AUDITIONS FOR IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS

Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by David Ives and Paul Blake

Wheaton Drama Inc. invites you to audition for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Based on the classic 1954 film, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of two World War II veterans-turned-showmen who follow a pair of singing sisters to a picturesque Vermont inn—only to find their former commanding officer struggling to keep it afloat. While waiting for snow to fall, our heroes will rally to the aid of their old general and perhaps find love along the way. This musical’s beautiful score includes fan favorites like “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “Sisters,” “Snow,” and “White Christmas” and finds a new home for even more timeless Irving Berlin classics like “Blue Skies,”  “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep is the Ocean” and many more. This heartwarming musical is the perfect holiday tradition to be shared with family and friends; filled with music, laughter, and spirit.

AUDITION DATES

• Sunday, September 14th, 2025 6:00-9:45 pm (45 minute increments, last slot 9:00 – 9:45)
• Monday, September 15th, 2025 6:00-9:45 pm (45 minute increments, last slot 9:00 – 9:45)
• CALL BACKS: Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 7:00-10:00 pm (by invitation only)

LOCATION

Wheaton Drama Inc.
111 N. Hale Street
Wheaton IL 60187

PRESENT AT AUDITIONS:

• Production Manager: Julie Kanturek
• Director: Linda Spadlowski
• Music Director: TBD
• Choreographer: Katy Smith
• Assistant Director: Kate Quan

KEY DATES

• DANCE WORKSHOPS: (optional) Saturday, August 30 AND Saturday, September 6, 3:30-5:30pm
• CAST READ THROUGH: Saturday, September 20th, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• REHEARSALS: Sunday-Thursday Evenings
• TECH WEEK: November 16th-19th, 2025 (Preview Performance November 20th)
• SHOW RUN: Friday, November 21st-Sunday, December 14th, 2025
  • Evenings Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Matinees Sundays at 2pm
    (15 total performances, No performance on Thanksgiving, 2pm Matinee added December 6th)

DANCE WORKSHOPS

In preparation for auditions, choreographer Katy Smith will be offering two pre-audition dance workshops, focusing on key tap and jazz combinations that will be part of the audition. These workshops are completely optional: auditioners are not required to come, and folks who’d like to come but not audition for the show are welcome!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Tap and jazz workshop, with warm-up, skills work, and introduction of the audition repertoire. The same workshop will be taught both days, and you may choose to come one or both days–but again, this is entirely optional for auditioners. Bring tap and jazz shoes if you have them, or wear comfortable sneakers you can move well in.

WHEN: Saturday, August 30 and Saturday, September 6, 3:30-5:30pm

WHERE: On the stage at WDI. Come in through the back door.

Wait! You say you need some tap basics and/or some brush up of those basics? There are many YouTube tutorials, and you may wish to check out “Tap-torials with Shelby,” which are also linked at shelbykaufman.com. To be prepared for the audition, you should be familiar with brushes, heels, scuffs, steps, and stomps; flaps and shuffles; single and/or double time steps; and rolling shuffles. Almost anything we’ll do will grow from those!

Click here to sign up for the August 30 workshop, or here to sign up for the September 6 workshop.

AUDITIONS

SINGING: Please prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show that best showcases your vocal ability. An accompanist will be provided. Bring sheet music for the accompanist. A capella singing or singing to a recorded track are not acceptable.

DANCING: Please come dressed to move, and bring tap shoes and either jazz or ballet shoes. If you don’t have those shoes, please wear shoes that are comfortable to move in. You will be taught a short tap combination. In addition, you are invited to share 12-16 counts of dance move/s that showcase your movement, in any dance style.

Auditions are by appointment and are for adults and students aged 13 and up. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will only be accepted if there are unfilled appointment slots on the audition dates. 

To reserve an audition time, please email: [email protected]

Please include your headshot and resume (if you have one), your vocal range, and if you have a day/time preference. We ask that you also complete and return this audition form.

If you are unable to attend the in person auditions, video submissions will be accepted.  Please prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show that best showcases your vocal ability. A capella singing is not acceptable.  Please also prepare a 32 count segment of tap that best showcases your abilities.

Please email the unlisted YouTube or Vimeo link(s) to [email protected]. 

All video recordings must be submitted by Sunday, September 7, 2025.

If you have any questions, please submit them to: [email protected]

All roles are available for consideration and all actors are strongly encouraged to apply for any role. Age ranges are suggestions only.

