Auditions for "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus"

Auditions for "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus"
A Play in Two Acts by Bob Cooner
(Suggested by the famous 1897 New York Sun editorial)

Directed by Scott Stephen Kegler
Assistant Directed by Bella Walls

About the Play:
It’s New York City, 1897. Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon finds her world shaken when school friends tell her there is no Santa Claus. Distressed, she turns to her family and ultimately writes a letter to The New York Sun to discover the truth. This heartwarming, funny, and poignant play captures the innocence of childhood, the struggles of family life, and the enduring power of belief.

Audition Details:
Location - Burton Leavitt Theatre, 779 Main Street, Willimantic

Dates/Times - Sunday, September 7th at 2:00pm and Monday, September 8th at 6:00pm

What to Prepare - A 30-60 second comedic monologue is preferred but not required (particularly for children auditioning for the show), otherwise there will be sides for cold reading.

Rehearsals will be on weekends and alternating Mondays and Wednesdays, until close to tech where we will use both.

Performances:
Show opens December 5th and runs through December 14th

Character Breakdown:
(Note: Ages are playing ages, not actual ages. All roles open unless otherwise noted.)

Virginia O’Hanlon (F, 8 ) – The central character. Imaginative, strong-willed, and determined. A child who embodies innocence, curiosity, and heart. (Casting note: role can be played by an older youth actor who can believably portray 8 years old.)

Dr. Philip Francis “Frank” O’Hanlon (M, mid-30s) – Virginia’s father. A coroner’s physician for Manhattan. Brusque and busy with his work, but also loving and protective. A man of science caught between fact and faith.

Laura Plumb O’Hanlon (F, late 20s–early 30s) – Virginia’s mother. Loving but firm, often distracted with household duties. She hides a sadness from not being able to have another child.

George Samuel “Sam” O’Hanlon (M, early–mid 20s) – Virginia’s uncle, Frank’s younger brother. Aspiring actor/vaudevillian. Energetic, playful, comedic, a bit reckless. Provides levity and fun.

Mary Ann “Móraí” O’Hanlon (F, 50s–70s) – Virginia’s grandmother. Proper, traditional, a bit needy, but deeply loving. A widow who relies on her children. Virginia adores her.

Margaret Murphy (F, early–mid 20s) – The O’Hanlons’ Irish housekeeper and cook. Practical, warm, and cheerful. Has a good rapport with Virginia and Minnie.

Minnie Gallagher (F, 7–10) – Virginia’s best friend. Shy, gentle, and a bit timid. Looks up to Virginia.

Clara Cunningham (F, 7–10) – Virginia’s rival/frenemy. Bossy, egotistical, and privileged. Enjoys needling Virginia.

Janie Cunningham (F, 6–9) – Clara’s little sister. Spoiled and egotistical like her sister but less confident.

For more information contact c2NvdHQgISBrZWdsZXIgfCB3aW5kaGFtdGhlYXRyZWd1aWxkICEgb3Jn

You may also like the following events from Windham Theatre Guild:

• This month, 19th September, 07:30 pm, "Dial M For Murder" in Willimantic

Also check out other Arts events in Willimantic, Theatre events in Willimantic, Comedy events in Willimantic.