Audition Materials

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Character Breakdowns

Audition Materials

Please prepare two audition songs and recite one monologue from the characters below

Songs:

  • Girls, please prepare the following cuts of each song: “Never Fall in Love with an Elf” and “A Christmas Song”

  • Boys, please prepare the following cuts of each song: “World’s Greatest Dad” and “A Christmas Song”

  • Optional: “There is a Santa Claus”

  • All songs will need to be sung with the performance track for your audition

FEMALE SONGS

Song: A Christmas Song (Click here for  Sheet Music)

With Vocals: Use this track to practice with.

A Christmas Song (with Vocals)

Without Vocals: Use this track for your audition.

A Christmas Song (without vocals)

Song:  Never Fall in Love with an Elf(click here for Sheet Music)

With Vocals: Use this track to practice with.

Never Fall in Love with an Elf (with Vocals)

Without Vocals: Use this track for your audition.

Never Fall in Love with an Elf (without vocals)

Optional Song:  There is a Santa Claus (click here for Sheet Music)

With Vocals: Use this track to practice with. (Sing the section that is highlighted in purple)

There is a Santa Claus (with Vocals)

Without Vocals: Use this track for your audition. (Sing the section that is highlighted in purple)

There is a Santa Claus (without vocals)

MALE SONGS

Song:  A Christmas Song (Click here for Sheet Music)

With Vocals: Use this track to practice with.

A Christmas Song (with Vocals)

Without Vocals: Use this track for your audition.

A Christmas Song (without vocals)

Song:  World’s Greatest Dad (click here for Sheet Music)‍ ‍

With Vocals: Use this track to practice with.

World's Greatest Dad (with Vocals)

Without Vocals: Use this track for your audition.

World's Greatest Dad (without vocals)

Optional Song:  There is a Santa Claus (click here for Sheet Music)

With Vocals: Use this track to practice with. (Sing the section that is highlighted in yellow)

There is a Santa Claus (with Vocals)

Without Vocals: Use this track for your audition. (Sing the section that is highlighted in yellow)

There is a Santa Claus (without vocals)

Monologues

  • Please prepare and memorize a monologue of your choosing from the characters listed below.

BUDDY

I have waited my whole life to meet my dad. My human dad! I have so many things planned for us. We can make cookies, go ice skating, build gingerbread houses, drink hot chocolate—and maybe he can introduce me to everyone he knows! I wonder if he likes hugs. I hope he likes hugs. Oh! And Christmas! I bet he LOVES Christmas. I mean, everybody loves Christmas. Okay...apparently not everybody. But that's fine! That's something I can fix. By the time I'm done, my dad is going to have enough Christmas spirit to power Santa's sleigh all by himself!

JOVIE

Christmas? Yeah...it's not really my thing. Everyone acts like December shows up and suddenly we're all supposed to be cheerful and singing and hugging strangers. No thanks. I've done Christmas before. Same decorations, same songs, same people pretending everything is perfect. But then this ridiculously happy guy shows up and somehow he actually believes all of it. Santa, elves, Christmas magic...everything. And the annoying part? When I'm around him, I almost start believing it too. Almost. So don't tell him I said that. I'll never hear the end of it.

WALTER

Do you have any idea what happens if I don't get this book finished? People lose their jobs. I lose my job. So, yes, maybe I've missed a few dinners. Maybe I haven't made every Christmas shopping trip. But I'm working because I'm trying to take care of my family! And now, in the middle of the most important week of my career, a six-foot-tall man dressed like an elf walks into my office and announces that he's my son. My son! What exactly am I supposed to do with that? I have deadlines, meetings, a boss who wants results...and apparently an elf who wants to spend the day with his dad.

EMILY

Walter loves his family. He does. Sometimes I think he just forgets that being part of a family requires actually being...well, part of it. Michael notices when he's gone. I notice too. And then Buddy walks into our lives—this enormous, ridiculous, completely sincere elf—and suddenly the whole apartment feels different. Michael is laughing. We're writing letters to Santa. There's Christmas in the house again. Is Buddy unusual? Absolutely. But maybe unusual isn't the worst thing that could happen to this family. Maybe he's exactly what we've been missing.

