August 29, 2023October 18, 2023

Auditions for ELF JR. THE MUSICAL

Audition Notice

Wheaton Drama is holding auditions for Elf Jr. 

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Auditions

  • Saturday, September 30 beginning at 9:00am
  • Video audition recordings will be accepted for those unable to attend on Saturday, 9/30.
    • Email us at [email protected] with a gmail address so we can invite you to join the Google classroom where all audition materials can be found.
    • You will be able to use those materials to prepare your audition video.  Directions for what must be included in your recording will be included in the email which invites you to the Google classroom.
    • Audition video recordings must be turned in as an assignment to the Google classroom by Sunday, October 1st at noon.
    • If you have trouble uploading your video, let us know via email.
  • If you are unable to attend on Saturday, September 30, but would still like to audition in person, please email us at [email protected] no later than September 29th.  We will work with you to make other arrangements.
  • Call backs by invitation only – Sunday, October 1st at 5:00pm

Location: Wheaton Drama, 111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton

Auditions are for anyone ages 4th grade through senior in high school (age 18) . Those interested in auditioning will need to sign up using SignUpGenius link Elf Jr. Auditions for an hour time slot. After we have received this, we will invite those auditioning to our Elf Jr. Google Classroom.  In the classroom, there are audition materials for music, dialogue, and video of the choreography. Choose one of the characters’ dialogue to memorize, choose a song to sing, and learn the choreography.  For the audition you will be asked to sing alone, perform the dialogue with the other character(s), and dance in a small group.

Personnel in attendance

  • Kim Lambert-Haak — Director
  • Andy Kanturek — Assistant Director
  • Katy Smith — Choreographer 

Performances

  • Friday, December 15
  • Saturday, December 16
  • Sunday, December 17th

Rehearsals 

Rehearsals will be on Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings until tech week in December.

Cast Breakdown:

Santa Claus

Santa Claus has a lot on his plate during the Christmas season, and it is starting to show. He is annoyed with the Elves, tired of lying to Buddy and sad that people seem to be losing their Christmas spirit. He is still the same jolly old St. Nick underneath it all, but the job is getting to him. This is a great role for a character performer who can play an older (and somewhat cranky) man while trying hard to keep his holiday spirit.

  • Gender: Male
  • Vocal range top: D5
  • Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Buddy

Buddy is the perfect elf! He’s good-natured, he means well, and he’s happy all the time. There’s only one problem. He’s not an elf,  he’s an adult human. This role is perfect for a young man who is an excellent actor and good singer who has the energetic earnestness and comedic timing that Buddy needs. It’s helpful to be an actor who is taller than the other Elves. This will help differentiate Buddy and adds to the humor of the show.

  • Gender: Male
  • Vocal range top: G5
  • Vocal range bottom: B3

Charlie

Charlie is in charge of monitoring the other Elves, making sure every present is wrapped and every bow is tied. Best for a young performer with a good speaking voice, someone who is comfortable taking command of the stage and has authority over the rest of the Elves, but always remains friendly.

  • Gender: Male

Shawanda

Shawanda is a dependable and caring elf. She will do whatever she can to help out others, including Buddy, even though she accidentally reveals that he is a human. Best for a good actress with a clear speaking voice for this very important moment in the story.

  • Gender: Female

Sam

Sam is one of Walter’s Office Staff who is in a bind at the top of the show. A young performer with a good speaking voice and strong character choices will do the trick.

  • Gender: Male

Walter Hobbs

Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s real father, is so focused on keeping his job that he is not making time for his family. He can be stern and unemotional at times, but ultimately he learns to recommit to his family. Best for a great actor with a strong, authoritative presence that can also show his softer side.

  • Gender: Male
  • Vocal range top: E5
  • Vocal range bottom: B3

Deb

Deb, Walter’s secretary, has the big responsibility of keeping her boss and the whole office happy. She does this by sharing her positive attitude with everyone. This is a plum role for a young woman with a pleasant demeanor, yet efficient work ethic, who is a solid actor with a good speaking voice.

  • Gender: Female

Emily Hobbs

Emily Hobbs is Walter’s devoted wife who would prefer her husband to spend a little more time at home. She is a problem solver and an excellent mother who is doing everything she can to provide a positive family dynamic. Best for an excellent actress and singer who effortlessly conveys a sense of maturity and warmth.

  • Gender: Female
  • Vocal range top: D5
  • Vocal range bottom: G3

Michael Hobbs

Michael Hobbs is the smarter-than-average 12-year-old son of Walter and Emily. He quickly befriends his new adult brother, Buddy, and does everything he can to make sure Buddy becomes a permanent part of the family. Best for a solid young actor and singer with an unchanged voice.

  • Gender: Male
  • Vocal range top: D5
  • Vocal range bottom: G3

Manager

The manager is a terrific featured acting role for a performer with good comedic timing. As the manager of Macy’s, he’s doing everything he can to make sure all the employees stay in line.

  • Gender: Male

Jovie

Jovie works as a store elf at Macy’s, but don’t be mistaken, she doesn’t quite exude the Christmas spirit. She’s kind of cynical, a bit tough around the edges, and now the target of Buddy’s complete adoration. This is a fantastic role for a young woman with a strong singing voice and acting chops.

  • Gender: Female
  • Vocal range top: Db5
  • Vocal range bottom: G3

Santa’s Helper

Santa’s Helper works as a Macy’s Employee and announces when each kid gets to visit with Santa. This is a good ensemble role for a performer with a loud voice.

  • Gender: Any

Sarah

Sarah is a staff member at Walter’s office. This is a nice role for a less experienced actor with a good singing voice.

  • Gender: Female

Mr. Greenway

Mr. Greenway is one of the crankiest businessmen around. He is the big boss, so it is best for an older student with a commanding presence to tackle this acting role.

  • Gender: Male

Chadwick and Matthews

Chadwick and Matthews are staff members at Walter’s office who are doing everything they can think of to save the day and make their boss happy. Best for a pair of good character actors who work well with each other and are able to drive the action of scenes.

  • Gender: Male

Charlotte Dennon

Charlotte Dennon is a TV reporter with a big personality. She does her best to keep her professional persona in public and doesn’t like being shown up. This is a great role for a young woman with professional charisma and someone who can make strong acting choices.

  • Gender: Female

Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin

Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin are on the scene in Central Park and are convinced of Santa’s magic after Buddy reveals their past Christmas gifts. Best for two young ladies with nice singing voices and some acting experience to take on these small, but featured, roles.

  • Gender: Female

Ensemble

  • Gender: Any