Upcoming Auditions Dates
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Director & Audition NotesThe Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical will be directed by Emily Clements with Music Direction by Ayrian Norman, and Choreography by Hannah Smith.
Auditions will be held on Sunday, September 11th at 4 PM and Monday, September 12th at 6 PM. Attendance to both nights is not required, but recommended. Tuesday, September 13th will be used for callbacks if needed. Auditions are open to those 8 years old and up! |
Performance DatesNovember 18 - December 10 on Backdoor Theatre's Main Stage. Shows begin at 7:30 PM with the exception of of the Pay What You Can performance on Sunday, November 27th at 2 PM.
These dates do not include any potential marketing or promotional events. |
Show Synopsis & Information
COMEDIC FAMILY MUSICAL
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. So, when they crash Sunday School and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There's not supposed to be fighting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they have rewrites!
Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies is calling for director Grace to fire the Herdmans. But it's up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this animated musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.
Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes, a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. So, when they crash Sunday School and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There's not supposed to be fighting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they have rewrites!
Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies is calling for director Grace to fire the Herdmans. But it's up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this animated musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.
Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes, a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.
Audition Materials
Sides/scenes will be handed out at auditions.
We will be getting rehearsal tracks for auditions. In the meantime, you can listen to the music on THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
AUDITION MUSIC:
Girls - "Best Gift of All" - m2-13 - sing both Gladys and Imogene's parts
Boys - "Take My Lunch" - m12-29
Female - "Problem" - m5-23
Grace - "Best Gift of All" - m27-34
Male - "Horrible Herdmans" - m47-55
CALLBACKS:
"Maybe" - Entire song
If you would like a copy of the script, please email carter@backdoortheatre.org
We will be getting rehearsal tracks for auditions. In the meantime, you can listen to the music on THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
AUDITION MUSIC:
Girls - "Best Gift of All" - m2-13 - sing both Gladys and Imogene's parts
Boys - "Take My Lunch" - m12-29
Female - "Problem" - m5-23
Grace - "Best Gift of All" - m27-34
Male - "Horrible Herdmans" - m47-55
CALLBACKS:
"Maybe" - Entire song
If you would like a copy of the script, please email carter@backdoortheatre.org
Character Descriptions
All roles have race and age flexibility. However, with the adult roles, they need to read as adults/parents.
HERDMAN KIDS:
Ralph - Male - 13 - The oldest and coolest. He's the enforcer.
Imogene* - Female - 12 - Leader of the Herdmans. She's loud, bossy, and crafty.
Leory - Male - 11 - Ralph's backup. Very confident in the muscle department.
Claude - Male - 10 - Scrappy and smart.
Ollie - Male - 9 - A bit of a naive urchin who follows the older boys' leads.
Gladys* - Female - 8 - Little but fierce. Nothing scares Gladys.
*Larger singing roles - mezzo-sopranos
THE BRADLEYS:
Grace - 30+ - Sweet, good-humored, slightly frazzled mom - Strong Soprano
Bob - 30+ - Easygoing dad, wry sense of humor - Baritone
Charlie - 10 - Typical kid brother - Tenor
Beth - 11- Charlie's older and wiser sister. She's honest and kind - Soprano
CHURCH FOLKS:
Helen Armstrong - 40+ - Organized steamroller. She's always in charge - Dramatic alto
Reverend Hopkins - 30+ - Occasionally befuddled, always well-meaning - Bari-Tenor
Luanne - Adult - Sassy, tells it like it is - Alto
Betty - Adult - Sweet southerner, calls everyone "honey" - Mezzo
Connie - Adult - Direct, no-nonsense type - Soprano
FEATURED KIDS:
Alice Wendleken - 11 - Know-it-all. She thinks she's perfect. - Soprano
Elmer Hopkins - 10 - Preacher's kid, which means he needs to behave and be nice.
Teddy Shoemaker - 9 - Wimpy kid with glasses, asks too many questions.
Ivy Reed - 11 - Beth's earnest friend who is sometimes a goody-goody - Soprano
ENSEMBLE:
4-6 additional children
2-4 adults
HERDMAN KIDS:
Ralph - Male - 13 - The oldest and coolest. He's the enforcer.
Imogene* - Female - 12 - Leader of the Herdmans. She's loud, bossy, and crafty.
Leory - Male - 11 - Ralph's backup. Very confident in the muscle department.
Claude - Male - 10 - Scrappy and smart.
Ollie - Male - 9 - A bit of a naive urchin who follows the older boys' leads.
Gladys* - Female - 8 - Little but fierce. Nothing scares Gladys.
