Condit: Auditions at The Hanover Theatre for A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker

Tuesday, September 01, 2015

Lisa Condit, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™

We may be wrapping up our summer plans, but preparations for the holiday season are in full swing! Auditions for two of the theatre’s most celebrated annual productions will be held the weekend of September 12-13.

The Hanover Theatre is conducting auditions for A Christmas Carol, generously sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts on Sunday, September 13, from 12pm – 8pm. Troy Siebel’s adaptation of this classic Dickens tale is New England’s largest production and features gorgeous costumes, an array of special effects, extravagant scenery and traditional carols performed to the music of the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, New England’s largest theatre pipe organ. While some of the featured actors are returning this year, the production is continually refined and revised to keep the show young and fresh. Specifically, The Hanover Theatre is seeking to cast the following roles:

Men:

Bob Cratchit (30-35) Humble and earnest
Young Ebenezer (20-25) Full of vigor but stubborn
Spirt of Christmas Present (35-55) Booming voice and boisterous personality
Ensemble roles (16-60)

Women:

Laundress (30-45) Downtrodden and timid
Lucy (25-35) Guest at Fred & Millie's Christmas party – playful and saucy
Ensemble roles (16-60)

Youth:

Peter Cratchit (10-12) male
Tiny Tim (5-7) male or female
Martha Cratchit (14-16) female
Belinda Cratchit (7-11) female
Ensemble (8-14) male or female

Troy Siebels, the theatre’s CEO and president, will direct the show with choreography by Ilyse Robbins and music direction by Tim Evans. Interested actors need to schedule an audition appointment in advance by contacting Bethany Strothers at [email protected] or 508.471.1761. Adult auditioners need to include their name, Equity status, and phone number. Youth auditioners need to provide their name, age, parent’s name, parent’s phone number, and parent’s e-mail. Please note that there are more audition appointments remaining for boys 8-14, especially in the early afternoon. All auditioners should prepare a short holiday or Broadway song as well as read from the script. A reader and an accompanist are provided and sides are available prior to the audition by e-mailing Bethany Strothers.

Please note that rehearsals begin November 27 and will run Tuesdays through Fridays, 2pm-10pm as well as Saturdays and Sundays 11am-7pm. Performances run December 18-27, including morning student matinees on December 18, 21, and 22.

For more insight into Troy Siebels’ adaptation of A Christmas Carol, listen to him and Jeremy Lawrence talk about the magic of theatre and the process of bringing this timeless tale to life during a past episode of Behind the Scenes with The Hanover Theatre. You may also enjoy hearing Troy talk about what inspired him to produce this very special adaptation.

If ballet is your passion, of if you know an aspiring dancer, then make sure you call Ballet Arts Worcester at 508.791.3233 or e-mail [email protected] for an audition reservation on Saturday, September 12, to perform in The Nutcracker (generously sponsored by Commerce Bank) November 27-29 at The Hanover Theatre. Dancers should review the audition details and requirements for complete information. For tips about auditioning, listen to Jennifer Agbay talk about last year’s casting and the selection process.