WE WANT YOU, and here is your chance to truly spread holiday magic!!!
Yankee Trails will host auditions for the premier holiday show in this area; Santa’s Magical Express! Auditions will be Sunday, September 27 beginning at 6:30 pm, at the Yankee Trails main office. Located at 569 3rd Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Celebrating its 15th year of entertaining thousands of children and their families, this multimedia and live holiday production offers a unique holiday entertainment experience for the Capital Region.
Who should audition?
All genders and ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition, as we are looking to fill a large cast of characters with great holiday spirit! All auditioners must be at least 18 years or older, and should have dependable transportation to the location in East Greenbush!
What to expect?
All actors will have the option to work anywhere from 1 to 4 nights per week (usually Thursday – Sunday, except for additional days the week of Christmas), beginning November 27th, and ending December 23rd. We will also consider staff who may only be able to work part of the run, for example 2 out of the 5 weeks of the production. Actors will be under contract and will be compensated upon successful completion of their contracted term (all hired actors will have to sign and comply with a code of conduct and work contract). We have many performers who return each year and those cast will be considered for future years as well as the current year.
When are rehearsals?
Rehearsals will begin at the end of October, with a kick off scheduled for October 19th and a few spaced out in October and November before our start date of November 24th (full dress) and November 27th (first show). A full schedule will be available at auditions and some conflicts will be accepted.
What is Santa’s Magical Express?
● It is a Highly interactive experience for both the actors and audience.
● The opportunity to create a child’s Christmas memory that will last a lifetime is always available.
● You will receive compensation for your time and effort.
● No show is ever the same. You will be working with different casts and a live audience, which keeps every day exciting.
● While the script is important to keep the story moving forward, improvisation and personalization is encouraged and necessary.
Where do I go for auditions?
Auditions will be held at the Yankee Trails main office; 569 3rd Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY 12144.
They will be held on September 27 with a sign-in at 6:30 PM. Sign in will close by 7:00 PM, with auditions running from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
What should I expect at auditions?
Everyone will be welcomed with an overview of what Santa’s Magical Express is, including stipends, schedule and attendance requirements.
The auditions process will consist of:
● Individual interview (simple conversational questions)
● Side readings (provided at auditions)
● Improve (we are looking for fun, festive, and creative individuals)
● Tell us your favorite Christmas Memory and why it is so important to you
● Sing your favorite Christmas Song a capella ( Don’t worry, we will sing along with you)
For questions, please email the producers at connie.rauhauser@gmail.com or Michael.mcdermott@yahoo.com.
Available Roles:
Santa; Adult Male; Beard, wig and costume provided. Strong knowledge of Christmas Folklore, current children’s’ fads/toys, improv. Must have a fun personality to carry the persona of the big man himself.
Mrs. Claus: The woman behind the scenes who works all the magic to save the day. Must be high energy and not afraid of standing and working on a moving vehicle!
Elves; Male and Female (Holiday Spirit Runs Deep) Should be energetic and able to work well with children, good at improv as well as keeping the story moving forward. They are also good at time management as this will keep all actors on task.
Scrooge; Adult Male (able to be aged); After his visit from the Christmas Ghosts, changes his way and leaves the Banking business to pursue his career as a stand-up comedian. Great Comedic Timing, ability to improv, rapping required. Please prepare a little snippet of Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice to sing A capella.
Frosty; A non- speaking role, this person will need to be covered in full costume, they are animated and loved by all, think “Disney Character” at a theme park. They have to use movement to express emotions.
Winky: Santa’s head elf who comes on board to help save the day along the way.
I look forward to seeing you at auditions!
Michael McDermott
He/Him/His
