AUDITION INFORMATION
ELF, THE MUSICAL
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Matt Beguelin
Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin
ELF, THE MUSICAL has specific requirements for roles regarding age and presenting gender. There are no narrative or traditional requirements regarding racial specificity.
Except where historical significance, age, gender or racial specificity are required by the narrative, all actors will be considered for open roles regardless of gender identity, age or race. While casting decisions are subjective and driven by the vision of the director and the creative team, Civic Theatre is committed to a diverse and inclusive cast, crew and staff whenever possible. However, we are often contractually constrained from making substantive changes to characters. While we may actively seek a diverse cast, actors should be prepared to execute portrayals in accordance with the script.
Audition Dates
Auditions: August 21-22, 2023 | 7:00 pm
Beginning August 1, 2023, our online audition form will be available. You will fill out the form completely including conflicts (required), headshot and resumé (not required). You will have the opportunity to select your audition date. Twenty-four hours before your selected date, you will be provided with a specific time. Video auditions will be accepted. In general, we cannot arrange for individual times outside of the scheduled auditions. Should we deem it necessary, we MAY schedule alternate dates at a later time.
Callbacks TBD
Production Dates
First Rehearsal: Sunday, October 8, 2023
In general, rehearsals will be held Sunday 2:00 - 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Monday through Thursday 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. All actors are not called for all rehearsals. The actual schedule will be determined once the show is cast. NOTE: Days and Times on the conflict list can give a more detailed idea of ALL rehearsal days and times up to Opening Night. Use this for referencing and saving dates aside. You will find rehearsal dates and mark conflicts on the audition form.
Performances: December 1 - 24, 2023
Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7pm, Matinees are 2pm on most Saturdays and all Sundays. There is an additional performance on Wednesday, December 20 at 7pm.
Details
Director: John Goodson
Choreographer: Anne Beck
Music Director: Brent E. Marty
Most roles are for adults. There are a small number of roles for children in the ensemble. We will consider children between the ages of 9 and 14 for these roles.
Come prepared with 16 bars of an appropriate song and sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. You may or may not be asked to read from the show. Everyone will be expected to go through a movement/dance audition.
We are pleased to make a virtual audition option available. However, preference will be extended to those that attend the in person audition. While we understand that not everyone can attend, In-person auditions will almost always be considered for casting over virtual submissions.
Show Synopsis
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Character Descriptions
Buddy
Born a human but raised at the North Pole as a Christmas Elf, Buddy is eager to find his place in the world. He is a child at heart and that child-like curiosity makes him both endearing and gets him into trouble.
Age: 25 to 35, Vocal range top: C5, Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Jovie
Buddy's girlfriend. She works at Macy's and has a bit of a cynical outlook on life and love because of the men she's dated. She is caught off guard by Buddy's genuinely big heart.
Age: 25 to 30, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: G3
Walter
Buddy's workaholic father. He is a Children's book writer, but lacks any of the childlike spirit that Buddy has. He is selfish, tense, and generally angry with life.
Age: 55 to 65, Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: A2
Emily
Walter's wife. Though she is sweet and willing to take him in, she thinks Buddy is crazy at first. Wishes her husband would spend more time with the family.
Age: 40 to 50, Vocal range top: Eb5, Vocal range bottom: F3
Michael
Buddy's stepbrother who is excited to have a new friend and brother. Unlike his mother, he doesn't take much convincing to have Christmas spirit, but like his mother, he wishes his father would spend more time with the family.
Age: 12 to 16, Vocal range top: G5, Vocal range bottom: F3
Debbie
Walter's secretary. Takes an instant liking to Buddy simply for the novelty of it. Though she aims to please and is a bit of a suck-up, she feels under appreciated.
Age: 25 to 55, Vocal range top: Eb5, Vocal range bottom: D4
Manager
A heavy-set manager at Macy's. He is a good, friendly guy just trying to do his job and get by.
Age: 35 to 40, Vocal range top: F#4, Vocal range bottom: B2
Greenway
Walter's boss. He is what Walter will become if he continues down the path he is on. A tyrannical, workaholic who cares nothing about the people around him or who work for him.
Age: 55 to 65
Santa
Just another workingman. Loves his job and Christmas, but also likes to kick-back and watch the game when a rare opportunity arises. A natural storyteller.
Age: 65 to 80, Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: A2
Chadwick
One of Walter's right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job, and perhaps the dumber of the two.
Age: 40 to 50
Matthews
One of Walter's right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job and is the schemer of the two.
Age: 35 to 40
Ensemble
Mrs. Claus, Elves, Charlie, Shwanda, Mr. Narwhal, Teenager, Employees, Security Guard 1&2, Customer 1&2, Saleswoman, Store Elf 1&2, Fake Santa 1&2&3, Boy, Mother, Policeman 1&2, Sarah, Jim, Vendor, Waitress, Charlotte, Man, Woman
If you have questions, please email auditions@civictheatre.org.
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