Narrows Community Theater, Inc.
Brooklyn, NY
US
Synopsis
Beth Bradley’s church’s Christmas pageant is predictable every year -- the angel choir wears too much lipstick, the shepherds are all in their father’s bathrobes, the minister’s son is permanently cast in the role of Joseph -- hardly “four-star entertainment.” But when seasoned and authoritative pageant director Mrs. Armstrong breaks her leg, it is up to Beth’s inexperienced mother Grace to step in and produce the show. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the rambunctious Herdman children, a rough and tough group of siblings from the wrong side of the tracks, descend upon the pageant, lured by the promise of free dessert at Sunday school, and determined to win all the lead roles for themselves. Mayhem ensues, but through the creativity, energy, and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young family, the message of Christmas grows stronger and lodges deeper in our hearts. Mary Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on her novel of the same name, is a widely beloved Christmas tale, warm and incredibly funny, full of characters both relatable and utterly unique.
Character Breakdown
GRACE BRADLEY (MOTHER). 30+. A main role who takes over the annual Christmas pageant; mother to Beth and Charlie; wife to Bob.
BOB BRADLEY/ (FATHER). 30+. Husband to Grace and father to Beth and Charlie. A solid family man.
MRS. ARMSTRONG. 50s+. Managerial, in voice and manner; largish, bossy, impatient.
MRS. SLOCUM. 35-60+. Pleasant, motherly woman
MRS. CLARK. 35-60+. Pleasant, motherly woman
MRS. CLAUSING. 35-60+. Pleasant, motherly woman
MRS. McCARTHY. 40s, 50s. A younger, less imperious version of Mrs. Armstrong
REVEREND HOPKINS. 40s+. A nervous-about-most-everything pastor
-----------------------------
CHILD ROLES (Ages are “stage age” — Carol singing in auditions and the show.)
BETH BRADLEY. 10-14ish. A lead role who the show’s narrator. Grace/Bob’s daughter. Beth needs a strong voice and stage presence; is in most scenes dealing with a range of moods and situations.
CHARLIE BRADLEY. 8-11; Beth’s brother - the typical kid brother.
THE HERDMANS — “the worst kids in the history of the world.”
RALPH. 12-15. The oldest Herdman; ragged, scroungy, slouching manner, touch of adolescent cool.
IMOGENE. 11-14 Loud, bossy, tough, crafty. The Herdman leader.
LEROY. 10-13. Tough, very sure of himself.
CLAUDE. 8-11. Tough, combative. A crime buddy to Ollie.
OLLIE. 8-11. Boy or girl. Always looking for trouble. Claude’s usual partner in crime.
GLADYS. 7-10. Small, wiry, feisty. Often funny; sometimes means it.
ALICE WENDLEKEN. 10-13. Prim, proper, pain in the neck
MAXINE: 10-13. Beth’s church Sunday school classmate.
ELMER. 12-15. The minister’s son; dislikes church; not fond of the Herdmans.
HOBIE, DAVID, BEVERLY, JUANITA, DORIS. Various ages, 7-13.
ADDITIONAL ROLES. Various ages, 6 and up. Angel Choir members; baby angels, shepherds
Oct 15, 2024 - Dec 8, 2024
$0.00 – $0.00 per hour
October 8, 2024 at 12:00AM – 6pm-9pm St. Patrick's Archway Room
October 10, 2024 at 6:00PM – 6pm-9pm St. Patrick's William O’Connor Room
October 11, 2024 at 6:00PM – 6pm-9pm Callbacks: St. Patrick's Archway Room
FOR BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL AUDITIONS:
You will be asked to read from sides, sing any brief song a cappella, and tell us your favorite joke! Please bring a printed headshot and resume.
SELF-TAPE SUBMISSIONS are DUE BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 (midnight). Please submit your headshot and resume and video link or file to [email protected]. Slate your name, height and state which role you are auditioning for on your audition tape.
Sides are available at www.NarrowsCommunityTheater.com
nctaudition…
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ST. PATRICK'S is accessible by subway via the R Train to 95th Street in Bay Ridge. If driving, parking is available in the lot on 97th Street. The Archway Room is located between the church and the rectory under the archway, visible from 4th Ave. From the lot, take the stairs near the basketball courts. The William O'Connor Room is on the parking lot level, near the stairway. Signs will be posted.
SHOW DATES & LOCATION: December 6-8 (Fri, Dec. 6 & Sat., Dec. 7 at 7:00 PM; Sat., Dec. 7 & Sun., Dec. 8 at 2:00 PM at Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater, 101st St. / Ft. Hamilton Parkway (aka John Warren Ave.), Bay Ridge, Brooklyn 11209
!! IMPORTANT !! PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES TAKE PLACE AT THE FORT HAMILTON ARMY BASE THEATER -- ACTORS 18 AND OLDER (AND GUARDIANS ACCOMPANYING MINORS) MUST AGREE TO A BACKGROUND CHECK.
Per Homeland Security directives, all visitors and uncleared contractors desiring access to Fort Hamilton Army Base must be vetted through the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC III). In order to be cast, you agree to provide your personal data including your social security number for said background check by the U.S. Army. Note there is no charge for background checks. (Audience members do not require background checks for show dates.)
Please note that Narrows Community Theater is a non-profit theater and this is a non-Equity production. NCT is a membership organization, there is no pay or stipend for any role. There is a $30 membership fee if cast.
Minors are expected to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to auditions.
For more info and details, visit http://www.narrowscommunitytheater.com.
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