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Olney Central College Theater Presents:
Audition Dates:
Monday, September 30th, at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, October 1st, at 6:30 pm
at the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center
This is a straightforward, faithful, and theatrically stunning adaptation of the Dickens story. Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Faced with his own mortality and the evil results of his misanthropic, miserly ways, Scrooge is redeemed, reconciled with his nephew and his neighbors, and becomes a second father to his assistant’s son, Tiny Tim.
Those auditioning need to attend only one audition date. Auditions are open to anyone in high school or older. Boys aged 7-12 are also welcome to audition for the role of Tiny Tim.
Callbacks will be as needed.
Performances: November 22-24, 2024
How to Audition:
Review materials from our audition workshop here.
Below are instructions, materials, and tips for auditioning for OCC Theater productions. Auditioners will be brought into the theater in groups of three, but each person will audition individually. For a play, the audition consists of a prepared reading.
Reading:
- You will read a prepared excerpt (or two) from the script for the audition. These are called sides.
- This is not a cold reading. All sides are posted in advance, and auditioners are expected to have rehearsed them before the audition.
- The characters and their corresponding sides are in the audition materials. Access the sides by clicking the "Audition Sides" tab below.
- You may prepare more than one character to read.
Scrooge’s nephew – A genial man of middle age who loves Christmas.
A miserly owner of an accounting office with a greedy, cold heart until he sees the folly of his ways.
Scrooge’s clerk – a kind, mild-mannered poor man with a large family. Though treated harshly, he remains a humble and dedicated employee.
*Age 7-12 years old
Bob Cratchit’s younger son crippled from birth. Very sensitive child who is the symbol of the poorer class.
Scrooge’s equally greedy business partner who died 7 years ago and appears as a ghost. He hopes to save Scrooge from suffering the same outcome.
The first spirit to appear to Scrooge. Curiously childlike, he takes Scrooge on a tour of Christmases past.
The second spirit to visit Scrooge. A majestic giant whose lifespan is limited to Christmas day! He escorts Scrooge on a tour of holiday celebrations.
Same age as younger Scrooge. A beautiful young woman who Scrooge loved deeply until he became consumed with greed and she broke off the engagement.
Older son of Bob Cratchit.
Cratchit’s older daughter.
Scrooge’s sister and Fred’s mother.
Kind and loving woman who is not very fond of Scrooge and his treatment of her husband.
Wife of Scrooge's nephew, Fred.
Just beginning to love money and is turned off by fun.
*There are a variety of additional characters who will be assigned after auditions.
Auditioning for an OCC production, or any production, can be a nerve-racking and scary experience. Here are a few tips to help with that process.
If you have never auditioned before, here is what to expect:
You will arrive at the college and enter the lobby in front of the theater. There will be a table where you will sign in and fill out a couple of forms. Once that is completed, you will wait until your name is called.
Someone will walk you into the theater and introduce you to the audition committee (be prepared for a little small talk). You will head to the center of the stage where you will read for the character you have chosen. Someone will come on stage and read opposite you. When you are finished, you will walk back out the way you came. Occasionally, the audition committee will ask you a few questions or ask you to read for another character.
How to Prepare for the Audition:
- Practice, practice, practice! You do not have to be memorized, but it is expected that you are prepared.
- Dress nicely. Make a great first impression.
- When doing your read, be the character. Make choices.
- Learn as much as you can about the show story. Learn as much as you can about the character you are auditioning for. The Internet is truly a wealth of information when it comes to shows. Use it!
- Have someone read opposite you several times beforehand: a friend, spouse, co-worker, anyone.
- Unfortunately, the nature of theater auditioning is disappointment. If you cannot handle disappointment, theater may not be for you. Multiple people audition for one part, but only one person will get that part. But if you are cast in a part, allow yourself to fall in love with your role.
1st Rehearsal: Monday, October 14th, from 6:30-9:30 pm
All cast members should attend the first rehearsal. Each member of the cast will receive a rehearsal schedule at the first rehearsal. In addition, cast members will receive weekly updates on what specific scenes will be covered on each day that week via Virtual Callboard. Rehearsals will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm for the first three weeks. Friday rehearsals will be added for the last three weeks. You may or may not be required to attend rehearsal every day each week.
We understand that cast members have families, jobs, school, and are also involved in other activities, so we try to be flexible. If you must miss a rehearsal for something important, we ask that you communicate that to the stage manager in advance. However, please be sure that you can attend most rehearsals so that the cast has time to work together.
Do I have to have experience on stage to audition?
No! We welcome anyone who is interested in participating, even if you have never done a show before.
What if I cannot make the audition dates?
Video auditions can be accepted, but please arrange those in advance. Your video must be submitted before auditions are completed.
Do I have to live in Olney to be in the show?
No! We love having people from different communities participate in our shows. We are always happy to see new faces.
Do I cold read at the audition?
Nope. Audition materials are posted in advance, and we expect you to come rehearsed and prepared with a character.
Do I have to be memorized at the audition?
Memorization is not required, but please come prepared and having rehearsed.
Where are auditions held?
Olney Central College at the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center
305 N West Street
Olney, IL 62450
Drive past the main building all the way to the east end of the campus. The theater is in the separate brick building next to the main building (the lobby is all windows).
I heard that I get class credit for being in a show. Is this true?
It is! You get class credit for being in the cast and the crew. The tuition and fees for the class are waived.
Interested in joining our theater behind the scenes? Contact us: occtheater@iecc.edu