Carson area casting call: Actors, singers sought for 2024 Polar Express train via V&T Railroad
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 08/05/2024 - 1:08pm
Event Date:
August 24, 2024 - 6:30pm
The V&T Railway Commission in partnership with the historic Virginia-Truckee Railroad and Rail Events, Inc. (Warner Bros. Inc. Consumer Products) are holding a casting call for their annual production of The Polar Express Train Ride, bringing the beloved and inspirational story to life aboard the historic V&T Railroad for the 2024 season.
We are looking for upbeat, energetic actors, actresses and singers to fill the following roles of: Lead Steward-Age 15+, Steward/Waiter 13+, Steward/Chef/Elf 13+ Conductors-Age 18+, Hobos–Age 18+, Hero Boy-Age 8 to 12. Prior acting and singing experience is not required. All performers will be required to have the ability to do simple dance movements and perform at a high level of energy and excitement.
This 23-night event is attended by over 16,000 passengers annually. Performances begin Thursday, Nov. 14 and run through Friday, Dec. 23. There are three performances each night at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Those interested in being a part of this energetic and magical show will have three chances to attend the casting call being held in Carson City at the Eastgate Siding Depot, 4650 Eastgate Siding Road, Carson City, Nev.
Auditions will be held from 6:30pm to 9 p.m. each night on Saturday, August 24; Sunday, August 25 and Monday, August 26.
Performers only need to attend one date of this casting call but must stay for the entire 2 ½-hours on the date they attend. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent/guardian attend the entire casting call time with you.
All performers are considered sub-contractors and are paid a flat nightly rate for each night they perform. Rate of pay is based on the role the performer portrays in the production each night. Those cast in the role of Santa will be required to obtain a background check. All cast 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.
Rehearsals will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings beginning Thursday, Sept. 26 and will run through Sunday, Nov. 14, 2024. All rehearsals will be held at the Eastgate Siding Depot, 4650 Eastgate Siding Road, Carson City. All performers are required to attend a minimum of two rehearsals each week. Exceptions can be made but must be approved by the Director one week in advance of the absence.
The 2024 The Polar Express Train Ride is scheduled to run from Nov. 14 through Dec. 23 for 25 nights. Performers are being asked to identify their availability for 20 nights. For production continuity purposes it is preferred performers be available to work all nights of the run. Exceptions to this requirement can be made. Request for consideration under the exception requirement must be done at the time of your casting call and approval is at the discretion of the Production Director, Carla Wilson.
To have a casting packet and audition sides sent to you electronically so you may complete it prior to arriving at the casting call, submit your request by email at PolarExpressDirector@gmail.com. If you are auditioning for the role of Hobo, it is preferred you memorize the audition side to perform at auditions. For more information about the casting call or the production please contact Carla Wilson, Production Director at the same email.
