Auditions in Maryland for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” – Kids & Adults!

Damascus Theatre Company Presents: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Location: Damascus, MD

Type: Theater

PRODUCTION INFORMATION
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Directed by Megan McNellage

AUDITION DATES
Tue, August 13, and Wed, August 14
AND
Sat, August 17

TENTATIVE PERFORMANCE DATES
December 6, 7 and 8, 2019 in Damascus (Location TBD)

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
We are casting children (ages 8 and up), teens, and adults. We ask that you prepare a Christmas carol to sing a cappella and bring a current photo. You will also be asked to read from the script.

GENERAL REHEARSAL INFORMATION
Rehearsals will begin in September and will be held in Damascus.

PLOT SUMMARY
Adapted from the book by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a hilarious and heartwarming demonstration of how even one of the most classic, well-known stories can be improved and reconsidered when seen through a new lens. The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world—so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to Bradley and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Beth Bradley, Narrator, age 10 or 11, sweet, strong voice and presence.
Charlie Bradley, age 8 or 9, Beth’s traditional brother.
Bob Bradley, Father, age 30-40, supportive of his wife, has a wry humor.
Reverend Hopkins, age 18+.
Grace Bradley, Mother, age 30-40, full of grace and determination.
Alice Wendleken, age 10 or 11, prim, proper, pain in the neck.
Elmer Hopkins, age 12 or 13, the Reverend’s son.
Hobie, age 9 or 10, Charlie’s friend.
Maxine, age 10 or 11, narrates the pageant.
David, age 8 or 9.
Shirley, age 6 or 7.
Ralph Herdman, age 12 or 13, ragged, slouching manner, touch of adolescent.
Imogene Herdman, age 11 or 12, bossy, crafty, cries on stage.
Leroy Herdman, age 10 or 11, tough, sure of himself.
Claude Herdman age 9 or 10, tough, combative.
Ollie Herdman age 8 or 9, looking for trouble, Claude’s usual partner in crime.
Gladys Herdman, age 7 or 8, feisty, loud and dramatic.

Others will be cast as shepherds, angels, and angel choir members. Total cast will be between 30-35 people.

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