AUDITIONS: miracle on 34th Street
PRESENTED IN THE WILSON THEATRE
An eccentric older gentleman and Santa Claus look-alike, Kris Kringle, is just what’s needed for Macy’s flagship store in NYC, and a far too serious six-year-old girl and her mother. He genuinely believes himself to be Santa Claus. Can those who believe in him prove it in court?
AUDITIONS
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
*Performers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to audition. Unless specifically noted, the character’s gender may be either male or female.
Kris Kringle: Just might be Santa Claus. Kris is warm and jolly like any Santa that you know, but also has a firm, caring, and wise side. That said, he is extremely playful and mischievous and should be played with a smart approach – he is not a bumbling fool where things just happen to him. He makes decisions throughout with intent. His one fault may be that he is a tad too trusting, and willing to give the benefit of the doubt at his own risk. Age 60-75
Doris Walker: Personnel Manager at Macy’s; Susan’s mother, serious and worldly. Doris is a little jaded, but understandably so. After going through a painful divorce, she is raising her daughter alone and working incredibly hard to make ends meet. It has been some time since she has had the luxury of believing in magic. She is not, however, bitter beyond hope. Age 30 – 45
Fred Gailey: Friend/Neighbor to Doris and Susan; Lawyer; Kringle’s defense attorney. Fred is a little in love with Doris, and is truly a wonderful man. He is self aware and more playful/optimistic than most; he genuinely wants to help those around him. Age 30 – 45
Susan Walker: Doris’ daughter. Smart. She doesn’t believe in Santa because she has been raised to be a “realist”. Wise for her age, but still a young child who wishes for love and home, as many of us have. Targeting ages 8-12 for this role.
Shellhammer: Assistant to Doris. Friendly, efficient. Sassy. Opportunity for this actor to lean into the physical comedy and levity of department store dynamics. Age 30 – 50
Dr. Pierce: Physician at Maplewood Home; warm, caring. Has been a close confidant of Kris’ and is a consistent advocate for Kris throughout. Pragmatic. Age 45 – 55
Sawyer: Macy’s vocational guidance counselor; character role requiring an understudy of irony and absurdism. He is determined to dispel fantasy and nonsensical beliefs, so much so that he calls an all hands company meeting to discuss the “Santa Claus” myth. The top of the naughty list, a real doubter. Age 40 – 55
Macy: Owner and manager of Macy’s Department Store. Thrilled with the good press and profits being made for his company, due to Kris’ impact on the city of New York. Age 45 – 65
Mara/Mark (gender flexible): Prosecuting attorney; somewhat jaded; sticks to the letter of the law. It is Mara’s job to prove that Kris Kringle is unstable and not of a sound mind. Age 35 – 55
Mr. Gimble (Act 1)/ Judge Harper (Act 2): Owns Gimble’s department store and is intent on competing with Macy’s startling success / Harper presides over Kringle’s hearing; Judicial; likable; a bit political, but strives for integrity in his proceedings. Age 50 – 65
Halloran: Judge Harper’s political campaign manager. Concerned with the impact this case will have on Harper’s career. Pragmatic. Age 50 – 65
Finley: Bailiff in Judge Harper’s court. Just here to get the job done. Age 30 – 50
Young Mara/ Mark (gender flexible): prosecuting attorney’s child – a witness called by Fred Gayley. Age 8 – 10
Youth Ensemble: There are several speaking roles for children and teens who also appear as extras in other scenes. Looking for approx. 4-6 children between the ages of 8-15.
Adult Ensemble: includes an assortment of 8-10 different speaking roles throughout the show. This is a very active show, with lots going on in every scene – any ensemble member in the show will likely be cast in 2-3 different roles. Age 22 – 50