Wednesday, February 4, 2026 — Actors' Equity Association - Chicago Member Center
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Call) — 557 W Randolph St, 1st Fl, Chicago, IL 60661
Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
LOA Expected to attend: $1024 weekly minimum (Ref. to COST) - 2025-26 rate
Trent Stork, CSA: Artistic Producer & Casting Director
See breakdown for production-specific personnel. Equity actors for roles in Paramount Arts Center's 2026-27 Season: A CHRISTMAS CAROL and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (see breakdown). Other dates: see breakdown for production-specific dates. Actors and singers of all genders, ethnicities, ages and types are encouraged to audition. The Aurora Civic Center Authority (parent company to Paramount Theatre) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All EPA procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity Monitor will be provided.
All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Please prepare one or two of the following 4 options, not to exceed 2 minutes total: 1) A Monologue. 2) A Spirited Christmas Carol. 3) A song that shows off your tone and range. 4) A song that showcases your acting skill. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music in a binder in the appropriate key with clear markings. Also, please bring one copy of your headshot and resume.
A NOTE FROM CASTING: Most characters we encounter currently are written with he/him or she/her pronouns. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
Trent Stork (they/them) – Adapter and Director
Kory Danielson (he/him) – Music Director
First Rehearsal: October 12, 2026
Tech Begins: November 3, 2026
First Public Performance: November 11, 2026
Opening Night: November 20, 2026
Closing Night: January 3, 2027
This adaptation of A Christmas Carol is conceived and adapted by Paramount Theatre’s Artistic Producer, Trent Stork, who will also direct the production. While it stays fairly true to the original novel and is set in London in the 1840s, certain liberties will be taken to make the show accessible to a contemporary audience and to give the visual aesthetic a pleasing style.
Though this is not a musical adaptation of the book, there is music throughout. There will be many sung moments from the actors as well as some instrumentation appearing on stage, though most instrumentation will come from an orchestra. Most of the actors in this production will need to be proficient part singers and capable dancers.
In addition to characters listed in each track below, all cast members will help to fill out other scenes in the play. For example, everyone will be at the Fezziwig party, everyone will represent the poor who live about the street, most will be at Fred’s house for his party, etc. All actors should expect to be in the show quite a lot! Also, while the doubling is quite firm, it is subject to change depending on production needs.
Male, 50s-60s. A tight-fisted hand at the grindstone who has let slip his tether on humanity. Though a curmudgeonly miser through and through, he is not without humor and rather delights in being the one to tell the rest of the world reality as he sees it. Not a completely lost cause, he is given an otherworldly chance at redemption and we see his heart melt and become the symbol of generosity, charity, and kindness. This role will require an extensive amount of flying in a two-point harness.
Male, 40s. JACOB MARLEY - in the Present, Scrooge’s long-time partner and fellow pinchpenny. Long ago forgot the love for his fellow man before ultimately meeting his demise. As a spirit tortured since his death, gives Scrooge a grave warning and heralds the three spirits that may be his redemption. SCHOOL MASTER - in the Past, an oily man of business who pressures little Ebenezer into staying with him over the Christmas holiday to study, ultimately driving a wedge between Scrooge and his family. OLD JOE - in the Future, an underground pawnbroker who specializes in the black market. Happy to turn over stolen wares to make a quick buck. This role will require a moderate amount of flying in a two-point harness.
Male, 30s. BOB CRATCHIT - In the Present, the consummate family man with a heart of gold. Willing to endure day after day as Scrooge’s clerk to support his family, his pride and joy. MATURE SCROOGE - in the Past, after many years working away is now an established businessman who is so focused on building his horde of gold he doesn’t see the love of his life slipping through his fingers.
Female, 30s. MRS. CRATCHIT - in the Present, matriarch of the Cratchit brood, keeping the spirit light inside the walls of her home. Never one to let anyone see her suffer, is wracked with guilt by the trials her family must endure to survive. MATURE BELLE - in the Past, heartbroken that the man she once loved has turned sour and covetous, makes the heart wrenching decision to find love elsewhere and breaks off her engagement to Ebenezer.
Any Gender, 16-30. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST - the quintessence of youth and bright beginnings. Light incarnate. Shows Ebenezer how kind and vigorous he once was, taking him through the major points in his life where he turned from goodness to the dark. CHARITY - in the Present, a good Samaritan collecting donations to help the poor and needy at Christmastime. Cohort to Alms. CLARA’S SIBLING - in the Present, a game-loving flirt who indulges Topper in sport and romance. This role will require an extensive amount of flying in a two-point harness.
