“it’s a wonderful life: a live radio play” Auditions

 

adapted by Joe Landry

It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern.
The Greatest Gift is used by permission of The Greatest Gift Corporation.

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.

DIRECTED BY ALY cook

CONTENT ADVISORY: Topics of depression, alcohol and suicide.

[ AUDITION DATES ]

Mon, Sept 29 & Tues, Sept 30 from 6-8pm
(please plan to stay the whole duration)

Callbacks (if necessary) - TBD

Ages - 10 & up

If you have any questions that are audition-based about this production, please let us know above!

READ ALL INFORMATION BELOW:

  • AGE RANGE:

    • 10 & up

    WHAT TO PREPARE:

    • Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. 

    • Auditionees will only need to come to one night of auditions, unless requested to return.

    • Bring a list of any conflicts you may have during the rehearsal process. October6 - December 14, 2025

    WHERE:

    • Westminster Catawba Christian School
      (2650 India Hook Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732)

      • Entrance by the fountain facing the soccer field

    WHEN:

    • Monday, Sept 29 and Tuesday, Sept 30 from 6-8pm 

      • Please plan to stay for the whole duration

    • CALLBACKS (if necessary) TBD

    • Only need to attend ONE day. Choose which days works best for you!

  • FIRST MANDATORY CAST MEETING/READ THRU/HEADSHOTS:

    • Monday, October 6 from 6-8pm

    BASIC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:

    Starts October 6 and end on December 14, 2025

    • Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6-8pm

    • Mon - Thurs from 6-9pm as we get closer to Tech week.

    • Not all actors may be called for every rehearsal

    • Additional rehearsals may be scheduled during weekends/holidays if scheduling allows

    • Schedule will be finalized after auditions at the director's discretion.

    MANDATORY DRESS REHEARSALS/PERFORMANCES DATES:

    Tech Week: Sunday, November 30 to Wednesday, December 3 TIME TBD

    • Thursday, December 4 at 7:30pm (Final Dress Rehearsal)

    • Friday, December 5 (Christmasville Parade - NO performance)

    • Saturday, December 6 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm (plus Christmasville performance at 11:30am in Downtown Rock Hill)

    • Sunday, December 7 at 2:00pm

    • Thursday, December 11 at 7:00pm (Pick up Rehearsal)

    • Friday, December 12 at 7:00pm

    • Saturday, December 13 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm

    • Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm (strike after performance)

    (dates and times subject to change)

  • All roles are open to all ages, races and genders!

    This production can be done with as little as 5 actors and large as 25 actors! So pick whatever suits you bests!

    For actors under 18, director will cast you in the “YOUNG/CHILDREN ROLES”

    • Freddie Filmore - male-presenting - also portrays Announcer, Mr. Gower, Henry F. Potter, Uncle Billy Bailey, Joseph, Peter Bailey, Ernie, Old Man Collins, Ed, Pete, Man at Martini’s, Nick, Bridge Keeper, Binky, Cop

    • Jake Laurents - male-presenting - also portrays George Bailey / Young George

    • Sally Applewhite - female-presenting - also portrays Mary Hatch Bailey / Young Mary

    • Lana Sherwood - female-presenting - also portrays Violet Bick / Young Violet, Rose Bailey, Matilda, Ruth, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Davis, Schultz, Zuzu, Janie, Sadie Vance

    • Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood - male-presenting - also portrays Harry Bailey/Young Harry, Bert the Cop, Clarence Oddbody, Sam Wainwright, Lawyer, Dr. Campbell, Randall, Tom, Martini, Charlie, Carter, Horace the Bank Teller, Tommy Bailey, Mr. Welch, Sheriff

    The following characters may be portrayed by children:

    • Peter Bailey, Young George, Young Mary, Young Violet, Janie Bailey, Zuzu Bailey, Young Harry, Tommy Bailey

    • There is a $30 cast fee (due after cast list is posted); the fee cover scripts and essential production costs, like costume cleanings, to ensure a high-quality experience for everyone. In addition you will receive an RHT Season T-shirt.

    If you have any questions about this fee, please contact us prior to auditions at finance@rockhilltheatre.org.

    Disclaimer: Rock Hill Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing theatre experiences and education to Rock Hill and the surrounding community. Your participation in this performance(s) is considered to be on a volunteer basis, and no financial compensation will be provided.

* Please fill out online audition form prior to auditions *

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY (FULL LENTGH VERSION)” is presented by special arrangement with BROADWAY LICENSING, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service Collection (www.dramatists.com)

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE AUDITION FORM→
AUDITION SIDES HERE →

we appreciate your support!

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  • DO I NEED TO SIGN UP OR FILL OUT A FORM BEFORE AUDITIONS?

    • Yes. Audition information and sign up forms are typically released 2-3 weeks before the listed audition dates.

    • Visit our RHT Events Calendar HERE →

    WHAT MATERIALS DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS?

    • For Plays - typically directors ask for the following:

      • Auditionees must prepare 1-2 minute monologue of your choice.

      • Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

      • Auditions may consist of some basic movement and group choreography.

    • For Musicals - typically directors ask for the following:

      • Auditions will consist of a 1-2 mins traditional Musical Theatre song selection of your choice.

      • Auditionees may be asked to have a 1-min monologue prepared prior to the audition.

      • Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

      • Wear comfortable clothes for an audition dance number and choreography!

    Please note: the information may vary slightly per director’s requests and needs for the production.

    CAN I AUDITION VIRTUALLY?

    • Virtual auditions may vary per production should the director request it. However, we typically try to offer it if we can!

    IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR PRODUCTIONS?

    • There is a small cast fee per production. $30 for plays and $50 for musicals.

    • This fee covers the script and helps offset some production costs. In addition, you will receive a RHT season T-shirt.

    • If you have any questions about this fee, please contact us at finance@rockhilltheatre.org.

    HOW OFTEN ARE REHEARSALS SCHEDULED FOR?

    • Typically 2-3 days per week for a duration of about 8-10 weeks. Approx. between 6-9pm

    • About halfway through the rehearsal process, directors may increase to about 3-4 days a week, if necessary.

    • Some productions may have rehearsals on weekends.

    • Please note: Schedules will vary per director’s requests and needs for the production.

    ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUTH PRODUCTIONS?

    • Youth Productions will be set on a regular weekly rehearsal schedule.

    • Times may vary, but usually between 5-8pm

    • We do ask for at least (1) parent volunteer to assist in different areas of the production.

    • i.e. Cast Support, Costumes, Fundraising, Set Build/Construction, plus many more volunteer options!

    HOW CAN I STAY UPDATED ABOUT UPCOMING AUDITIONS?

    • Join our Monthly Newsletter Sign up! More information about upcoming events and productions will be sent to you.

    • Sign up for our RHT Monthly Newsletter HERE→

    • Follow us on all social media platforms for regularly scheduled posts and updates as well.