Theatre Cedar Rapids is excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of A Christmas Carol. All performance opportunities are volunteer roles. This page contains everything you’ll need to register, prepare for auditions, and understand the casting process.
Table of Contents
A Christmas Carol Casting Breakdown
Production Information
A Christmas Carol
by Jacqueline Goldfinger
Director: Patrick Du Laney
Stage Manager: J Tucker
First Rehearsal: October 12, 2026
Performance Dates: November 27–December 20, 2026
Key Dates
- Monday, August 31 – Registration Opens
- Friday, September 11, 5 pm – Video Submission & Audition Registration Close
- Saturday, September 12 – In-Person Auditions by Appointment
- Sunday, September 13 – In-Person Auditions by Appointment
- Sunday, September 13 – Callbacks
Register for Auditions
All performers must complete the online audition registration form. This form allows you to:
- Provide your contact information
- List rehearsal conflicts
- Upload your resume and headshot (optional)
- Choose an in-person or video audition
- Select an in-person audition appointment time.
- Provide any additional information requested by the production team
Registration opens Monday, August 31. The deadline to register for auditions is 5 pm on Friday, September 11. A limited number of appointments are available, so performers are encouraged to register early to ensure availability.
About Auditions
Every performer must complete an initial audition. Performers have two options:
In-Person Audition
Performers are encouraged to audition in person. Auditions will be held:
- Saturday, September 12: 10 am – 1 pm
- Sunday, September 13: 6 – 8 pm
Performers will book a 10-minute audition appointment. Advance sign-up is required at the time of registration. Sign-ups will remain open until Friday, September 11 at 5 pm or until all in-person appointments have been filled.
Following each appointment, performers may be asked to remain on site to be paired with another performer for additional in-person readings. Auditioning performers should allocate approximately 45-60 minutes total for their audition.
Video Audition
Video submissions will be accepted through Friday, September 11 at 5 pm. Videos are submitted by sharing a link via the registration form, so performers should upload their video files to their preferred video sharing platform (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) with the proper sharing permissions prior to registration.
Performers may choose to submit a video audition if live audition appointments have filled or they are unable to attend. However, please note that due to the tight ensemble nature of this production, performers are strongly encouraged to attend one of the in-person audition sessions if at all possible, as chemistry and rapport with other actors is crucial to the successful casting of the show.
Audition Requirements
- Be familiar with and prepare to read one (1) side from the script below. Note that many characters' sides consist of more than one excerpt. Please prepare and present all excerpts noted for the role you choose for your audition piece. You do not need to be off-book for the audition. A reader will be present on site to read with you during your audition. If submitting a video audition, please perform your selected characters' material with an off-camera reader.
- Additionally, those auditioning will be asked to perform their favorite traditional Christmas carol a capella (one verse and chorus is sufficient). Please keep time period in mind when selecting your piece. Actors who bring in "Last Christmas" by WHAM! will NOT be considered for the production.
Use this perusal copy of the script to prepare your sides.
Side 1: Scrooge (prepare both selections)
- Begin: pg. 17 – SCROOGE: You’ll want all day tomorrow…
- End: pg. 17 – SCROOGE: ...be here all the earlier the next morning.
- Begin: pg. 48 – SCROOGE: Before I draw nearer…
- End: pg. 49 – SCROOGE: ...and try to keep it all the year!
Side 2: Bob Cratchit (prepare both selections)
- Begin: pg. 17 – SCROOGE: You’ll want all day tomorrow…
- End: pg. 17 – SCROOGE: ...be here all the earlier the next morning.
- Begin: pg. 53 – (BOB CRATCHIT and TINY TIM enter.)
- End: pg. 53 – SCROOGE: …for many a year!
Side 3: Child #1 and Child #2 (prepare Ghost of Christmas Past)
- Begin: pg. 25 – SCROOGE: Who, and what are you?
- End: pg. 26 – GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: … is left there still.
Side 4: Ensemble #1 (prepare both Portly Gentleman #1 and Ghost of Christmas Present)
- Begin: pg. 15 – PORTLY GENTLEMAN #1 & #2 (To SCROOGE): MERRY CHRISTMAS!