Character Descriptions

• Bob Wallace
  Bob is a former army captain and half of the wildly successful song-and-dance duo, Wallace and Davis. Bob is a gentle, hard working, and world-wise individual with a strong sense of loyalty and duty. Life has made him a bit cynical and his guarded heart prevents him from finding the love and family he longs for until he meets his perfect match in Betty Haynes.
  Gender: Male presenting
  Age Range: 30 – 40
  Vocal Range Top: A4/Bottom: C3
• Phil Davis
  Phil, the other half of the musical duo, is Bob’s complete opposite – a fun-loving, adventurous, and somewhat mischievous individual who’s always on the lookout for a good time and romance. There’s nothing to tie Phil down until he becomes instantly smitten with the like minded Judy Haynes.
  Gender: Male presenting
  Age Range: 30 – 40
  Vocal Range Top: F4/Bottom: A2
• Betty Haynes
  Betty is the elder Haynes sister and, true to form, she is independent, pragmatic, and protective of her younger sister, Judy. Though a talented performer, she dreams of finding love and starting a family but is skeptical of her chances until she finds herself falling for Bob.
  Gender: Female presenting
  Age Range: 25-35
  Vocal Range Top: F5/Bottom: A3
• Judy Haynes
  Judy is the younger Haynes sister; far more ambitious and adventurous than her sister, Betty. Strongwilled with equally strong dancing skills, she is often the driving force behind many of their career decisions and takes the initiative in guiding her sister towards her chance of happiness. Though uninterested in settling down any time soon, she finds Phil’s charm and energy irresistible.
  Gender: Female presenting
  Age Range: 25-35
  Vocal Range Top: E5/Bottom: G3
• General Henry Waverly
  The General is a stern, authoritative figure with a gruff exterior that conceals a kind and caring heart. He’s the owner of the struggling Vermont Inn and served as the commanding officer of Bob and Phil during World War II. The General doesn’t have any solo songs, but his character plays a significant role in the plot.
  Gender: Male presenting
  Age Range: 50-60
  Non-singing; people auditioning for this role will be exempt from the tap portion of the dance audition
• Martha Watson
  Martha is the General’s lovable and wisecracking housekeeper. A retired Broadway performer, she still maintains a flair for the dramatic and a keen interest in everybody else’s business. She has a warm heart and only wants what’s best for the General and Susan and thinks of them as family.
  Gender: Female presenting
  Age Range: 40-50
  Vocal Range Top: D5/Bottom: G33
• Susan Waverly
  Susan is the General’s curious and intelligent young granddaughter with dreams of becoming a performer. She’s wise beyond her years and committed to her schoolwork but possesses a childlike innocence that is endearing.
  Gender: Female presenting
  Age Range: 13-20
  Vocal Range: Alto
• Ralph Sheldrake
  Sheldrake is a good humoured and fast talking major television executive for the Ed Sullivan Show and an old army buddy of Bob and Phil’s. He is recruited to assist in arranging the surprise performance for the General.
  Gender: Male presenting
  Age Range: 30-40
  Vocal Range: Any
• Ezekiel Foster
  Ezekial is the ultimate New Englander and general caretaker of the Inn. He enjoys taking life at a ‘very slow’ pace much to the exasperation of his comedic foil, Mike Nulty.
  Gender: Male presenting
  Age Range: 60-70
  Non-Singing
• Mike Nulty
  Mike acts as Bob and Phil’s stage manager. His commitment to his craft causes great stress as he has a tendency to be over-dramatic and somewhat hysterical. Mike is frequently seen with a clipboard and whistle, which he uses to keep the show in order and on time. His frenetic energy is often at odds with his comedic foil, Ezekial Foster.
  Gender: Male presenting
  Age Range: 25-35
  Non-Singing
• Rita & Rhoda
  Rita and Rhoda are featured dancers and chorus girls in Bob and Phil’s musical company. They are experienced, bold, and vivacious performers who can follow a dance routine faster than the plot. Both dancers enjoy frequent flirtations with Phil Davis.
  Gender: Female presenting
  Age Range: 25-35
  Vocal Range: Any
• FEATURED PLAYERS/ENSEMBLE
  Ed Sullivan Announcer, Regency Room Announcer, Tessie, Jimmy, Mr. Snoring Man, Mrs. Snoring Man, Train Conductor, Sheldrake’s Secretary, Quintet 
  • ENSEMBLE Members will play multiple roles including Soldiers, Dancers, Passengers, Patrons, and Guests.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS CREATIVE TEAM

• Production Manager: Julie Kanturek
• Director: Linda Spadlowski
• Music Director: TBD
• Choreographer: Katy Smith
• Assistant Director: Kate Quan
• Stage Manager: Bruce Ebner
• Assistant Stage Manager: Kim Lambert-Haak
• Lights: Jim Van De Velde
• Sound: TBD
• Set Construction: Bruce Ebner
• Scenic Designer: Linda Spadlowski
• Scenic Watercolor Artist: Rebecca Hock
• Visual Effects Designer: Andy Kanturek
• Set Decorator: TBD
• Props Manager: Cindy Bolds/Diane Kehoe
• Costumer: Diana Dignan
• Hair/Make-Up Artist: Liz Goodin Rowe
• Intimacy Choreographer: Claire Yearman
• Photographer: Lisa Dawn Curran
• Board Liaison: Zach Rowe