1990s, roughly) with a strong, theatrical point of view and dynamic music and lyrics, OR a traditional Christmas carol. Consider material by Alan Menken, Flaherty and Ahrens, Stephen Schwartz, the Sherman Brothers, Lucy Simon, etc. CSC recommends avoiding contemplative ballads and love songs that feel general or generic. Those auditioning are also encouraged to make strong acting choices in the song.
Those auditioning on Saturday may also be asked to stay for a dance portion of the audition from 4:00pm – 5:00pm so all should be prepared to dance. If necessary, you may also be asked to read from sides which will be made available at the audition and online at centenarystageco.org. The first rehearsal will take place on October 4, 2024, and performances will run November 29 through December 15. For more information, go to centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900.
Audition Dates/Times:
Friday, September 27: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, September 28: 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Dance Call 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Sunday, September 29: Possible Callback if needed
Character Breakdown
Scrooge (Male, Age 45-65) - Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass, A2 – F4. A man who lost his father to creditors as a kid and has grown up heeding his father's advice to save his money. Until he realizes how terrible he's become, he is grumpy, unsympathetic man and has no time for anyone or anything.
Mr. Bob Cratchit (Male, Age 30-40) - Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass, B2 – E4. A father and husband who cares deeply for his family, particularly his youngest son. He works hard to provide for them but is mistreated by his employer, Scrooge.
Mrs. Cratchit (Female, Age 30-40) - Vocal Range: Alto/Soprano, B3 - E5. Tiny Tim's mother and Mr. Cratchit's wife. She is a loving mother who tries to provide the best for her children with what she's got.
Tiny Tim (Male, Age 9-12) - Vocal Range: Alto/Soprano, Bb3 – D5. Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit's youngest son. He is crippled and sick, but is the definition of loving Christmas spirit. He constantly reminds his family that as long as they all have each other; they will be happy.
Fred (Male, Age 25-35) - Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass, A2 – F4. Scrooge's nephew and only living relative. He is a pleasant young man who believes in the good a joyful Christmas spirit can make in the world.
Ghost Of Christmas Present (Male, Age 25-45) - Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor, Bb2 – G4. A jovial, larger-than-life ghost who comes back to show Scrooge all the joy, love, and celebration he his missing out on while those around him celebrate Christmas. Actor doubles as Sandwich board Man.
Ghost Of Christmas Past (Male or Female, Age 25–45) - Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor, Eb3 – Ab4 or Soprano/Alto, Eb4 – Ab5. An ever cheerful, sprightly ghost who comes back with the history book of Scrooge's past to show him the events that led to his current state. Actor doubles as Lamplighter.
Blind Old Hag / Ghost Of Christmas Future (Female, Age 25-50) - Vocal Range: Soprano/Alto, C4 – F5. A beautiful, and terrifying wrath, the Ghost of Christmas Future is strong and silent as she shows Scrooge what will happen to him and those around him if he continues down the path he is currently treading.
Marley (Male, Age 45-55) - Vocal Range: Tenor/Baritone, Bb2 – Ab4. Scrooge's former business partner who, before his death, was exactly like Scrooge. Comes back as a ghost in chains to warn Scrooge of how his life decisions will bind him in the afterlife.
Emily (Female, Age 18-25) - Vocal Range: Soprano/Alto, B3 – Bb5. Scrooge's fiancé from when they were young. She is a beautiful girl, not impressed or in need of money.
Mrs. Fezziwig (Female, Age 40-60) - Vocal Range: Soprano/Alto, Bb3 – Ab5. The consummate hostess and Mr. Fezziwig's wife, she loved to help throw the Christmas party every year. She is prideful.
Mr. Fezziwig (Male, Age 40-60) - Vocal Range: Tenor/Baritone, Bb2 – B4. A portly, jolly man who used to throw a huge Christmas party every year for the community. He was Scrooge's first boss and after teaching him all he knew; he became deeply disappointed in the man Scrooge became.
OTHER ROLES:
Scrooge's Mother (Female) - Vocal Range: Alto/Soprano, C4 – C5
Young Scrooge (Male) - Vocal Range: Tenor/Baritone, B2 – G5
Fan (Female) - Vocal Range: Soprano/Alto, A4 – E5
Ensemble: Charity Elves; Bankers; Street Vendors; Sailors; Ghosts; Jailers; Clerks; Monks
Audition Requirements: Prepare 16-24 bars of a mid-century musical theatre song (1960-late 1990s, roughly) with a strong, theatrical point of view and dynamic music and lyrics, OR a traditional Christmas carol. Consider material by Alan Menken, Flaherty and Ahrens, Stephen Schwartz, the Sherman Brothers, Lucy Simon, etc. CSC recommends avoiding contemplative ballads and love songs that feel general or generic. Those auditioning are also encouraged to make strong acting choices in the song.
How to secure audition slot. To sign up for an audition time please call the box office at 908-979-0900. Walk-ins will be seen only if time permits, so advance reservations are strongly encouraged. AEA and non-union welcome to audition. Please bring recent Headshot and resume.
Important People/People in the room: Director/Choreographer: Michael Restaino, Musical Director: Sarah Brett England, Producer: Carl Wallnau, Stage Manager: Olivia Tomlin
Other Important dates: First Rehearsal: October 4, 2024. Performances November 29 - December 15, 2024.
Centenary Stage Company is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the performing arts. We welcome performers of all ethnicities, races, genders and backgrounds to audition. We encourage all to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the audition.
For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Like and follow to receive the latest in CSC news and special offers.
The 2024-25 Season of Performing Arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and grantors like the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, the CSC corporate sponsors, including Explore Warren, the House of the Good Shepherd, Hackettstown Medical Center Atlantic Health System, Heath Village, Visions Federal Credit Union, and Fulton Bank, and Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.
