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McCONNELLSTOWN -- The Playhouse at McConnellstown will hold auditions in September for its upcoming holiday production of "A Christmas Carol."
Auditions for children ages 8 to 17 and adults 18 and older will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Playhouse, 11680 Raystown Road, McConnellstown. Previous theatrical experience is not required.
The production offers a different approach to Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story. Set on Christmas Eve in England in 1843, the play begins with Dickens alone in his attic studio, where he is visited by the spirit of his
younger self.
When the child demands a story, Dickens summons his family and friends to the attic and enlists them in bringing the tale taking shape in his imagination to life. The cast then acts out the familiar story as it unfolds.
The production calls for five male-presenting actors, two female-presenting actors and several children. Actors of any ethnicity and gender are encouraged to audition, with all casting decisions left to the production's creative team.
Adult roles include Charles Dickens; his wife, Catherine Dickens; Punch magazine editor Mark Lemon; Dickens' younger brother, Frederick; painter Clarkson Stanfield; Dickens' friend and adviser John Forster; and Rebecca Stanfield. Several roles are available for children ages 8 to 17.
Those auditioning should bring their calendars and a list of any scheduling conflicts between Sept. 13 and Nov. 29. Evening and weekend rehearsals and children's workshops are anticipated, and cast members will be required to attend all scheduled rehearsals during the final week before the production opens.
Guardians are expected to attend rehearsals and workshops, and chaperones will be needed during the production run. Parents and cast members ages 16 and older are also encouraged to participate in set-building sessions.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, 21, 27 and 28 and 2 p.m. Nov. 21, 22, 28 and 29.
The Playhouse is also seeking volunteers for stage crew, concessions, front-of-house duties and parking assistance. Those interested in volunteering may email Artistic Director Dan Weston at danwest@littletheater.com.
For more information, call the Playhouse at (814) 627-0311.