Auditions for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

“I’m dreaming of a …” bright Christmas musical brimming with jazz chords, tap dances, romance, laughs, and nostalgia, and we are delighted that you are, too! Set in 1950s Vermont, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas celebrates friendship, romance, and showbiz as it tells the story of entertainers Bob, Phil, Betty, & Judy who come together to help an old friend during the Christmas season.

We are committed to casting a group of actors ranging in age from 7-107 that will reflect the people of our community. We will be casting all roles to include different shapes, ethnicities, and identities. 

In addition to a variety of singing/dancing/acting roles, we are excited to share that there are also roles for non-singing performers and roles for those seeking a dance-intensive experience. Please refer to the Roles section below to learn more about the variety of parts.

We want to get to know you! Please indicate any special talents on your audition form including but not limited to formal dance training, gymnastic skills, or musical instrument proficiencies.

Learn all about the story, our vision, and the auditions for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas by attending our audition preparation meeting on August 31, 2022 at 7pm via Zoom. 

KEY DATES

Director: Aimee Miron
Choreographer: Kyle Weiler
Music Director: Hillary Vermillion
Scenic Designer: Dahlia Al-Habieli
Lighting Designer: Mark Hennigs
Costume Designer: Christianne Bakewell
Props Master: Bonnie Bologna
Sound Designer: Steve Sanders
Stage Manager: Amanda Kivel
Artistic Director: Kendra Norton Dando

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS

1) ALL: Please prepare a MONOLOGUE
Please choose a monologue from our provided list that reflects the role(s) for which you wish to be considered. Please click the link below for the monologues and tips!

Monologues: Click here!

2) ALL: Please learn CHOREOGRAPHY
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will come to life with both lively, energetic choreography and musical staging. We are providing a choreography video for you to learn the piece in advance. All performers will review and then perform the short tap and jazz routine during your audition. Please dress for movement and wear a closed-toed shoe, like a jazz shoe or a sneaker, that you are comfortable moving in.

Choreography: Click here!

3) If you would like to be considered for a singing role, please prepare a MUSIC SELECTION
Please prepare a song from our provided list that best showcases your voice and demonstrates a connection to the character that you are auditioning for. Please click on the links below for the songs!

• Phil: “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing”
• Bob: “Love and the Weather”
• Martha: “Let Me Sing”
• Susan: “Let Me Sing”
• Betty & Judy: “Sisters”
• Women’s Ensemble: “Blue Skies”
• Men’s Ensemble: “The Old Man”

ROLES

Bob Wallace (Baritone) – A war veteran with a smooth, crooner-style singing voice, Bob is one half of the famous song-and-dance duo, Wallace & Davis, and who is unknowingly bound for Vermont and love for the holidays. Male-presenting, all ethnicities. This role requires onstage physical intimacy/kiss.

Phil Davis (Tenor) – The comedic genius on the Wallace & Davis team, Phil flirts his way onto the train to Vermont in the hopes of finding love for himself and for his buddy, Bob. Male-presenting, all ethnicities. This role requires onstage physical intimacy/kiss.

Betty Haynes (Soprano) – A confident singer and the more level-headed half of the Haynes Sisters nightclub act, Betty is a poised, authentic realist. Female-presenting, all ethnicities. This role requires onstage physical intimacy/kiss.

Judy Haynes (Alto) – A strong dancer, fun-loving Judy mischievously plots first to meet Wallace & Davis, and then to get the duo up to Vermont, where the Haynes Sisters are scheduled to perform for the holidays. Female-presenting, all ethnicities. This role requires onstage physical intimacy/kiss.

General Henry Waverly (non-singing role) – A tender-hearted retired army general who reunites with his former soldiers Bob and Phil when the duo arrive at his inn for the holidays. Male-presenting, all ethnicities.

Martha Watson (Alto) – A former vaudeville star, vivacious and strong-willed Martha is General Waverly’s keeper of keys, running the day-to-day operations at the inn. Female-presenting, all ethnicities.

Susan Waverly (Alto) – General Waverly’s nine year old granddaughter is visiting the inn for Christmas, and is inspired to test out her own acting chops as Bob & Phil’s theatre company takes up residence. Female-presenting, all ethnicities.

Ralph Sheldrake (Baritone) – A former soldier in General Waverly’s unit, Ralph is currently employed as a producer on the Ed Sullivan Show and works with Bob & Phil to help the General. Male-presenting, all ethnicities.

Rita & Rhoda (Alto / Soprano) – Star performers of Bob & Phil’s troupe of Chorus Kids who are always flirting with Phil and are never seen without each other. Female-presenting, all ethnicities.

Ezekiel Foster (non-singing) – A handyman at General Waverly’s inn, Ezekiel is the embodiment of the strong, silent type, much to the ire of Bob & Phil’s stage manager. Male-presenting, all ethnicities. 

Mike (non-singing) – Bob & Phil’s frazzled, overworked stage manager, who tries to maintain order as the theatre company settles into rehearsals at the inn. Male-presenting, all ethnicities.

Ensemble – The heart and soul of our production will be a hard-working, jazzy, energetic ensemble of singers and dancers that will play a variety of roles including announcers, nightclub goers, train passengers, inn guests, and, of course, the chorus kids in the Wallace & Davis company who choose spend the holidays with their theatre family, performing at the Columbia Inn in Vermont.