Audition Announcement

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The Strand Theatre announces auditions for its all-youth winter production, Elf the Musical Jr.

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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.

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This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make every young performer embrace his or her "inner elf" with plenty of large ensemble numbers featuring elves and (New Yorkers) of every type.

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Elf the Musical Jr. will be presented on December 20 and 21 at 2:00pm. Renee Storm will direct, Leslie Garrett will serve as music director, and Meta Lasch will serve as technical director.

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Auditions are Saturday, October 4, at 12:00pm, at the Strand. Audition details are available at www.strandtheatrewv.com/elfjr. Individuals auditioning will be asked to sing their favorite Christmas song, read from the provided script, and participate in guided movement. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes in which you can move. If necessary, callbacks will take place on Sunday, October 5, at 2:00pm. A parent or guardian must attend auditions with their student. Audition ages are students currently in grades 1-12.

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Rehearsals will begin in mid-October. A complete schedule will be created following auditions and distributed at the first rehearsal. Please visit www.strandtheatrewv.com/elfjr for character descriptions and complete audition materials. Contact Renee Storm at reneestorm2662@gmail.com with questions.

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Character Descriptions

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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.

 

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 cast an actor who is taller than the other Elves. This will help differentiate Buddy and adds to the humor of the show.

 

Elves: The Elves are Santa's special helpers who love their job making toys to meet their Christmas Eve deadline. These roles are great for younger performers, or for those who can embody a youthful spirit, enjoy singing and work well together as a group.

 

Charlie: Charlie is in charge of monitoring the other Elves, making sure every present is wrapped, and every bow is tied. Cast 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.

 

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

 

Sam: Sam is one of Walters’ 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.

 

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. Cast a great actor with a strong, authoritative presence, but be sure they can also show his softer side

 

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

 

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. Cast an excellent actress and singer who effortlessly conveys a sense of maturity and warmth.

 

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. Look for a solid young actor and singer with an unchanged voice.

 

Security Guards: Security Guard #1 and Security Guard #2 are a stern duo from Walters’ office, making sure everyone who enters has permission. Cast a duo that works well together and fits the bill for a tough pair.

 

Saleswoman: The Saleswoman is the first person to greet Buddy as he enters Macys. She’s the consummate salesperson: smiling, overfriendly, and always trying to sell something. This is a great ensemble role for a young woman with little stage experience.

 

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.

Jovie: Jovie works as a store elf at Macys, 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.

 

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.

 

Fake Santa: Fake Santa is a poor replacement for the real Santa. He’s an employee of Macy’s who is a bit rough around the edges. Fake Santa should be played by a performer who is unafraid of being a little over-the-top and has good physical control of his body.

 

Policemen: Policeman #1 and Policeman #2 are a friendly pair of cops who return Buddy to the Hobbs household. These are perfectly featured roles for two ensemble members.

 

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.

 

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

 

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. Cast a pair of good character actors who work well with each other and are able to drive the action of scenes.

 

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.

 

Finale Soloists: Finale Soloists #1, #2, #3 and #4 are good roles to highlight four of your strong solo singers.

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

 

Ensemble: The Ensemble, including New Yorkers, Comforting New Yorker, Macys Employees, Macys Employee #1, Members of the Rockefeller Crowd, Office Staff, Businesswoman, Flyer Guys, Teenager, Jogger, Carolers, Passerby, Children and Parents are all important roles for creating the distinct worlds of the North Pole and New York City. These roles can all be double cast from your ensemble, and it’s important to remind your young performers that the stronger and more specific their character choices, the richer and more vivid the story becomes.