Casting call for 'The Polar Express' on the historic Virginia-Truckee Railroad
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Sun, 09/03/2023 - 1:43pm
Event Date:
Repeats every day on the 10 of September until Sat Sep 09 2023 except Sun Sep 10 2023.
September 8, 2023 - 6:30pm The V&T Railway Commission in partnership with the historic Virginia-Truckee Railroad and Rail Events, Inc. (Warner Brothers Inc. Consumer Products) is holding auditions for their annual production of The Polar Express Train Ride, bringing this beloved and inspirational story to life aboard the historic V&T Railroad for the 2023 season.
Organizers are looking for upbeat, energetic actors, actresses, dancers, and singers to fill the following roles of: Stewards, Elves, Chefs, Waiters, Conductors, Hobos–Age 21+, the Hero Boy-Boys aged 8 to 12, Hero Girl (Holly)-Girls aged 8-12, and the big man himself Santa Claus–Age 50+.
For Santa Claus distinctive character attributes such as a real-bearded are preferred. Santa’s will also be required to join Nationwide Santa’s so they can obtain a background check. Please contact Production Director, Carla Wilson, for a list of the additional characteristics.
More than 16,000 passengers attend this 23-night event annually. Performances begin Thursday, Nov. 16 and run through Friday, Dec. 23.
The Polar Express Train Ride is based on the holiday story book and feature film from Warner Brothers Pictures about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, cast members will bring this classic story to life before the eyes of pajama clad passengers on a magical journey as this nighttime train whisks families away for an unforgettable ride to the North Pole.
During the journey, train conductors, stewards, waiters, and chefs will punch tickets and serve hot chocolate and cookies for passengers to enjoy while Chris Van Allsburg’s classic story is narrated overhead. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train and greet the children with the first gift of Christmas and elves will entertain passengers with Christmas carols and merriment as the train returns to Carson City.
Those interested in being a part of this energetic and magical show will have three chances to audition for a role. All auditions will be held in Carson City held at the V&T Eastgate Railroad Depot located at 4650 Eastgate Siding Road.
Audition dates: Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 10, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Performers only need to attend one date of auditions but must stay for the entire 2-hour period on the date they attend. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent/guardian attend the entire audition time with you.
You will also be required to complete the audition packet at the auditions. To help expedite auditions, please request an Audition Packet in advance and bring all completed forms with you to your audition. Should you have a conflict with attending one of these audition dates, please contact Director, Carla Wilson, to inquire if an additional audition date will be available.
All performers will receive an honorarium for the performance they work on. The amounts of the honorarium are based on the role the performer portrays in the production. All cast are classified as independent contractors and will be required to complete a W9 within two weeks of the first rehearsal date. Any cast member 18 or older whose honorarium exceeds $600.00 could receive a 1099 miscellaneous.
Prior acting, singing, dancing, and improvisational skills are a plus, but not required. Those auditioning are asked to bring a current theatrical resume to the audition if you have one. You will need to be prepared to sing the song “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” acapella and do cold readings from the script. Lyrics for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer can be e-mailed to you upon request prior to auditions. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes (no sandals, flip flops, or boots) to move in for the audition.
Rehearsals will be held on Thursday’s, Friday’s, and Saturdays, beginning, Sept. 21, 2023, and will run through Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2023. All rehearsals will be held at the Eastgate Depot on Eastgate Siding Road in Carson City. All performers are required to attend a minimum of two rehearsals each week until Nov. 1 when attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals.
The 2023 The Polar Express Train Ride is scheduled to run from Nov. 16 through Dec. 23 for 23 nights.
For production continuity purposes it is preferred performers be available to work all nights of the run. Performers must be available to work a minimum of 18 nights of the 23 nights.
Exceptions to this requirement can be made depending on the circumstances creating the issue. Requests must be made at the time of your audition. Approval is at the discretion of the Director, Carla Wilson.
For more information about the production or to have an Audition Packet sent to you electronically please send Director, Carla Jackson-Wilson, via email at cw3595@outlook.com with your Name so an audition packet can be sent to you.