MICHAEL

My dad said he'd help me with my science project. Guess what? He didn't. Again. He's always working. And Mom keeps saying, “Your father loves you,” which I know, but it would be nice if he actually showed up once in a while. Then Buddy appears. He's weird. Like...really weird. He thinks Santa is his best friend, he dresses like an elf, and he gets excited about basically everything. But he also fixed my science project in about five minutes. And when Buddy says something, he means it. So maybe all this Santa stuff isn't completely crazy. I'm not saying I believe. I'm just saying...I'm willing to investigate.

DEB

Working for Walter Hobbs requires a very specific skill set. Organization, patience, excellent typing skills...and the ability to remain completely calm while everything around you falls apart. Missing pages in a book? Handle it. Angry boss? Handle it. Family shows up unexpectedly? Smile. Then a grown man dressed as an elf walks into reception and tells me Santa sent him from the North Pole. At that point, you really only have two choices: call security...or get some popcorn and see what happens. Personally? I'm beginning to think this might be the most interesting day I've had all year.

SANTA

You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen over the years. Flying reindeer? Easy. Delivering presents around the entire world in one night? Piece of cake. But raising Buddy? Now that was an adventure. He came to us when he was just a baby, and the elves took him in as one of their own. There was only one tiny problem: Buddy kept growing. And growing. Pretty soon, it became clear that our little elf wasn't actually an elf at all. I always knew someday I'd have to tell him the truth. I just didn't know that telling him would send him walking all the way to New York City looking for his father.

CHARLIE

Okay, elves, listen up! Christmas is coming, which means we have toys to build, presents to wrap, and absolutely no time to fall behind. Everyone knows their job, everyone has a station, and everyone needs to keep those little elf hands moving! Now, Buddy...Buddy tries harder than anybody. Does he always get things exactly right? Well...no. Sometimes his toys are a little...creative. And yes, he may be slightly larger than the rest of us. But Buddy has more Christmas spirit than anyone I've ever met. He's one of us, and around here, elves look out for each other. So come on, everybody—we've got Christmas to make!

ELF

Life at the North Pole is fantastic! We make toys, sing Christmas songs, drink cocoa, make more toys, sing some more songs...honestly, we are a VERY cheerful group of people. And then there's Buddy. Buddy is cheerful even for an elf, which is saying something. He sings while he works. He sings when he isn't working. He sings when the rest of us are trying to work. But Buddy is also our friend. So when things don't come easily to him, we help him. That's what elves do! We're a team. A very happy, very hardworking, occasionally exhausted team.

Character Breakdown

Santa Claus
Santa Claus has a lot on his plate during the Christmas season, and it is starting to show. He is annoyed with the Elves, tired of lying to Buddy, and sad that people seem to be losing their Christmas spirit. He is still jolly old St. Nick underneath it all, but the job is getting to him. This is a great role for a character performer who can play an older, somewhat cranky man while trying to keep his holiday spirit.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: Bb3–D5

Buddy
Buddy is the perfect elf. He is good-natured, means well, and is happy all the time. There is only one problem: he is not an elf, he is an adult human. This role is ideal for a young man who is an excellent actor and good singer with energetic earnestness and strong comedic timing. It helps to cast an actor who is taller than the other Elves to differentiate Buddy and add to the humor of the show.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: B3–G5

Elves
The Elves are Santa’s special helpers who love making toys to meet their Christmas Eve deadline. These roles are great for younger performers or students who can embody youthful energy, enjoy singing, and work well together as a group.
Gender: Any

Charlie
Charlie monitors the other Elves, making sure every present is wrapped and every bow is tied. Cast a young performer with a good speaking voice who is comfortable taking command of the stage and showing friendly authority over the rest of the Elves.
Gender: Male

Shawanda
Shawanda is a dependable and caring elf. She will do whatever she can to help others, including Buddy, even though she accidentally reveals that he is human. Cast a good actress with a clear speaking voice for this important story moment.
Gender: Female

Sam
Sam is one of Walter’s office staff members who is in a bind at the top of the show. A young performer with a good speaking voice and strong character choices will work well for this part.
Gender: Male