Any Gender, 30s-50s. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT – The ultimate bringer of Good Tidings. Bounty and a brazen torch in the flesh. Shows Scrooge the Christmas he is missing out on in the present time. ALMS - in the Present, a good Samaritan collecting donations to help the poor and needy at Christmastime. Cohort to Charity.
Male, 20s-30s. FRED - in the Present, Scrooge’s nephew and tenacious family man. Year after year asks Scrooge to spend one day of the year with his family, which Scrooge refuses. CHARLES - in the Future, a married man indebted to Scrooge and Marley. Though needing only a small extension on a loan, is rather relieved and delighted to find out Scrooge is dead.
Male, 40s-50s. MR. FEZZIWIG - in the Past, Ebenezer’s boss and surrogate father figure. He almost breaks Ebenezer of his stingy demeanor; especially at his riotous and spirited annual Christmas party! BELLE’S HUSBAND - in the Past, Belle’s chosen spouse. He has made her the happiest woman on earth, becoming a mother to four kind and loving children. SNARKERS - in the Future, a fellow businessman who has no sympathy when he hears about Scrooge’s death. POULTERER - in the Present, the owner of a turkey the size of a young man. Delivers the turkey to Bob Cratchit.
Female, 40s-50s. MRS. FEZZIWIG - in the Past, the queen of the Fezziwig Annual Christmas Party. Her favorite day of the year, loves to lead the group dances and is completely enraptured by her husband. She has three daughters who are as much fun as she is. MOTHER BELLE - in the Past, now settled with her adoring husband, has a litter of amazingly bright and precocious children. She has everything she has ever wanted. MRS. DILBER - in the Future, Scrooge’s next-door neighbor who snatches his bedcurtains, sheets, and even the shirt off his dead body and hocks them for cash.
Male, 20s. YOUNG SCROOGE - in the Past, a wallflower who can’t bring himself to engage in the Fezziwig festivities. This all changes when, at the very sight of her, he falls in love with Belle. CUSTOMER - in the Present, a scrupulous young man who wants to make sure he’s getting the right price for the right bird for his Christmas dinner. He quickly changes his tune when in the presence of The Ghost of Christmas Present. GRASPER - in the Future, a cold-hearted man about town who finds humor in Scrooge’s death.
Female, 20s. BELLE - in the Past, with her heart aglow, she falls in love with Young Scrooge on the dance floor. She has always had an uncanny ability to see right to the heart of someone. Over the years, this sight will cloud but she’s not there yet. CLARA - in the Present, Fred’s wife who is not afraid to say how she really feels about Fred’s uncle. CAROLINE - in the Future, worries about the ability to pay off her debts with her husband, Charles. What a relief she feels when she learns the crooked man is dead.
Male, 20s. DICK WILKINS - in the Past, Young Scrooge’s best friend. Bright and bubbly, Dick loves a dance, and he loves to play tricks on people, especially with the mistletoe around Christmastime. SQUAB SELLER - in the Present, a fussy bird seller who isn’t afraid to lean on the scales a little to make his margins blur to the black. His spirit changes when he comes in the presence with The Ghost of Christmas Present. TOPPER - in the Present, the life of Fred’s party. Loves to dance, loves to flirt, loves to drink, loves a game of wits. KLINGER - in the Future, a cheeky gentleman who is happy to attend Scrooge’s tiny funeral… if lunch is provided.
Female, 16+ to play 14. MARTHA CRATCHIT - in the Present, the oldest sister of the Cratchit children. Works in a factory whose chemicals are slowly eating away at her hands and thus her ability to do the very job she does to survive. She can’t let her family know that though; they are all doing what they can. Won’t allow anyone to feel sorry for her on Christmas Day! FAN - in the Past, Little Scrooge’s older sister who comes to take Ebenezer home for Christmas for the first time. She is heartbroken when Ebenezer chooses to stay behind to learn more about the business world.
Male, 12. PETER CRATCHIT - in the Present, does his best to be the master of the house when his father is away. Feels a sense of responsibility toward his family but ill equipped to do so at such a young age. LAMPLIGHTER - in the Present, opens the show with a haunting carol. A symbol of the young working class that is doing what they can to survive. BELLE’S SON - in the Past, a highly intelligent young boy who asks the most interesting questions. A son any mother would be proud of. TURKEY BOY - in the Present, a young lad who is minding his own business when a seemingly mad Scrooge accosts him and asks him to run a most bizarre errand. The offer is generous, though, and this young kid needs the dough. This track has a lengthy sung solo.
Female, 10. BELINDA CRATCHIT - in the Present, the quietest and most soulful of the Cratchit children. Introspective with a hidden wisdom behind her eyes. Plays an instrument or brings the family together with her surprisingly gorgeous voice. Always knows the right moment to chime in. BULLY CHILD - in the Past, an accompanying bully who picks on Tiny Scrooge. BELLE’S DAUGHTER - in the Past, Belle’s keenly inquisitive daughter. A bright girl going places. This track plays an instrument on stage or sings a healthy solo.
