AUDITIONS: Ho Ho Ho! The Santa Claus Chronicles
By: Pat Cook
Directed By: John Fraissinet
This festive holiday romp delivers laughter, mischief, and heartwarming cheer for audiences of all ages. When unexpected twists threaten Christmas as we know it, a cast of colorful characters must band together to save the season. Filled with playful humor, lively moments, and a touch of holiday magic, it’s the perfect outing for families and friends. Celebrate the spirit of the season with a show that reminds us all what makes this time of year so special.
Performance Dates:
- December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th
- Two performances at 1:30 and 3:30 each day
Audition Dates
Location: Studio Playhouse 14 Alvin Place, Montclair, NJ
- Monday Sept 14th at 7pm
- Thursday Sept 17th at 7pm
- Callbacks if required (invite only) will be Saturday Sept 19th at 2pm
Play Description:
The play is made up of six scenes, all related to Santa Claus and the operations of running Christmas. 1) Santa’s press secretary answers reporters’ questions about the man in red, 2) The Elf Sergeant drills the team of Santa’s elves on their reindeer handling, 3) A newspaper editor highlights the major Christmas stories in the local newspaper, The Snow News using lots of puns, 4) The host questions shoppers on what Santa means to them, 5) Phone operators answers incoming calls to the North Pole hotline providing suggestions on what gifts might work, 6) Santa, himself, joins the crew to celebrate a special occasion. Throughout it all, a gang of kids, disrupt the proceedings and evaluate the stage activities in between the scenes to ensure they have their say in anything related to Santa or Christmas.
Audition Process
- Seeking 10-20 adult actor ages 16 to 80 years of age (parts may be doubled) and 5-6 junior actors ages 8 to 15.
- Auditions slots will be scheduled in advance at this LINK
- Those auditioning will be asked to read a scene from the play with a reader actor. See character breakdowns below (Sides to come) .
- Please bring a resume and/or headshot to the audition if available, or (preferred) fill out your application form in advance at this LINK. (If you fill out the online form, no further paperwork is required).
Studio Players has a non-traditional, inclusive casting policy. All roles are open and everyone is encouraged to audition.
All actors must be available for all performances and tech week which runs Sunday Nov 29th to Thursday December 3rd. There will be a preview performance on the evening of December 4th. Please note, tech Sunday is part of Thanksgiving weekend.
Character Breakdown and Audition Info
Ages of characters are listed but actors of ALL genders, ethnicities & colors are encouraged and welcomed. Depending on the turnout, some of the parts may be doubled:
- Host age 40+ – will introduce the scenes and interact with the audience
- Santa Claus age 50+ – the big man himself
- Mrs. Claus age 50+ – Santa’s loving wife with a secret
- Press Secretary 40+ – Santa’s long suffering spokesperson
- Reporters (there are four) – will ask questions about Santa
- Sarge – Elf leader – hard-nosed elf drill sergeant
- Elves (there are three) – Eeny, Meeny and Miney, elves in charge of the reindeers
- Special Elf (Sol) – smart aleck elf
- Gladys Snowing – all-knowing editor of the “The Snow News”
- Betty – Tired Mother
- Merv – confused father
- Matilda – British shopper (try an English accent)
- Flo – Matilda’s friend and fellow shopper
- Cleo (hotline telephone operator)
- Fiona (hotline telephone operator)
- Children – various kids of all ages (to 15), who question the show’s proceedings and who want to make sure the show has not neglected them