Walter Hobbs
Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s real father, is so focused on keeping his job that he is not making time for his family. He can be stern and unemotional, but ultimately learns to recommit to his family. Cast a great actor with strong authority who can also show Walter’s softer side.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: B3–E5

Deb
Deb, Walter’s secretary, has the big responsibility of keeping her boss and the office happy. She does this through a positive attitude and efficient work ethic. This is a great role for a young woman with pleasant energy, solid acting ability, and a good speaking voice.
Gender: Female

Emily Hobbs
Emily Hobbs is Walter’s devoted wife who wishes he would spend more time at home. She is a problem solver and excellent mother who does everything she can to create a positive family dynamic. Cast an excellent actress and singer who conveys maturity and warmth.
Gender: Female | Vocal range: G3–D5

Michael Hobbs
Michael Hobbs is the smarter-than-average 12-year-old son of Walter and Emily. He quickly befriends Buddy and does everything he can to make sure Buddy becomes a permanent part of the family. Look for a solid young actor and singer with an unchanged voice.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: G3–D5

Security Guards
Security Guard #1 and Security Guard #2 are a stern duo from Walter’s office, making sure everyone who enters has permission. Cast a duo that works well together and fits the bill for a tough pair.
Gender: Any

Saleswoman
The Saleswoman is the first person to greet Buddy as he enters Macy’s. She is the consummate salesperson: smiling, overfriendly, and always trying to sell something. This is a great ensemble role for a young woman with limited stage experience.
Gender: Female

Manager
The Manager is a terrific featured acting role for a performer with good comedic timing. As the manager of Macy’s, he is doing everything possible to keep the employees in line.
Gender: Male

Jovie
Jovie works as a store elf at Macy’s, but she does not exactly radiate Christmas spirit. She is cynical, a bit tough around the edges, and the target of Buddy’s complete adoration. This is a fantastic role for a young woman with a strong singing voice and acting chops.
Gender: Female | Vocal range: G3–Db5

Santa's Helper
Santa’s Helper works as a Macy’s employee and announces when each kid gets to visit with Santa. This is a good ensemble role for a performer with a loud, clear voice.
Gender: Any

Fake Santa
Fake Santa is a poor replacement for the real Santa. He is a Macy’s employee who is rough around the edges. Fake Santa should be played by a performer unafraid of being a little over the top and who has good physical control.
Gender: Male

Policemen
Policeman #1 and Policeman #2 are a friendly pair of cops who return Buddy to the Hobbs household. These are perfect featured roles for two ensemble members.
Gender: Any

Sarah
Sarah is a staff member at Walter’s office. This is a nice role for a less experienced actor with a good singing voice.
Gender: Female

Mr. Greenway
Mr. Greenway is one of the crankiest businessmen around. He is the big boss, so look for an older student with a commanding presence to tackle this acting role.
Gender: Male

Chadwick and Matthews
Chadwick and Matthews are staff members at Walter’s office who are doing everything they can to save the day and make their boss happy. Cast a pair of good character actors who work well together and can drive the action of scenes.
Gender: Male

Charlotte Dennon
Charlotte Dennon is a TV reporter with a big personality. She does her best to keep her professional persona in public and does not like being shown up. This is a great role for a young woman with professional charisma and strong acting choices.
Gender: Female

Finale Soloists
Finale Soloists #1, #2, #3, and #4 are good roles to highlight four of your strong solo singers.
Vocal range: B3–B4

Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin
Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin are on the scene in Central Park and are convinced of Santa’s magic after Buddy reveals their past Christmas gifts. Look for two young ladies with nice singing voices and some acting experience to take on these small but featured roles.
Gender: Female

Ensemble
The Ensemble includes New Yorkers, Comforting New Yorker, Macy’s Employees, Macy’s Employee #1, Members of the Rockefeller Crowd, Office Staff, Business Woman, Flyer Guys, Teenager, Jogger, Carolers, Passerby, Children, and Parents. These roles create the distinct worlds of the North Pole and New York City. They can all be double cast from your ensemble, and strong, specific character choices will make the story feel richer and more vivid.
Gender: Any