Talent Sought for "A Christmas Story" Play
"A Christmas Story" show is looking for performers. Please see the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED. About the project: Humorist Jean Shepherd's memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940's follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee's Department Store. The consistent response: "You'll shoot your eye out!" All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family's temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys' experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie's father winning a lamp shaped like a woman's leg in a net stocking; Ralphie's fantasy scenarios and more. A Christmas Story is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial. Additional info: Please prepare a 1-minute Monologue in the style of the show. Rehearsal Schedule to be determined later. Performance Dates: December 1st - 17th, 2023. If you are interested, please apply.
5 roles
The Family. Gruff and grumbling on the exterior, Ralphie's Dad has a good heart. He doesn't overtly show it, but he 100% loves his family. A blue- collar guy, he usually expects the worst out of most situations; but is transformed into a true "song and dance" man in his moments of fantasy. The actor playing this character must be a strong singer and mover who isn't afraid to go "over the top" for comedic purposes.
The Family. She is the secret engine that runs the family, keeping the household together with a smile--despite bickering children, limited funds, an x- rated lamp in the living room window, a cranky furnace and a crankier husband. Vibrant, warm, affable--but not a pushover--she is always busy, especially anytime she is in the kitchen, and even more so at Christmastime! The actor who plays this role must be very comfortable with children.
Featured. Jean Shepherd is the author of the books that the story is based on, as well as the actual narrator voice we hear in the 1983 movie. On stage, he is a warm, charismatic and engaging storyteller; omniscient but not overpowering. This actor must be very comfortable with audiences, and must be able to "read the crowd" and tell the story at the same time. Note: This actor sings one line at the end of the show, and does not dance.
Featured. The Santa Claus at Higbee's Department Store is ill- tempered, slightly inebriated and very unhappy with his job-- nothing like the "Jolly Old St. Nick” one would dream of meeting! He gets rid of each kid as fast as he can and judges them on their way down. The actor playing this role must be a strong comedic actor and singer, and must be comfortable with children. He may be part of the adult male ensemble.
Ralphie's 5th grade teacher, a seemingly stereotypical 1940's educator--prim and proper, stern when necessary-- though warm and even humorous when the situation merits it. In Ralphie's fantasy, she transforms into a dynamic, brassy, show-stopping lounge singer and tap dancer! The person playing this role must be an excellent belter, an experienced tap dancer and an actor who can handle comedy AND children!
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