AUDITION INFORMATION

Please come any time during the audition dates and times. Auditions will last about 30 minutes. There will be cold readings from the script. *Some actors may be asked to sing/sing together in a chorus.  No prepared material is required. All roles are volunteer and unpaid. 

*Bring your calendars and be prepared to note any rehearsal conflicts from the information below.

REHEARSAL INFORMATION
 

Rehearsals will generally be Tuesday and Thursday (with some rehearsals on Monday/Wednesday) evenings from  6:30-8:30pm, and Saturdays from 2-5pm. No absences allowed during tech weeks (November 16-22 & November 30-December 3) and during performances.

 

*NO rehearsals the week of Thanksgiving (November 22-29).

 

Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 17. A more specific rehearsal schedule is available below.

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PERFORMANCES

December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2026 at 8pm

December 12 & 20 at 2pm

*December 15 at 7:30pm

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CASTING INFORMATION

Actors of ALL ethnicities ages 12 & up are encouraged to audition.  Up to 20 actors are needed.  The age range and gender listed are for the character, not necessarily the actor portraying them. The ages/genders listed are starting off points and not set in stone.  Roles are listed in order of appearance in the script (within the category of “children” and “adults”) and not necessarily by the size of the role.

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CASTING INFORMATION

THE CHILDREN

BETH BRADLEY – (female, tween) A lead role who narrates the show; must have a strong voice and great stage presence; able to show an array of emotions. Sister to Charlie and daughter to Grace & Bob.  She’s an average kid, but with more insight than many.

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​CHARLIE BRADLEY – (male, Younger than Beth) Younger brother to Beth, and son of Grace & Bob; typical “little brother” character, but an all‐around good kid. Must have good comedic timing and a strong voice. An average kid just trying to avoid getting beat up by a Herdman.

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RALPH HERDMAN – (male, Tween- Teen) Ragged, scroungy, slouching manner, with a touch of adolescent cool. The oldest member of the Herdman clan of young ruffian siblings who are considered “the worst kids in the history of the world.” Definitely the perpetrator of minor crimes. Plays Joseph in the pageant.

 

IMOGENE HERDMAN – (female, Tween) Loud, bossy, and crafty. The second oldest member and

leader of the Herdman clan of young ruffian siblings who are considered “the worst kids in the history of the world.” One tough cookie. Imogene shows an array of emotions from sassy to sadness in this play. This is an important role and takes a strong young actress to portray her. Plays Mary in the pageant.

 

LEROY HERDMAN – (male, Tween) Tough, sure of himself. The third member of the Herdman clan of young ruffian siblings who are considered “the worst kids in the history of the world.” Regularly steals Charlie’s lunch.

 

CLAUDE HERDMAN – (male, Kid) Tough, combative. The fourth member of the Herdman clan of young ruffian siblings who are considered “the worst kids in the history of the world.”

 

OLLIE HERDMAN – (male, Kid) Looking for trouble. Claude’s usual partner in crime. The fifth

member of the Herdman clan of young ruffian siblings who are considered “the worst kids in the history of the world.”

 

GLADYS HERDMAN – (female, Kid) Small, wiry, feisty. The sixth and youngest member of the

Herdman clan of young ruffian siblings who are considered “the worst kids in the history of the world.”

 

ALICE WENDLEKEN – (female, Tween) Prim, proper, and a pain in the neck. She is one of Beth’s

Sunday School classmates. A goody two shoes and very prissy. 

 

MAXINE – (female, Tween) The narrator of the Christmas Pageant within the play. She is one of

Beth’s Sunday School classmates. Must have a loud, clear speaking voice.

ELMER HOPKINS – (male, age Tween) The minister’s son. He is a little nerdy, but still sweet. Friends with Charlie Bradley and NOT a fan of the Herdmans.

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Other Roles:

• HOBIE (male, Tween)

• DAVID (male, Kid)

• BEVERLY (female, Kid)

• SHIRLEY (female, Kid)

• JUANITA (female, Kid)

• DORIS (female, Kid-Tween)

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​THE ADULTS

GRACE BRADLEY (MOTHER) – A leading role. When the usual director ends up in the hospital, Grace steps up to direct the annual Christmas pageant. Mother to Beth and Charlie and

wife to Bob. Must be comfortable leading the pageant within the play, which includes directing a large

group of children on stage. She exudes warmth, humor, compassion, grit, and determination.

 

BOB BRADLEY (FATHER) – A solid family man. Husband to Grace and father to Beth and Charlie. Must have good comedic timing and be able to present witty dialogue smoothly. He is not a fan of the pageant, but he is a big fan of his wife and supports her in her efforts.

 

MRS. HELEN ARMSTRONG – Large personality and in charge. Imperious. Managerial in voice and manner. The usual director of the Christmas Pageant (and almost everything else) who is sidelined by an untimely broken leg. Has trouble letting go and relinquishing control. A bossy know-it-all.

 

MRS. IRMA SLOCUM – A church lady. A pleasant, motherly woman, but not a fan of

the Herdmans.

 

MRS. EDNA MCCARTHY – A church lady. A younger, less imperious version of Mrs.

Armstrong.

 

REVEREND HOPKINS – (male, middle to late 40s) The minister of the church. Father of Elmer.

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Other Roles:

• MRS. CLARK – (female, any age) A church lady. Mother of Hobie.

• MRS. CLAUSING – (female, any age) A church lady.

• FIREMEN (at least 2)

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*Some cast members will also double as Angel Choir Members, Firemen, Angels & Shepherds.

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*For more information about the play and characters Click Here

 

Questions: Contact the Director at director@onstagewalton.com

*THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.