Theater Casting Call for "A Christmas Story" Play

A charismatic storyteller who has the ability to weave a spell and draw an audience into his magical world. He is omniscient but not overpowering-a good-natured curmudgeon with a deadpansense of humor. He holds the audience with his tremendouspresence and spark.

More in charge of the family than the Old Man is, but she would never let him know it. She is warm and affable … at times a bit daffy … but not a pushover. A vibrant woman, she is always busy, especially anytime she’s in the kitchen. She is the secret engine that keeps the family running, keeping the household together with an impressive balancing act.

A guy with a good heart, though it is buried beneath a sometimes gruff (and rough) exterior. He’s a devoted husband and father who loves his family but doesn’t show it. He usually expects the worst but is capable of excitement if the situation warrants (though it usually doesn’t). In his moments of fantasy, he is transformed from his usual grumbling blue-collar self to a true song and dance man.

THE ADULTS (may be doubled): The local elementary school teacher. A seemingly stereotypical 1940s educator prim and proper. Stern when necessary, though warm-andeven humorous-when the situation merits it. In Ralphie’s fantasy, she becomes a dynamic, show-stopping, brassy belter and tapper-a force to be reckoned with.

The Santa Claus at Higbee’s Department Store is decidedly unlike the typical “Jolly Old Elf” of legend and lore. Ill-tempered and slightly inebriated, he is unhappy with his job. He dismisses each child as quickly as possible in an attempt to put an end to the day and, perhaps, head for the nearest “watering hole.”