Male, 8. GREGORY CRATCHIT - in the Present, a rambunctious and always hungry child. With his twin, Emily, knows how to have a good time and loves to make a mess. MERRY BOY - in the Present, when he tries to bring some Christmas cheer to Scrooge’s doorstep, is humorously pushed aside into the snow. LITTLE SCROOGE - in the Past, a little boy who hasn’t lost all his spirit yet. His heart alights when his sister, Fan, comes to visit. However, fear of expectation and a fury for his father who sent him away makes Little Scrooge stay at school and not return home for Christmas. BELLE’S SON - in the Past, a young boy who loves puzzles and all things mechanical. IGNORANCE - in the Present, the ghoulish representation of a vicious apparition.
Female, 8. EMILY CRATCHIT - in the Present, with her twin, Gregory, loves to cause mischief and doesn’t like a quiet room. Always thinks she has the best ideas. MEAN CHILD - in the Past, a bully who smashes Tiny Scrooge’s toy and a bit of his spirit. BELLE’S DAUGHTER - in the Past, a quick-witted little girl who has a penchant for word games. WANT - in the Present, the macabre visage of a tortured spirit.
Male, 6. TINY TIM - in the Present, the heart and soul of the Cratchit house. Though terribly ill, never saddened by his circumstance and not a mean bone in his body. With the full spirit of Christmas in his heart, reminds his family of their luck in song. TINY SCROOGE - in the Past, Tiny Scrooge loves to play with his toys and longs to make a friend. Other kids don’t trust him because he is quite introspective and are quite cruel to him. This track has a lengthy sung solo.
Trent Stork (they/them) – Director
Kory Danielson (he/him) – Music Director
First Rehearsal: January 11, 2027
Tech Begins: February 2, 2027
First Public Performance: February 10, 2027
Opening Night: February 19, 2027
Closing Night: March 28, 2027
The show takes place in 1884–1886 and 1984 with most tracks doubling in both time periods.
Male, 30s-40s. GEORGE SEURAT - in 1884, Painter of Sunday on the Island of the Grande Jatte and inventor of chromoluminarium and pointillism. An artist in every sense of the word, able and willing to be completely absorbed in his work which he does frequently. This makes him hard to relate to others, particularly to the woman he loves, Dot, and his mother. Though these two women can’t seem to connect with him, he gives them his ultimate form of love, immortality, by putting them both in his master work. GEORGE - in 1984, George Seurat’s great-grandson who also suffers from the trappings of being an artist and falling completely into one’s work. Where George Seurat had no ability to cultivate the business of art, George is a master of it though he has lost his connection to the flame of artistry itself. A man being torn apart by the limits of his own abilities and not quite ready to make the leap and be a complete original.
Female, 30s-40s. DOT - In 1884, a woman who everyone falls in love with and who falls in love with everyone. Against her better judgement, cannot help but love George Seurat for everything he is—his flaws but most of all, his painting. Unsure of where she fits in the world, she comes to realize that at the very base level, she deserves to be with someone who has the capacity to love her in the way she needs to be needed. She comes to realize she is incomplete and still searching to become whole, where her George doesn’t share that same desire for closeness. Once she becomes pregnant with George’s child and is sure he has no desire to be a father, leaves with her new beau, Louis, for America. MARIE – In 1984 she is George’s 98-year-old grandmother. Like her mother, Dot, can see George for all his flaws and coldness and love him deeply anyway. Proud of her family heritage, she longs to visit the island of the Grande Jatte where her family was immortalized but never gets to realize her dream. She leaves behind children, and wills George to leave behind art, the only two things that matter that one can leave behind.
Male, 30s-40s. JULES - In 1884, George Seurat’s contemporary and Yvonne’s husband. A leader in the artist circles of the day, he is both critical and threatened by George’s innovation, talent, and guts. Not afraid to throw his weight around but has mixed feelings about the path his one-time friend is going down. Is George going mad or is he a genius? Jules is not sure enough of himself to know for certain and that begins to consume him. To prove his timeless appeal, engages in an affair with his cook, Frieda, that he meets in the Park on her day off, Sunday. BOB GREENBERG - in 1984, the Museum Director of Art Institute of Chicago. Socially awkward but a fan and supporter of George’s chromolumes. More focused on keeping the Institute afloat than having any discerning eye for contemporary art. MR. - in 1884, a wealthy man from Charleston, South Carolina, who comes to Paris with his wife, Mrs., and who plans to exploit France’s riches and take some back to his hometown. Learns that he and Paris are not a match. Loves the pastries though.