- End: pg. 16 – PORTLY GENTLEMAN #1: What shall I put you down for?
- Begin: pg. 42 – GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: We have much to see.
- End: pg. – GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?
Side 5: Ensemble #2 (prepare both Belle and Poor Old Woman)
- Begin: pg. 30 – BELLE: It matters little now.
- End: pg. 31 – BELLE: May you be happy in the life you have chosen.
- Begin: pg. 46 – POOR OLD WOMAN (Defensively): Every person has a right to take care of themselves…
- End: pg. 47 – POOR OLD WOMAN: … I did not dare think.
Side 6: Ensemble #3 (prepare both Portly Gentleman #2 and Apprentice Scrooge)
- Begin: pg. 15 – PORTLY GENTLEMAN #1 & #2 (To SCROOGE): MERRY CHRISTMAS!
- End: pg. 16 – PORTLY GENTLEMAN #2 … Abundance rejoices.
- Begin: pg. 30 – BELLE: Another idol has displaced me.
- End: pg. 31 – APPRENTICE SCROOGE: Belle!
Side 7: Ensemble #4 (prepare both Marley’s Ghost and Old Rich Man)
- Begin: pg. 21 – MARLEY’S GHOST: It is required that every man…
- End: pg. 22 – MARLEY’S GHOST: … comprehensive ocean of my business.
- Begin: pg. 44 –OLD RICH WOMAN: When did he die?
- End: pg. 44 – OLD RICH MAN: I don’t mind going, if lunch is provided.
Side 8: Ensemble #5 (prepare both Mrs. Cratchit and Old Rich Woman)
- Begin: pg. 35 – MRS. CRATCHIT: Mrs. Bob Cratchit, dressed out but poorly…
- End: pg. 36 – MRS. CRATCHIT: And how did little Tiny Tim behave?
- Begin: pg. 44 –OLD RICH WOMAN: When did he die?
- End: pg. 44 – OLD RICH MAN: I don’t mind going, if lunch is provided.
Side 9: Ensemble #6 (prepare Nephew Fred)
- Begin: pg. 39 – NEPHEW FRED: Merry Christmas!
- End: pg. 40 – NEPHEW FRED: …can’t help thinking the better of it.
Dialects
Every character speaks in a British dialect, either Cockney or Standard RP. Please be prepared to use one or both in your audition to the best of your ability. Perfection is not required/expected.
Adjustments/Coaching
The director may offer adjustments or ask you to do something again – this is not a judgement on your first attempt, but rather an effort to see how you take direction. We’re looking for actors with a strong sense of “play,” who can think on their feet and bring lots of creativity to the table.
Callbacks
Callbacks will be held only if needed and are by invitation only. Not receiving a callback does not necessarily mean you are no longer under consideration for casting. Performers may be cast solely on their initial audition.
Callbacks will be held on Sunday, September 13 at 8 pm. We strongly prefer that all performers called back attend in-person even if you originally submitted a video audition. Callbacks will involve reading additional sides and performing scenes of physical action – some alone, some in groups of two or more people.
Callback invitations for those who audition on Saturday will be emailed the same afternoon or evening. Because callbacks will take place immediately following the initial auditions on Sunday, those auditioning Sunday may be verbally asked to stay for callbacks later that evening.
Casting Process
Following callbacks, the creative team will spend several days reviewing auditions and discussing casting before offers are extended. Additional callbacks or conversations may be scheduled if needed.
Once casting has been finalized:
- Offers will be extended to selected performers.
- After offers have been accepted, the complete cast list will be published.
- All auditionees will receive notification regarding the outcome of auditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a video if I miss the in-person dance audition?
Whenever possible, yes. Please contact autitions@theatrecr.org as early as possible.
I am from outside Cedar Rapids. Can I audition?
Absolutely! Performers from outside the Cedar Rapids area are welcome to audition. Please keep in mind that Theatre Cedar Rapids is a volunteer-based, non-union community theatre. Our casts and production teams primarily come from the surrounding region, and we are unable to provide housing or travel assistance for those coming from outside the area.
