Auditions: A Christmas Story
Department:
Auditions
Adult and Youth Actors are encouraged to audition for this holiday classic!
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Book by Joseph Robinette
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Based upon the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd
Director: Eric Morris
Music Director: Kyle Picha
Duluth Playhouse is committed to inclusive, color-conscious casting. Actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are highly encouraged to audition.
GENERAL AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions will be held in person at the NorShor Theatre Rehearsal Studios located at 211 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802. Please enter through the “Lights on Duluth” door located next to the Box Office.
AUDITION DETAILS
- Youth Auditions (17 and under) will be held August 11th and will be paired with Youth Auditions for Disney’s Descendants.
- Youth Actors please prepare 32 bars of a contemporary Musical Theatre selection.
- Accompanist Provided
- Bring your book, you may be asked to sing a second song
- Adult Auditions (18 and above) will be held August 15th
- Adult auditions begin at 12 pm - Actors must click HERE to sign up for a 5 minute audition time slot. This timeframe will be expanded if all available slots fill up.
- Adult Actors must fill out the audition form HERE
- Adult Actors please prepare 32 bars of a contemporary Musical Theatre selection.
- Accompanist Provided
- Bring your book, you may be asked to sing a second song
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- Headshot: or an up-to-date picture of yourself
- Resume: listing recent performance credits
VIDEO SUBMISSION
- If you cannot attend auditions, please send in a video submission to auditions@duluthplayhouse.org no later than Monday, August 10th.
- Video submissions must include:
- Video Audition: Please prepare two 32 bar cuts of contemporary Musical Theatre in the style of the show. (Feel free to sing material from the show)
- Dance Reel: Submit a dance or movement reel (considered a plus if it includes contemporary/commercial style dance)
- Headshot and Resume: Please email a resume and picture of yourself.
- Audition Form: Please fill out the audition HERE
- Some examples of how to share video submissions:
- Upload your video to Google Drive or Dropbox. Create a shareable link, copy and paste it to your email message.
- Create a YouTube video with a viewable link
- There are other ways to also share videos, these are just some examples
CALLBACK DETAILS
- Callbacks for Youth Performers will be held on Wednesday, August 12th. Actors who are called back will receive an email sometime after auditions on August 11th.
- Callbacks will consist of reading sides from the script, singing from the show and a dance call for some tracks.
- Callbacks for Adult Performers will be held on Sunday, August 16th. Actors who are called back will receive an email sometime after auditions on August 15th.
- Callbacks will consist of reading sides from the script, singing from the show and a dance call for some tracks. .
ABOUT A CHRISTMAS STORY
A Christmas Story: The Musical brings the beloved holiday classic to life with warmth, humor, and a whole lot of heart.
Set in 1940s Indiana, the story follows young Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts: an official Red Ryder BB gun. Featuring a charming, high-energy score by the songwriting team behind Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman, this festive favorite is packed with show-stopping numbers, larger-than-life moments, and plenty of nostalgia. A joyful celebration of family, imagination, and holiday spirit, A Christmas Story: The Musical is a gift audiences of all ages will love.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
CHARACTERS:
Narrator/Jean Shepherd: (Age: to play 40’s-60’s) The actual Jean Shepherd is the author of the books that this story is based on, as well as the voice of the narrator in the 1983 film. He is a warm, charismatic, and engaging storyteller. An omniscient, good-natured curmudgeon with a deadpan sense of humor. Jean focuses the action, keeps the story moving, and holds the audience’s attention with his presence and spark. This is a non-singing role.
Ralphie: (Age: to play 9-12) He is a bright, winsome, mischievous, and cute kid. The type that you wouldn’t mind having as a neighbor. Ralphie’s imagination tends to run wild at times as he dreams of the Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun he desires for Christmas. Vocal range: F#3 to D5
The Old-Man: (Age: to play 30’s to 40’s) Ralphie’s father is a gruff and grumbly individual. However, inside he has a good heart and love for his family. More than willing to wear his frustrations on his sleeves, he is not above reveling in a little showmanship. Vocal range: B♭2 to G4
Mother: (Age: to play 30’s to 40’s) Ralphie’s mother is the force that keeps the household together. She keeps a calm exterior despite the struggles that are thrown her way constantly by her husband and two children. Vibrant, warm, and affable, but she is no pushover. Vocal range: G3 to D♭5
Randy: (Age: to play 8-9) Ralphie’s younger brother. He is cute, cuddly, and lovable, but also whiny. He revels in being the baby of the family to his advantage. He looks up to his brother despite not seeing eye to eye with him at times. Vocal range: F#3 to D5.
Miss Shields: (Age: to play 30’s-50’s) Ralphie’s 5th grade teacher, a stereotypical 1940s educator. She is prim, proper, stern when necessary, though warm and even humorous when the situation merits it. Must be able to tap dance or be willing to learn. Vocal range: F#3 to D5.
Santa: (Age: to play 30’s-60’s) The Santa Claus at Higbee's Department Store is ill-tempered, slightly inebriated and very unhappy with his job--nothing like the "Jolly Old Elf" of the Christmas stories. Vocal range: B♭2 to F4
Scut Farkus: (Age: to play 12-15) This truant is a year or two older than Ralphie and is a textbook example of a schoolyard bully. Scut is loud, obnoxious and intimidating.
Grover Dill: (Age: to play 10-12) Grover is Farkus's toady and is always at his side. Younger and smaller than Farkus, Grover idolizes Farkus and delights assisting him with his dastardly deeds.
Kids: The Kids' Ensemble is heavily featured throughout the show. This group contains various classmates and supporting parts. Including but not limited to: Flick, Schwartz, Mary Beth, Nancy, and Esther Jane. Ages 8 and up.
Adult Ensemble: In addition to the kids’ ensemble, the adult ensemble will play a major role in bringing this show to life. We are seeking a diverse group to fill out the various side characters, elves, and townspeople that populated 1940s small town Indiana.
All actors will be considered for all roles, regardless of gender identity/expression, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, ability, etc.
REHEARSAL INFORMATION
Rehearsal Dates & Times:
October 19th, 2026 - November 13 , 2026
Rehearsals are currently scheduled
Mon-Fri from 6 pm– 10 pm.
Final schedule and times may vary.
Tech Rehearsals:
November 16 - December 3rd, 2026
Tech Rehearsals are currently scheduled
Mon-Fri from 5:30 pm–11:00 pm with Cue to Cue tech rehearsal on November 21st.
No rehearsal Nov 26-29 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
Final schedule and times may vary.
Where:
NorShor Theatre and Rehearsal Studios
211 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
December 2 at 7:30 p.m. Preview 1
December 3 at 7:30 p.m. Preview 2
December 4 at 7:30 p.m. Opening Night
December 5 at 2 p.m.
December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
December 6 at 2 p.m.
December 9 at 7:30 p.m. (Potential additional performance)
December 10 at 7:30 p.m.
December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
December 12 at 2 p.m.
December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
December 13 at 2 p.m.
December 16 at 7:30 p.m. (Potential additional performance)
December 17 at 7:30 p.m.
December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
December 19 at 2 p.m.
December 19 at 7:30 p.m.
December 20 at 2 p.m.
Questions?
Additional questions should be directed to auditions@duluthplayhouse.org