Female, 30s-40s. YVONNE - in 1884, Jules’s wife with an accompanying critical eye. Though she could never admit it to her husband, she has always had an affection for George—both for his talent and handsome good looks. She can relate to Dot in that way. She too fell for an artist, perhaps despite her better judgement. NAIOMI EISEN - in 1984, the composer for George’s chromolume displays. Takes her art very seriously, too.
Male, 30s-40s. FRANZ - in 1884, coachman to Jules and Yvonne. Hates that he was born lower class and curses the upper class. Though married to Frieda, engages in a tryst with the Nurse he sees on their day off every Sunday. DENNIS - in 1984, George’s technician who helps him build his chromolumes. After helping George with the installation and display in the Island of La Grande Jatte decides to move on to try something different. He senses, despite George’s protestations, that if he stayed with George they would just repeat themselves over and over. Plus, he has an offer from NASA, and that job will be much easier.
Female, 30s-40s. FRIEDA - in 1884, cook to Jules and Yvonne. Contented to her lot in society, urges Franz to see the upside of their situation. Constantly spurred by Franz, falls in love with Jules and indulges him in his more exotic compulsions. LEE RANDOLPH - in 1984, publicist for the Art Institute of Chicago. New, enthusiastic, and ready to make a great splash in the world.
Female, 30s-40s. NURSE - in 1884, a middle-class nurse looking after the Old Lady. With a slight trend toward deviousness, is trying to get through her day being stuck with the old woman without incident. Has this job to pay for a lower-class nurse that is taking care of her mother. In order to have a little control and power, engages in an affair with Franz, and it’s fun. HARRIET PAWLING - in 1984, a board member of the Art Institute of Chicago and patron of the arts. A real art lover, through and through, even if she lacks discernment. Upbeat and encouraging. MRS. - in 1884, wife of Mr. on holiday to see all the glorious things they have heard about Paris and looking to take some home with her back to Charleston, South Carolina. Loves the pastries so much (and is rich enough) to take a baker back with her too.
Male, 40s. LOUIS - in 1884, Dot’s new beau after George. Warm and hearty as the bread he bakes. You can’t say he has any extraordinary features like George, but Louis is lovable. BILLY WEBSTER - in 1984, Harriet Pawling’s friend whom she drags along to the unveiling of Chromolume #7. Doesn’t get the neo-expressionist contemporary art scene and not afraid to push George’s buttons.
Male, 40s. BOATMAN - in 1884, a staunch critic of the class system in Paris. Firmly and proudly lower class, first angrily protests but ultimately resides to being one of George Seurat’s subjects. He and George have a connection, an understanding. Somehow the man who knows the least about art, understands the artist the most. CHARLES REDMOND - in 1984, curator of the County Museum of Texas who is on a visit to award healthy commissions to artists. Loves the Chromolumes which makes George wary of him.
Male, 30s. SOLDIER - in 1884, passing time in between wars and happily showing off his uniform on the Island on a crowded Sunday. Has a silent best friend always by his side and is quick to defend anyone who criticizes him. ALEX - in 1984, runs in the same art circles as George. Claims his work is ahead of its time but secretly knows it’s not very good, not like that will stop him from trying to bring down everyone around him and getting angry at George’s success. Tightly wound and allergic to civility.
Female, 20s-30s. CELESTE #1 - in 1884, a voracious gossip. Happily brings her friend, also named Celeste, into the fray but has no problem tricking and ditching her if it means getting ahead, and especially if it means bagging a soldier. BETTY - in 1984, an artist that runs in the same circles with George and is his friend. Enthusiastic about his work and encouraging. For some reason, is romantically involved with Alex who is sure to doom her in the coming years.
Female, 20s-30s. CELESTE #2 - in 1884, Celeste #1’s mimic. Loves to pick at people and join in on spreading a little gossip here and there. What else is there to do on a Sunday? Under the surface though, a true romantic and looking for her one true love. An open heart with thorns on top. ELAINE - in 1984, George’s kind and sweet ex-wife. Like his great grandfather, George can’t tend his relationships and has let Elaine slip away. Elaine will always love George and helps with Marie, and they share a mutual love and respect.
Female, 60s. OLD LADY - in 1884, George’s mother that is living somewhere between this world and the next. Longs for the days where she could sit and admire nature for what it was and should be, untouched by man, soothing and pleasant. Sagely observational like her son, she longs for the old view. Happier in her mind than with people on Earth. BLAIR DANIELS - in 1984, an art critic who is not afraid to tell George the truth.
Female, 8-12. In 1884, an absolute menace. Daughter to Yvonne and Jules, her favorite pastime is throwing rocks at ducks.
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