If you're able to commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule and these logistics aren't a barrier, we'd be happy to see you at auditions!
What if I cannot attend callbacks?
Please indicate callback conflicts on your registration form. It may be possible to schedule a callback at an alternate time, depending on the availability of the creative team.
May I audition for the ensemble only?
Yes. Please indicate your casting preferences during registration.
Are conflicts allowed?
Conflicts listed on your registration form will be taken into consideration before casting offers are extended. Generally, these conflicts can be honored and scheduled around as we build the rehearsal schedule. Conflicts during tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances are not allowed; these dates are mandatory.
Am I required to attend strike?
No. Volunteer performers are not required to attend strike at TCR.
Will everyone receive a response?
Yes. All auditionees will be notified about callbacks and again once casting has been completed.
When will auditions for the remaining 2026-2027 mainstage shows be held?
Audition dates for the additional 2026-2027 productions will be announced in the fall.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding auditions, registration, or accessibility accommodations, please contact us at auditions@theatrecr.org.
Casting Statement
The creative team is seeking a diverse company of adult and youth performers for these productions. Please refer to the character breakdowns below for specific age requirements and casting information.
When a character’s identity is essential to the story or explicitly established in the script, TCR and the creative team are committed to casting that role as authentically as possible. For roles where identity is not central to the storytelling, casting decisions will be based on each performer’s ability to bring the character and the production’s artistic vision to life.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment and encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, body types, abilities, and backgrounds to audition.
The genders listed in the character breakdowns reflect the characters as written in the licensed script and are not intended to limit who may audition. Performers of any gender identity are welcome to submit for the roles they feel most comfortable portraying, provided the character’s gender presentation remains consistent with the requirements of the licensed material.
Any moments of intimacy will be choreographed in collaboration with an intimacy coordinator. No intimacy will be required during auditions.
All roles are open.
A Christmas Carol Casting Breakdown
Overview
As Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three mysterious spirits, he embarks on a journey through his past, present, and future that reveals the true meaning of compassion, generosity, and Christmas.
Intimacy & Content Notes
Actors can expect some degree of physical contact consistent with friendship (holding hands, placing an arm around a shoulder, etc.). The actors playing Bob and Mrs. Cratchit should expect some physical intimacy representative of a loving married couple (a light kiss on the cheek, holding hands, linking arms, etc.) The actor playing Tiny Tim should expect to be picked up by the actors playing Scrooge and Bob Cratchit.
Character Descriptions
The descriptions below are intended to help performers understand each role and the qualities the creative team will be looking for in auditions. They are not intended to be exhaustive character analyses, and performers are encouraged to bring their own creativity and interpretation to every audition
SCROOGE: A vicious old man.
BOB CRATCHIT: A hopeful middle-aged man.
ENSEMBLE MEMBER #1: Male, short, fat, jolly. Caroler / Portly Gentleman #1 / Mr. Fezziwig / Ghost of Christmas Present / Poor (Slightly Deranged) Old Man
ENSEMBLE MEMBER #2: Female, bossy. Caroler / Belle / Belinda / Nephew Fred's Wife / Poor Old Woman
ENSEMBLE MEMBER #3: Male, tall, thin. Caroler / Portly Gentleman #2 / Apprentice Scrooge / Peter / Ghost of Christmas Future
ENSEMBLE MEMBER #4: Male. Caroler / Scrooge's Leaning Post / Marley's Ghost / Postman / Mr. Wilkins / Fred's Friend / Old Rich Man
ENSEMBLE MEMBER #5: Female. Caroler / Mrs. Fezziwig / Mrs. Cratchit / Her Friend (friend of Nephew Fred's Wife) / Old Rich Woman / Christmas Day Woman
ENSEMBLE MEMBER #6: Male. Caroler / Nephew Fred / Dick / Poor Young Man
CHILD #1: Male, stage age: 10-14. Caroler / Ghost of Christmas Past / Tiny Tim / Ignorance
CHILD #2: Female, stage age: 10-14. Caroler / Wilkins' daughter / Young Scrooge / Martha / Want / Turkey Boy