Audition Announcement: “Its A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”

With apologies for the short notice required as a result of scheduling issues

Audition Announcement – Providence Players

 Open Auditions for
“It’s a Wonderful Life:  A Live Radio Play”

7 Male, 4 Female and 2-4 Child Roles

All Open

Printable Audition Announcement

 It’s a Wonderful Life:  A Live Radio Play

Adapted by Joe Landry
From the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling

Directed by Brian O’Connor

Turn back the clock to the 1940s and set the dial for a double dose of holiday nostalgia. This version of It’s a Wonderful Life harkens back to the golden age of radio, and is performed as a live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Conceived and drawn directly from Frank Capra’s classic film, a talented ensemble of actors and one clever sound technician tell the story of George Bailey and the night he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. A holiday treat you will want to share with the entire family.

Performance Dates And Times

Preview Performance Thursday Dec. 1
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Evening 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11
Saturday Matinees 2:00 p.m. Dec. 10
Sunday Matinees 2:00 & 5:00 p.m. Dec. 4 & 11
There is a possibility that the show will be held over for two more performances on the 16th and 17th if scheduling and attendance permit.

Audition Dates/Process

Thursday, September 29, 7-9:30pm
Friday, September 30, 7-9:30pm
Call backs: Monday, October 3, 7-9:30pm

 Location

TheJamesLeeCommunity Center
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church,VA22042
Auditions will be held in the multi-purpose room.

From the director

Please come prepared to read different roles from the play – individual readings and scene (multiple persons) readings as well.  I need to see how the voices blend and work together.  Remember, this is a radio show that you will perform in front of microphones.  The voice and characterizations are critical for the play to work, as are the wonderful sounds effects!!  -Brian O’Connor

 Other helpful information

  • Sides for the production will be supplied. 
  • Resumes and headshots are not required, but are encouraged and welcomed. Forms will be available at the time of the auditions for personal and contact information.
  • The Providence Players welcomes both experienced and inexperienced actors and actresses. We try and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
  • If cast, actors will be asked to become Providence Players Members ($10).
  • Email providenceplayers@cox.net with any questions.
  • If you are able, please RSVP to providenceplayers@cox.net to let us know you are coming.

 General Rehearsal Schedule

Rehearsals will start in and around November 1 and will be held in the evenings approx 7-10pm.  We will rehearse only during the week for the first two weeks, due to the director’s weekend work schedule.  More on times and rehearsals will be available in October after the show is cast.  We do hope to work over the holiday Thanksgiving weekend IN the theatre, so please note we will probably work on that Sat and possibly Sunday (if available).

 “It’s a Wonderful Life” – Character Summary

 General information – all cast members will be performing their roles and assisting with sound effects (Foley) during the show.  This is what makes this production so unique. 

 Men (7)

George Bailey – family man, dreamer, full of hope and life

Clarence – angel looking to do the right thing to get his wings!

Henry Potter – Scrooge type who wants total control and has no heart towards anything else!

Joseph/Announcer – Lead performer who hosts the radio show and who will be the “chief angel” who assists with Clarence getting his wings.

The other three men will play a variety of roles from the play including:  George’s father, Cop, Bridge keeper, townsfolk, friends, etc. (The performers in these roles will have a real chance to shine!)

Women (4)

Mary – The home town girl always in love with George

Violet – The town beauty who always is a looker!  She really loves…herself!

Rose – George’s mother, confident, family counselor

The final woman cast will have a series of roles from the town, office, and friends of the Baileys……versatility is a must!!

(Some of the other women’s roles will be played by the woman playing primary roles too.)

Children (2-4)

Two children (perhaps split male and female) playing all child roles.  There may be an opportunity to include as many as four children in the production.