Open Auditions for

It's A Wonderful Life Live Radio Play

Adapted by Joe Landry

It's a Wonderful Life is based on the story "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern

Directed by Joe Garoutte

 

Step back in time to a 1940s radio studio and help bring a to life a heartwarming holiday classic about George Bailey, a man shown by an angel what life in Bedford Falls would be like if he’d never been born. Performers will stand at period microphones with scripts in front of them while a live Foley artist creates sound effects right before the audience’s eyes. Actors will voice multiple characters, so strong vocal versatility and the ability to switch quickly between roles is key.

Auditions open to ages 7 and up, though it is possible that child roles may be voiced by adults.

 

Tuesday, October 7 | 6:30 - 9 pm 

Saturday, October 11 | 1:30 - 4pm

You do not need to attend both days but you are welcome to.

 

This is an open audition; no need to sign up for a slot. 

Please come prepared with a calendar of any conflicts you may have during the rehearsal period. This is important. 

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.  You don’t need to prepare a monologue. We’re looking for vocal versatility and imagination, so come ready to “play” with your delivery!

Since this is a live radio-style show, actors will often voice multiple characters. We’d love to see you experiment with:

• Different character voices (pitch, tone, energy, and accents)
• Expressive reactions even while standing at a microphone
• Quick character shifts to bring Bedford Falls to life

Think of this audition as a chance to show us how bold, playful, and creative you can be with your voice and personality!

 

 Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out an audition form. We'll be there 45 minutes before start time—feel free to come early to review sides and get comfortable in the space.
You can also download the audition form below, fill it out at home, and bring it with you.

 

It all happens at The Bingen Theater. 210 Oak St Bingen, WA

 

Performances - December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20- at 7:30 pm

December 7 & 14 - Matinees at 2:00 pm

 

Rehearsals to begin the third week of October.

 

Although this is a script-in-hand performance with actors reading from stands, cast members are still expected to thoroughly know their lines, cues, and character work. Having the script is a safety net and part of the live radio play element, not a substitute for rehearsal or preparation.

The following are all of the various characters in the show. While there are many characters listed, most actors will play multiple roles to capture the charm of a live 1940s radio broadcast. This means a smaller cast will bring Bedford Falls to life by switching voices, ages, and personalities throughout the show.

Radio Announcer – (M/F, Adult) Think classic/vintage radio announcer. Smooth, confident, and charismatic.

George Bailey – (M, 20s–40s) Central character; kind-hearted, selfless, optimistic, but burdened.
Young George – (M, 10–13) Spirited and curious version of George as a boy.
Mary Hatch Bailey – (F, 20s–40s) George’s devoted wife; warm and supportive.
Young Mary – (F, 10–13) Sweet, playful childhood version of Mary.
Clarence – (M, 50s+) Lovable, bumbling Angel Second Class; whimsical voice.
Joseph – (M, 40s–60s) Wise, authoritative head angel.
Henry F. Potter – (M, 50s+) Wealthy antagonist; sharp, commanding voice.
Uncle Billy Bailey – (M, 50s–70s) Forgetful, kind uncle with great character voice potential.
Peter Bailey – (M, 50s–70s) George’s father; kind and moral.
Rose Bailey – (F, 40s–60s) George’s mother; practical and nurturing.
Violet Bick – (F, 20s–30s) Lively, flirty, and fun; small-town charm.
Young Violet – (F, 10–13) Mischievous and playful child.
Sam Wainwright – (M, 20s–40s) Boisterous friend of George; known for “Hee-haw!”
Bert the Cop – (M, 30s–50s) Friendly neighborhood policeman.
Ernie the Cab Driver – (M, 30s–50s) Warm, quick-witted taxi driver.
Nick – (M, 30s–50s) Martini’s bartender; brash and streetwise.
Martini – (M, 40s–60s) Italian bar/restaurant owner; accented role.
Mr. Gower – (M, 50s–70s) Elderly pharmacist; emotional depth.
Mrs. Hatch – (F, 50s–60s) Protective mother of Mary.
Ruth Dakin Bailey – (F, 20s–30s) Harry Bailey’s confident wife.
Harry Bailey – (M, 20s–30s) George’s adventurous younger brother.

Young Harry – (M, 7-10 or adult voice) George’s adventurous younger brother as a child.

Mrs. Thompson – (F, 30s–50s) Nervous customer during bank run.
Mr. Welch – (M, 30s–50s) Quick-tempered man at Martini’s bar.
Schultz – (M, any age) Patron with a German accent.
Bridge Keeper – (M/F, any age) Guard at the bridge; comic cameo.
Zuzu Bailey – (F, 7–10 or adult voice) George’s sweet young daughter.
Janie Bailey – (F, 8–12 or adult voice) Musical, confident Bailey daughter.
Pete Bailey – (M, 7–10 or adult voice) Energetic Bailey son.
Tommy Bailey – (M, 5–7 or adult voice) Youngest Bailey child; innocent.
Sheriff – (M, 30s–50s) Small but distinct voice role.
Bank Customer(s) – (M/F, any age) Ensemble speaking roles.
Martini’s Bar Patron(s) – (M/F, any age) Ensemble speaking roles with accent opportunities.

Additional Voices(s) – (M/F, any age) Ensemble speaking roles.

General information about our Auditions

Big Britches Productions is always looking for new people to come play! Whether you’ve "tread the boards" for years or are new to the stage, we want to encourage everyone to audition. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• At some auditions you will cold read from sides from the show and some directors prefer you prepare sides from the show or a monologue or a song for a musical production. Be sure to keep an eye on this Auditions page for the particular show you are interested in.
• We know that it can be disappointing not to get a part. (We've been there!) If we have more people audition than roles available, directors have to weigh several factors when choosing a cast. We encourage you to come and audition often. Just because you weren’t right for one role doesn’t mean that you won’t be perfect for another. 
• Keep your options open when auditioning. It is easy to say “there’s no part for me” or “I’m too old, young, tall, short, etc. for this role” but you never know what the director has in mind and you could be just what they are looking for in a role. 
• We also like to encourage performers to get involved in the production side of shows. Helping backstage, with props, in the booth, or as a stage manager is a great way to get involved with the theatre. 
• It's a good idea to come prepared with your calendar so you can mark any conflicts you may have with a proposed rehearsal schedule. We know people have lives outside the theater and do our best to accommodate people's conflicts.