*Larger singing roles - mezzo-sopranos
THE BRADLEYS:
Grace - 30+ - Sweet, good-humored, slightly frazzled mom - Strong Soprano
Bob - 30+ - Easygoing dad, wry sense of humor - Baritone
Charlie - 10 - Typical kid brother - Tenor
Beth - 11- Charlie's older and wiser sister. She's honest and kind - Soprano
CHURCH FOLKS:
Helen Armstrong - 40+ - Organized steamroller. She's always in charge - Dramatic alto
Reverend Hopkins - 30+ - Occasionally befuddled, always well-meaning - Bari-Tenor
Luanne - Adult - Sassy, tells it like it is - Alto
Betty - Adult - Sweet southerner, calls everyone "honey" - Mezzo
Connie - Adult - Direct, no-nonsense type - Soprano
FEATURED KIDS:
Alice Wendleken - 11 - Know-it-all. She thinks she's perfect. - Soprano
Elmer Hopkins - 10 - Preacher's kid, which means he needs to behave and be nice.
Teddy Shoemaker - 9 - Wimpy kid with glasses, asks too many questions.
Ivy Reed - 11 - Beth's earnest friend who is sometimes a goody-goody - Soprano
ENSEMBLE:
4-6 additional children
2-4 adults
Ready to register for auditions? Click the red button below!
Audition FAQ's
What is the overall audition process like
The process is different for straight plays versus musicals, and may also depend on who is directing the show. All auditions include an introduction to the Director and committee members, and all participants fill out an audition form. Audition lengths can vary depending on the number of people who come. Familiarize yourself with the play/musical you are auditioning for before you come to the auditions. We recommend keeping an eye on this page and our Facebook page for more information on each aduition session!
What are Musical auditions like and how do you prepare?
Musical auditions are usually made up of three parts: choreography, vocals, and scene reading (reading from the script of the show). However, some musicals do not contain choreography so this section may be omitted from the audition process.
- Choreography: The choreographer will teach the group a routine. You then perform it as a group. You can prepare for this portion by watching videos of other productions of the show ahead of time. This will expose you to the type of choreography you will be taught.
- Vocals: You're encouraged to bring a 16 to 32 bar (30-45 sec.) cut from a song in the style of the show. We provide an accompanist and there is a speaker available if you have tracked music. If you do not bring your own music cut, the musical director or accompanist will teach the group a portion of a song from the show. You will then be called up to perform this song individually or as a group. The best way to prepare for this is to listen to the soundtrack for the show ahead of time.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning for, sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
What are Straight Play auditions like and how do you prepare?
Straight play auditions consist of scene readings. Occasionally, a play can demand a certain type of movement so there may be a portion of the evening in which the director will work with you to see how well you can move and adapt to the needs of the script.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning. Sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
Who casts the show?
A deliberative body called the casting committee. The committee is made up of the director, choreographer (if applicable), and guests who are experienced in theatre arts. The casting committee acts as a sounding board and another set of eyes and ears for the director who makes the final decisions.
How do you make your decisions on who to cast?
- Availability- Rehearsal is incredibly important. If your schedule inhibits you from attending rehearsals you may not be cast. This will be clarified at the beginning of auditions, and included on your audition form.
- Talent- Vocal ability and acting.
- Physicality- Some roles require specific looks, accents, age, etc. Some shows require specific dance choreography/movement.
- Chemistry- When casting, the committee is required to look at the cast as a whole and see how and IF you fit into that puzzle. For example, You may be right for Role A & B, but if you are cast as Role A, there may not be someone for Role B. You may be cast as Role B if there is a second option for Role A.
How do you find out why you were cast, or not cast, for the part you wanted?
Backdoor Theatre is a teaching theatre. We encourage all participants to reach out and ask this question. We will provide constructive feedback on how you can improve your skills. Please email us by using the form on this page.
Do you need to have experience to try out?
Not at all! We will teach you what you need to know. However, you are expected to be familiar with the show and material. Please email backdoorwf@gmail.com to receive a script for the show. If you are trying out for a musical, familiarize yourself with the songs.
What do I wear to auditions?
Whatever your comfortable in and closed toe shoes. If your audition involves dancing, bring appropriate footwear and wear clothing you can move around in.
Do I need to come to both nights of auditions
It's not required but encouraged.
What do I do if I don't get cast
There are several reasons you might not get cast. Please reach out and ask for constructive feedback. Come to more auditions, and don't give up! Being a part of a Backdoor production is an experience you will never forget. If you don't get cast, we also suggest asking the director about being apart of the Tech Crew!
Does Backdoor Theatre precast shows
Some parts may be precast. This will be listed in character descriptions on this page and that part will not be available during auditions.
What about callbacks?
When referring to callbacks, we may not always need everyone to read or sing again. This does not mean that you are not being considered for a role or not cast. The Casting Committee makes the decision on callbacks for various reason.