Goodman Theatre announces a virtual open call for self-tape auditions for four of the young performer roles in A Christmas Carol—Boy Scrooge/Peter Cratchit; Belinda Cratchit; Emily Cratchit alternate; and Turkey Child—between August 2 – 20. Chicagoland actors aged 5 – 17 wishing to audition should self-tape a memorized poem or monologue (one minute or less) and one verse of a song—preferably a holiday song or Christmas carol—sung a cappella. No prior experience is required, and the Goodman welcomes actors of all races, ethnicity, national origin, religion, mental and physical abilities, sexual/affectional orientation, gender and its expression.
E-mail self-tape audition, along with photo and résumé listing previous theatrical and related experience/training and including address and contact information, to ACCYoungPerformersOpenCall@gmail.com. Materials received after August 20 will not be considered.
Visit GoodmanTheatre.org/CarolKids for additional information, including details about each role, guidelines for self-taping, and more. Parents/guardians: please note commitment dates of October 26 – November 19 (rehearsals) and November 20 – December 31 (performances; opening night is November 28).
“In effort to help keep all auditioners safe in this moment of shifting health and safety regulations, and knowing that so many young performers aren’t yet vaccine eligible, we have elected to hold our annual open call virtually this year,” said Goodman Theatre Casting Director Lauren Port. “While nothing compares with an in-person audition, we have become quite accustomed to casting virtually over the past 16 months, and look forward to seeing all of our young talent’s submissions.”
A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre—Chicago's "perfect holiday treat for the family" (ABC-7)— returns to the stage for its 44th annual production, following the popular 2020 Audio Adaptation, which was experienced by 100,000+ audiences around the globe. The heartwarming story of Ebenezer Scrooge (portrayed by the acclaimed Larry Yando, now in his 14th year) and his discovery of kindness, compassion and redemption is a must-see Chicago holiday tradition now in its fifth decade, enjoyed by nearly two million theatergoers. “Topnotch performances, spirited song-and-dance numbers” (Newcity), “amazing sets, gorgeous costumes and eye-popping effects” (Chicago Reader) bring to life "the best Christmas story ever told” (Time Out Chicago). Tickets to A Christmas Carol ($25 - $105; subject to change) go on sale to the general public on August 20 at GoodmanTheatre.org/Carol, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn).
ABOUT THE GOODMAN
Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement.
Led by Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” It’s longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.
Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home to these programs, which are offered free of charge for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.
As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s Action Plan for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access (IDEAA) was born out of the belief that progress means action, which includes building on the decades-long commitment to using art, assets and resources to contribute to a more just, equitable and anti-racist society.
Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation of the new Goodman center in 2000.
Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Rebecca Gilman, Dael Orlandersmith, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Kimberly Senior, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Jeff Hesse is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Fran Del Boca is Women’s Board President and Megan McCarthy Hayes is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.