Saturday, November 7 from 2-5 at WDI
Sunday, November 8 from 7 to 10
Wheaton Drama, Inc.
Playhouse 111
111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton
Show dates: December 17, 18, 19, 20
Ben Dooley announces auditions for the radio version of Miracle on 34th Street.
Groups will be taken every 20 minutes. First come, first serve.
There will be no callbacks, so bring your best to the audition.
You MUST be available for all rehearsals and shows.
Ben has directed and produced over 100 recreations of old time radio programs and is looking for the following actors:
MEN: 10-14
Host: 30 – 40s – Charming. Engaging. A straight man with personality. He kicks everything off and keeps the energy of the show running. Must be likable, energetic, with a touch of authority. Think perhaps a late night host.
Announcer: 30s – 50s – Keeps the show flowing. Can make anything sound interesting and inviting and delivers important information without it sounding boring and reading off a list. Reads with an authoritative smile.
Dr. Pierce: 40s – 50s – He cares about Kris. He’s a good man. A respected doctor who believes that Kris believe who he says he is, and just may be open to the fact himself. In any event, he sees Kris as sweet and endearing and posing no threat. He wants to help Kris however he can.
Kris Kringle: 50s – 60s – Must sound sweet and caring, with perhaps a slight British lilt. There is a childlike wonder and magic in his voice, but he doesn’t talk down to children. We have to believe that he just might be Santa. (When in doubt, watch the movie. Other roles can be flexible and up to interpretation, but this one needs to deliver pretty much what Edmund Gwenn brought to the screen. That’s what the audience is going to expect and want. Not necessarily an imitation, but to capture the character.)
Mr. Shellhammer: 40s – 50s – Nervous. Always on edge that he’s going to lose his job. Not a bad man, but cautious and conservative.
Fred Gailey: 30s – 40s – Ever the optimist. He’s the one man who believes in Kris. He is open to possibility, rather than probability. He’s a dreamer who hasn’t lost his childhood faith.
Janitor: 15-18 – A teen boy who still enjoys the magic of Christmas. He may not believe in Santa Claus, but he believes in the power and joy that Santa brings. He loves to dress up and play Santa for the kids, so he, too, must be sweet and engaging, but also, perhaps a little shy and uncertain.
Mr. Macy: 50s to 60s – Gruff, but lovable. He’s the CEO of the company. At first he’s all about business and the bottom line. Even when they create the campaign about love and helping others and being “the Friendly Store” it’s about how Macy’s will make money.
Mr. Sawyer: 40s – 50s – Suspicious. Nervous. Shifty. Doesn’t trust anyone and certainly doesn’t buy into this Santa Claus business. Is only looking out for his own interests. If anyone, he is the antagonist of the story who creates problems for our heroes.
Judge Henry X. Harper: 50s – 60s – A good man caught up in a mess. He’s trying to do the right thing, but is also afraid to make a wrong political move.
Assistant District Attorney Thomas Mara 30s – 50s – Also a good man, just trying to do his job.
Charles Halloran: 40s – 50s – Politically savvy. He’s Judge Harper’s advisor.
Stage Manager
Drunk Santa
Parade Announcer
Mr. Gimble
Photographer
Postman
Louie
WOMEN: 4-6
Doris Walker: late 20s – early 40s – Practical. Protective. She has authority and responsibility in her job as well as at home. She has worked hard to keep her guard up and not get hurt.
These are all open agewise-20s-50s
Mort’s Mama
Girl’s Mama
Dutch Girl’s Mama
Mrs. Shellhammer
Secretary Miss Pall
Nurse
CHILDREN: (Ages range from 8-12)
Susan Walker – Precocious. Very wise and mature beyond her years.
Tommy Mara Jr. – Eager and honest.
ADDITIONAL CHILDREN:
Mortimer (Little Boy)-
Child #1
Child #2
Roller Skate Girl
Little Dutch Girl – Must be able to pronounce the Dutch script comfortably.
Additional children for parade and “letters”
Jingle Sisters – have already been cast
OVERALL NOTES:
Descriptions are provided for major and other important secondary characters.
Smaller roles will be double, and even triple, cast.
It’s important to be familiar with a 1940s style acting.
Here is a link to the LUX Radio theater adaptation of “Miracle on 34th Street”.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/w2s89gc89gtx1ff/Lux_47-12-22_Miracle_on_34th_Street.mp3?dl=0
Listen to the pace, the style of the read, the quality. It’s different than how we typically act today.
Also, remember this is Radio Style, which is different from stage style. Everything is conveyed with sound-voice, music and sound effects. Characters are heightened and exaggerated slightly.
Therefore we are primarily casting for voice. You don’t have to look like the character, but that will also be considered when it’s appropriate. (i.e. we are looking for someone who can look like Santa to play Kris. No 20-somethings need apply for that role.) The age ranges after some of the roles suggest the age range that you need to sound and look.
This is a 1940s period piece so hair and makeup will be a factor. You must be able to look period. If you’re not willing to cut your hair, shave or make other adjustments to fit the period then please don’t audition.
We are also wanting to make sure everyone is consistent with the style and overall sound and read.
Looking forward to having you attend auditions.
