"A Christmas Carol" Audition for the Theater

(male identifying) Driven by greed and resentment, Ebenezer Scrooge is a man who has locked himself away from the world. Past disappointments have hardened into icy intolerance for anyone or anything that threatens his personal status quo. Flinty, tight-fisted and “solitary as an oyster,” Scrooge fears change above all else – but when it finally comes, this misanthropic miser transforms overnight into the man he was born to be, generous, affectionate, and alive with childlike wonder.

(male identifying) Scrooge’s underpaid and overworked clerk. Good-hearted, caring and kind, Bob Cratchit just can’t help but wear his heart on his sleeve. He’s reticent in public, boisterous at home, and always does his best to stay positive – even when sickness and financial instability threaten the well-being of his beloved family.

(male identifying) The First Gentleman is an up-and-coming businessman collecting donations for the poor of London; he’s never encountered anyone like Scrooge before. Dick Wilkins is young Ebenezer’s best friend, outgoing and confident. The Undertaker’s Man is a weaselly punk who sells the belongings of dead people on the cheap.

(male identifying) Mr. Fezziwig is Scrooge’s first employer, a man who knows how to make money and spend it for the benefit of others. He’s sprightly, exuberant, and more than a little zany – a whirling dervish whose dearest wish is to make everyone around him happy. The Second Gentleman is another philanthropic businessman raising money for the underprivileged; he really doesn’t want to let Scrooge off the hook. Old Joe is a lowlife fence for stolen goods.

(male identifying) Fred is Scrooge’s nephew, a young professional with the proverbial heart of gold. He’s optimistic, cheerful, and a bit mischievous. Despite everything, Fred has great compassion for his difficult Uncle, and that same sense of empathy extends outward into the world at large. The Fiddler is a jovial sort who keeps things hopping every year at the Fezziwigs’ annual Christmas party.

(male identifying) Jacob Marley is Scrooge’s former business partner, seven years dead and hungry for redemption. He’s possessed by sadness, rage and deep regret for a life horribly misspent. He also happens to be scary as hell – and an ironist of the first rank. Fred’s Party Guest is a friend of Fred’s from work, amiable and down-to-earth.

(male identifying) The Ghost of Christmas Present is a big, bountiful spirit – jolly and wise by turns, he’s the very embodiment of goodwill. Christmas Present is a commanding, larger-than-life figure, but love and sympathy for humankind suffuse his every word and gesture. The Schoolmaster appears in one of Scrooge’s bittersweet childhood memories, and Belle’s Husband is a thoughtful fellow who understands the true depths of Scrooge’s loneliness.

(male identifying) In most things, Young Ebenezer is the polar opposite of his older self: he’s passionate, romantic, and open to new experience. The world is an exciting place for him, and Ebenezer envisions a bright future ahead. He’s deeply in love with his fiancé, Belle, but the desperate importance Ebenezer attaches to worldly success eventually spells doom for their relationship.

(male identifying) Topper is one of Fred’s good chums, a somewhat rowdy bachelor with an eye for the ladies. He’s high-spirited and fun to be around. Suitor #2 is another irrepressible admirer of the three Miss Fezziwigs.

(male identifying) The Male Debtor is an impoverished young husband anguished at the thought of going to prison. He’s vulnerable and very nearly at the end of his rope. Suitor #3 is the final member of that romantic trio enthralled by the Fezziwig girls. As Belle’s Husband, he is a thoughtful fellow who understands the true depths of Scrooge’s loneliness.

(female identifying) Just as sweet and full of grace as her younger self, Older Belle is now happily married but saddened at the thought of Scrooge being so alone in the world. The Street Singer is a charismatic and lovely-voiced young woman who first ushers us into the world of A Christmas Carol. Fezziwig Daughter # 1 is a heartbreaker, beaming and flirtatious. Fred’s Party Guest is in attendance with her husband. She’s a genial person with a nicely tart sense of humor.

(female identifying) Bob’s supportive wife and the loving mother to their children, Mrs. Cratchit is adored by her family. She’s generous and hopeful by nature, but also determined and realistic. In tough times, she’s the pillar of strength that keeps all of the Cratchits going. She can also read her husband Bob like a book.

(female identifying) A benevolent spirit who seems either very, very young or very, very old, The Ghost of Christmas Past is an ethereal being made almost entirely of light. She’s compassionate, humorous, and so outwardly gentle with Scrooge that one might not notice the fierce determination which underlies her every action. The Female Debtor has been so worn down by poverty and the threat of imprisonment that she becomes almost unglued at the mention of a possible reprieve.

(female identifying) Martha Cratchit is the eldest Cratchit child, industrious, cheerful, and full of tenderness towards her family. Just like her mother, Martha is someone who can always be depended upon. Maid #1 is among the many Londoners who help narrate the story. She’s perhaps a little flip about Scrooge and his ugly old house. Fezziwig Daughter #2 is the youngest of the Fezziwig Girls, vivacious and fun-loving.

(female identifying) Belle is a smart, caring, charming young shopgirl – and the only love of Scrooge’s life. She’s also forthright and strong enough to walk away from her engagement to Scrooge once his passion for money becomes overpowering. Maid #2 is another Londoner who helps tell our story. She’s a bit unnerved by the thought of Scrooge and his gloomy suite of rooms.

(female identifying) Mrs. Fezziwig is a warm-hearted human being constantly on the lookout for ways to make other people happy. Energetic and expansive, she’s a big personality who seeks to turn every day into an excuse for joyous play. Mrs. Fezziwig loves singing and dancing – she more than matches her husband in sheer effervescence. The Charwoman is another one of the looters selling stolen merchandise to Old Joe. She’s crafty and pseudo-philosophical about life’s ups and downs.

(female identifying) Fred’s Wife is kind and welcoming (even to Scrooge!), and witty to boot. She’s quite convivial, but at the same time – nothing gets past her. Fezziwig Daughter # 3 is the eldest and most serious of these delightful siblings. The Laundress is another vulture who sells items once owned by the recently deceased. She fancies herself a savvy young woman of business.