AUDITION INFORMATION

Join Us for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" – A Heartwarming Holiday Comedy Directed by Scott & Joy Hume

We're thrilled to announce auditions for our upcoming production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, a hilarious and touching story about the true spirit of Christmas. In this beloved tale, the rowdy Herdman siblings – the worst kids in town who lie, steal, and cause chaos – unexpectedly crash the annual church Christmas pageant and end up cast in the lead roles. Through their unconventional take on the Nativity story, the community learns lessons about kindness, acceptance, and the real meaning of the holiday. Perfect for families, this one-act play features plenty of laughs, a few Christmas carols, and roles for actors of all ages, including children, teens, and adults.

Directed by Scott & Joy Hume, this production promises to be a joyful community event. Auditions are open to all experience levels – no preparation required beyond filling out the form and being ready to read from the script. Come share your talents and help bring this classic to life!

Audition Details:

  • Dates: September 29th or 30th, 2025 (callbacks if needed on October 1st)

  • Location: The Claire Theatre, 655 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264

  • Time: Children 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM - Adults 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork)

  • What to Expect: Cold reads from the script, possible group activities or simple carol singing. Bring a headshot and resume if available.

Rehearsals Details:

·      Generally Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (5:30–8:00 PM) and some Saturdays (9:00 AM–12:00 PM), starting October 6th

·      Children will be released by 8:00 pm at the latest, except on performance nights, tech night and full dress rehearsals.

·      Scheduling conflicts need to be fully disclosed up front.  We can work around reasonable conflicts (work, medical, etc.) However, we need to be able to make informed decisions. 

Performances Details:

·      November 25 & 28 at 7:00 PM

·      November 29 & 30 at 2:00 PM

·      December 4, 5, 11, 12, & 13 at 7:00 PM

·      December 6, 7, & 14 at 2:00 PM

·      You must be willing to commit to all performances

Performers Requirements:

·      This production is Christian themed although religious affiliation is not required to participate. However, you must be comfortable performing the part as written without divisive dissent.

·      Rehearsal is for practicing, refining, and blocking our scenes.  It is not the time for memorizing your lines.  All participants need to be willing to memorize and practice their lines at home.  This takes significant commitment.

·      Children are learning and growing, and we are happy to be part of that process! However, they do need to be coachable, listen and minimally disruptive during rehearsals.  We will ask parents to help reinforce this message.

·      Inappropriate behavior from any performer will not be tolerated.  We will create a safe and PG rated environment at all times.

We encourage and welcome actors from all backgrounds. Let's make this the best pageant ever!

 

Child Cast List:

·      Beth Bradley – The Narrator, strong voice and presence, 10-teen

·      Charlie Bradley – Traditional kid brother, 8-10

·      Ralph Herdman – Ragged, scroungy, slouching manner, touch of adolescent cool, 12-teen

·      Imogene Herdman – Loud, bossy, crafty, 10-teen

·      Leroy Herdman – Tough, sure of himself, 10-12

·      Claude Herdman – Tough, combative, 9-11

·      Ollie Herdman – Looking for trouble, Claude’s usual partner in crime, 8-10

·      Gladys Herdman – Small, wiry, feisty, 7-9

·      Alice Wendleken – Prim, proper, pain in the neck, 10-12

·      Maxine – 10-12

·      Elmer Hopkins – 12-teen

·      Hobie – 9-11

·      David – 8-10

·      Beverly – 7-9

·      Shirley – 5-7

·      Juanita – 5-7

·      Doris – 9-11

·      Extra angel choir members, baby angels, shepherds

Ages listed does NOT necessarily have to be the actual performers age.

Adult Cast List:

·      Father – Bob Bradley – Solid Family man, 35-38

·      Mother – Grace Braley – Trim, attractive, 35ish

·      Mrs. Armstrong – Largish woman, managerial in voice and manner, 50ish

·      Mrs. Slocum – Pleasant, motherly woman, 35-60

·      Mrs. Clark – 35-60

·      Mrs. Clausing – 35-60

·      Mrs. McCarthy – A younger, less imperious version of Mrs. Armstrong, middle 40s

·      Fireman #1 – 25-30

·      Fireman #2 – 25-30

·      Reverend Hopkins – Middle to late 40s