Auditions for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, New Year’s Eve Concert, and Mainstage 2027 Season Opener

Auditions for the Erie Playhouse productions of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, New Year’s Eve Concert, and Mainstage 2027 Season Opener will be held on September 13th at 4:00 pm and 15th at 5:30 pm at the Erie Playhouse Rehearsal Hall at 1158 East 12th Street. 

Actors are asked to arrive and to sign in within the first hour and a half of the audition start time. All roles are available. The Erie Playhouse practices Color Conscious casting. All ethnicities  and newcomers are especially welcomed. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for these events. All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. The Erie Playhouse encourages anyone who is interested to audition and is always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to its stage. No previous stage experience is required. All roles are non-equity (non-union) and are unpaid. Perusal scripts are available  in the box office for 24 hrs. with a refundable $10 deposit. Questions? Please contact richardd@erieplayhouse.org. 

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

Stage adaptation by Robert Penola

 Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks

Directed and Choreographed by Richard Davis 

Musical Direction by Devon Yates

Show dates: December 4-6, 11-13 and 17-20 with 2 performances of the 19th

Age Range: Open to ages 14 and up See character descriptions

All roles are open

• Audition Requirements: Please prepare to sing a brief (32 measures) musical theatre song or similar style of your choosing. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key or a karaoke track.. An accompanist will be provided. Also prepare a brief monologue no longer than 1 ½ minutes.  Rudolph requires character voices; please demonstrate this in your monologue.
• There will be a short movement audition for those who have not worked with Richard before.

Synopsis: The Holiday classic that has been delighting audiences since 1964 comes to life on stage. Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, what makes Rudolph different turns out to be what helps him save Christmas! It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Roles in Rudolph

Rudolph – A young buck. Youthful; physically agile; winning performer; vulnerable but strong; a solid singer. The role does involve stage flying. Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: D3

Sam – A snowman. A warm, middle-aged man with a relaxed demeanor. A powerful storyteller who never gets in the way of the story he’s telling. A knowing sense of humor; an appealing, warm singing voice.  Gender: male Age: 40 to 60 Vocal range top: F#4 Vocal range bottom: B2

Santa Claus – Larger-than-life personality; cheerful but distracted. Agelessly youthful, but should read middle-aged. Should not be cast as heavyset. Strong singing voice. Gender: male Age: 40 to 60 Vocal range top: D4 Vocal range bottom: G2

Hermey – An elf. Charmingly apologetic, but with inner strength. Strong comic sensibility; must move well and have a strong character voice. Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: C#3

Clarice – A young doe. Youthful; physically agile. Strong, willful, loving, flirtatious, must have a lilting pure soprano voice. Gender: female

Yukon Cornelius – A prospector. Tall, large man who should read mid-40s; instantly likable character; slightly absent-minded; physically agile and strong comedic ability. Age: 40 to 50 Vocal range top: E4 Vocal range bottom: C3

Donner – Rudolph’s father (can be double-cast as Boss Elf). Physically agile; tougher on the outside than he is on the inside. Gender: male Vocal range top: E4 Vocal range bottom: D#3

Mrs. Donner – Rudolph’s mother. Maternal, soft-spoken, quietly strong. Warm mezzo Gender: female Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Mrs. Claus – Feisty, matter-of-fact, inherently warm. A strong belter. Gender: female

Fireball – A young buck. Featured member of the chorus; young, sparky, boyish. Gender: male

Coach Comet – Reindeer Games Coach; Clarice’s father (can be double-cast as Yukon). Physically agile; featured member of Santa’s team; leads the reindeer games with coach-like quality. Gender: male

Boss Elf – (May be double cast as Donner) Humorless manager of the elves’ workshop; innate comic sensibility. 

Puppeteers – Play the multiple puppet characters in the story King Moon Racer, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Charlie, Doll, Spotted Elephant, Train, bird, Cowboy, Plane, Rabbits, Racoons, birds, Polar Bears, Sled dog.

Elves – Santa”s Elves must sing and move well

Santa’s Reindeer – Must sing and move Well

New Year’s Eve Concert: AN EVENING OF CHILLS AND THRILLS

Directed by Richard Davis

Vocal Direction by Devon Yates

Musical Direction by Bruce Yates

Show date: December 31st 

Open to ages 14 and up

Please note that the concert rehearses heavily from December 27 thru the 30th.  You must be available for the final rehearsal on the 30th.

• Audition Requirements: Please prepare to sing a brief (32 measures) musical theatre song or similar style of your choosing. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key or a karaoke track.. An accompanist will be provided. 

2027 Mainstage Season Opener

Stay tuned for additional information after our 2027 Season Launch

Directed and Choreographed by Richard Davis 

Musical Direction by Devon Yates

Show dates: February 19-21, 26-28, March 4-7, 12-13, Hold over 19-21

Age Range: Open to ages 14

All roles are open

• Audition Requirements: Please prepare to sing a brief (32 measures) musical theatre song or similar style of your choosing. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key or a karaoke track.. An accompanist will be provided.