2024 White Christmas Auditions
Hello and Welcome from Marriott Theatre!
Please read all audition information before submitting! Video submissions will be due April 3rd at 11:59 pm CT. Please submit via our Airtable Form: EPA FORM, ECC FORM. Videos must be received as an UNLISTED Youtube link or Vimeo link.
Callbacks: In person callbacks will be held in Lincolnshire, IL during the days of April 24th - April 26th. Please indicate on the form if you are not available during those days.
All cast members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to appear at an in-person callback and be cast in the show. “Fully vaccinated,” as defined by the CDC, is more than 14 calendar days following receipt of a final dose of an FDA or World Health Organization authorized or approved vaccine.
Production Dates
First Rehearsal: October 10th
First Preview: October 30th
Press Opening: November 6th
Closing: December 29th
White Christmas Creative Team / Who Will View Submissions
Linda Fortunato (She/Her) - Director/Choreographer
Ryan T. Nelson (He/Him) - Music Director
Peter Blair (He/Him) - Executive Producer
Peter Sullivan (He/Him) - Artistic Director
Katie Johannigman (She/Her) - Associate Artistic Director
Kavin Moore, CSA (He/They) - Artistic Coordinator
Casting Note: Kavin Moore, CSA
Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming casting process. The team strives to lead with respect, kindness, and generosity. In regard to the character descriptions– they outline the characters as delineated in the script and in consultation with the creative team. They do not aim to be all-encompassing representations of who might fill these roles, and we aim for an expansive and deliberate casting process. We acknowledge that the characters in the script are traditionally presented as either male or female (using he/him or she/her pronouns). However, we warmly welcome submissions from individuals who identify as gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, or non-binary for the roles that resonate most with their identity.
Character Breakdown
Preparation: Prepare the material for the character(s) you would like to submit for. Click/Tap the character name(s) to view all scenes and music. Please submit via our Airtable Form: EPA FORM, ECC FORM. Videos must be received as an UNLISTED Youtube link or Vimeo link.
BOB WALLACE - (He/Him, mid 30’s) A major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. He wears his fame easily and is a born leader, but has some more trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite his occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for his true love.
A superb singer with a sentimental style who moves very well.
PHIL DAVIS - (He/Him, mid 30’s)The fun-loving, go-getting song-and-dance partner of the team of Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown, operator and incorrigible ladies' man who is determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and outright deception. He has a boyish charm.
Strong jazz and tap-dancer with good comedic skills
BETTY HAYNES - (She/Her, mid 20s to early 30's) The sensible, responsible half of the upcoming song-and-dance team, The Haynes Sisters. Destined to be a star in her own right, she is nonetheless hesitant to take the spotlight for herself. Betty is a poised, authentic realist. Like Bob, she hides her yearning for true love under a protective shell.
Must move and sing well.
JUDY HAYNES - (She/Her, early 20s to early 30's) The younger, more ambitious, slightly scheming Haynes sister. While wholesome and adorable, she is very mischievous.
Strong jazz and tap dancer, a major song-and-dance performer.
GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY - (He/Him, late 50's to mid 60's) A retired U.S. Army General, adjusting to returning to civilian life in post World War II America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an Inn in Vermont. He remains a man of great principles and dignity. Beneath his curmudgeonly military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love.
With the exception of one line, a non-singing role.
MARTHA WATSON - (She/Her late 40's to mid 60's) Once a Broadway star, now the general's housekeeper at the Inn, Martha has a very dry, wry, wisecracking sense of humor. Bighearted but completely unsentimental, she runs the General's life in spite of his protestations. She is an irrepressible meddler, but always for what she believes to be the other guy's best interests.
A winning, appealing character-comedienne with a clarion belt voice.
SUSAN WAVERLY- (She/Her, 9-12 years old to play 9 years old) The General's granddaughter, Susan is a lovable and outgoing real kid. She is very smart,wise beyond her years, and cares deeply about her grandfather. Once bitten hard by the showbiz bug, she demonstrates everything that is winning in the ultimate child performer
Strong belt voice and must be able to move well.
RALPH SHELDRAKE- ( He/Him, mid to late 30's) Army buddy of Bob and Phil's, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan Show. Fast-talking, New York professional.
RITA and RHODA (She/Her, mid 20's to early 30's) Star performers of Bob & Phil’s troupe who are always flirting with Phil and are never seen without each other.
EZEKIEL FOSTER - (He/Him, mid 40s to late 50’s) The ultimate taciturn New Englander, who helps out at the inn and takes life at a very slow pace. Doubles as SNORING MAN.
MIKE - (He/Him, mid 20’s to late 30’s) Bob and Phil’s stage manager. Has a tendency to be over-dramatic and completely hysterical, but will get things done. Never seen without his whistle and clipboard, which he uses to attempt to keep order.
ENSEMBLE (Early 20s to 30s) (Will Cover Principal Tracks)
Must be equally strong in ballroom, jazz, and tap. Must sing well.
To play the following roles: Tessie, Jimmy, Train Conductor, Dance Captain, Cigarette Girl, Mrs. Snoring Man, Seamstress, Assistant Seamstress, Ed Sullivan Announcer, Jimmy’s Back Room Clubgoers, Train Passengers, Inn Guests, Chorus Kids, Patrons of the Regency Room.
*If you are interested in the roles of Phil, Judy, Rita/Rhoda, and Ensemble you must prepare the dance combination found in audition folders linked above. For the remaining characters, the dance material is NOT required. However, if you consider yourself a tapper/dancer - please submit the dance material. This combination is intentionally self contained to make it easier to record in any space. Keep your center strong and weight underneath you. If you have a floor or space that prohibits you from recording in tap shoes, that is okay. Just be sure that your microphone volume is up, so we can still hear your feet.
Please reach out to Kavin Moore at Kavin.Moore@MarriottTheatre.com or 847-465-1326 ex. 1 if you have any questions or access needs.
