At the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre
3501 SW 2nd Ave, Suite O, Gainesville, FL 32607
Open Auditions:
Wednesday, November 15, at 5:00 pm at the theater
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play
Based on the story by Philip Van Doren Stern
Adapted and Directed by Derek Wohlust
Performance dates: December 3, 3:00pm at the Historic Thomas Center and December 10, 3:00pm at Oakview Community Center
Characters being cast:
- George Bailey: Protagonist, Everyman character. Full of aspirations and adventure wants to leave small town and see the world. Loves Mary, sacrifices his desires for family.
- Bert: Cop, Friend of George easy going must harmonize with Ernie
- Ernie: Taxi Driver, Friend of George easy going, comic
- Gower: Pharmacist, older, drinking problem (Young George works for him at soda fountain/delivery), breaks down and cries, befriends George later in life and is a loyal supporter
- Mrs. Bailey: Georges Mom. Nice 1930’s type Mom, caring, knows her son and family relationships
- Pa Bailey: George’s Father Good man, proud of kids, works hard, helps his community.
- Mary Hatch: George’s Girl and then Wife. 1940’s type wife, adores George and her children.
- Harry Bailey: George’s younger brother. football player. Marries Ruth
- Ruth: Harrys Wife. From wealthy family, college educated can, nice girl
- Uncle Billy: Likable,. Not a good businessman, partner in Building and Loan
- Cousin Tilly: Character type, works at Building and Loan with George and Uncle Billy, tends to over react.
- Janie Bailey: Plays piano and practices Hark the Herald Angels Sing, over and over irritating her Dad
- Zuzu Bailey: Youngest girl, sweet and precautious, has every time bell rings line.
- Tommy Bailey: 6-7 young and small enough to pull on Dads coat tails, a few lines
- Clarence: Sent down to be George’s Guardian Angel (to save him from taking his life). He is an angel in training and this is his 2nd chance to make good and earn his wings. Not the brightest bulb, but kind hearted and fun-loving. He loves Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer and brings it to earth with him to read.
- Boy or girl Soprano
- Potter: Antagonist , strong character actor, Scrooge-like, has own self interests in mind, diabolical, eccentric with dark humor. Owns the town, enjoys the power that affords him.
- Sam Wainwright: College friend, likes Mary, gets rich, a nice nerd
Auditions will consist of readings from the script which are available HERE.
Video auditions are accepted and must be received by 7:00 pm on November 18th. Please email a video of at least two different characters from the sides available to the director derek@acrosstown.org
Ages and genders are flexible, at the discretion of the director. Auditioners must be 18 or older. All races, colors, sizes, genders, gender-identities and experience levels welcome! Some actors may play multiple roles. Although this IS an audition, we’re not judgmental, and we hope you feel welcome here and have a great time. If cast, you will be compensated by the roar of applause and the joy of being part of the Acrosstown family.
About the ART:
Founded in 1980, the ART develops new talent, plays, audiences and ideas while also celebrating and revivifying the great plays of the past. The ART provides a safe place where people of all ages, genders, races, and beliefs can create unsafe theater– thinking people’s theatre– theater that transforms.
We continually respect, and challenge:
- ourselves as actors, designers, artists and visionaries to achieve more,
- our audiences as living, thinking and feeling human beings to engage more,
- other local theaters and arts organizations to collaborate more,
…and by doing so, help nurture and develop Gainesville, Florida into the center of arts and culture in North Central Florida.
As a 501c3 non-profit organization, the ART is especially dedicated to providing multi-cultural opportunities to the members of our community. The theater is open to all and presents experiences for which there are no other venues in the area. It is also entirely volunteer-staffed and operated.