We are actively seeking a diverse and enthusiastic group of children between the ages of 8-13. Due to Equity regulations, we regret that we cannot consider any child who is fourteen years of age or older. This includes any child who will turn fourteen before November 5th, 2024. 

We welcome children at all levels of experience. No previous acting experience is necessary to audition for A Christmas Carol. However, we cannot accommodate members of the performers' unions in the Youth Ensemble. This includes members of Actors Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), The American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), The Guild of Italian American Actors (GIAA). 

Yes, we can only consider children who live within 20 miles of the theatre.  

We have found that living relatively close to the theatre makes the commitment easier on families and more successful for the needs of the production. We are thrilled to welcome children and families from the local community to be part of this beloved tradition.   

Yes. Due to limited availability, you must have an appointment in order to be seen. Walk-ins will not be accommodated on the day of the audition. 

Please arrive thirty minutes prior to your session time to sign in and receive an audition number. 

All children will participate in a group audition session where they will perform lines from the show, sing a short song and learn a dance combo. Some auditionees may be asked to come back later to read additional scenes. These scenes will be provided to you at the audition.  

If you are released after your initial session, that does not mean that you are not still in consideration. It just means that the casting team has seen everything they needed to see. 

No. There is limited space in the audition room so no parent or guardian will be allowed to watch their child’s audition. We also find that having parents or guardians in the room can actually be more nerve-wracking for the auditionees. We strive to create a fun and low-pressure atmosphere. We hope that the experience will be a wonderful memory for the child regardless of the outcome. 

The parent/guardian must remain in the building for the duration of the child’s audition. Due to limited space in the holding areas, we ask that (to the best of your ability) you stick to one adult per family accompanying auditioning children.   

We encourage your child to be familiar with "Deck the Halls" as this will be sung with the group as part of the audition. The song will be reviewed on the day of the audition. Otherwise, children will be taught and provided with all the materials they need on the day of the audition. They should be enthusiastic about speaking lines, singing and dancing a short combo. 

Children should dress comfortably and confidently and wear shoes in which they can comfortably dance. 

No. There is a field in the audition sign up form to enter a child’s previous experience and to upload a recent picture. Please make sure that the picture is a clear, well-lit, recent photo of the child’s face. McCarter will use that photo for the Casting team to use on the day of the auditions. This does not need to be a professional headshot.  

Please do not spend any money on unnecessary audition materials.  

No, there will be no double casting in the production. Everyone who is cast in the Youth Ensemble will perform at every performance.  

Some children may be asked to understudy other children’s roles. 

Yes. In order to be considered for the Youth Ensemble, your child must attend the audition on Sept 8th. If you are unable to attend, you may email casting@mccarter.org. However, there is no guarantee that we will be able to accommodate any other audition option. 

Once the slots are full, we can no longer offer space to more people. That said, if we get an overwhelming amount of interest, we may open up more slots. 

Also, if other participants cancel or reschedule, we will continue to update the signups until August 30th, so do check back if you are unable to get a slot. 

All rehearsals and performances will take place at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540.  

Yes. All parents of children cast in the production must have a conversation with teachers and schools about missing part or all of a school day when they are called to daytime rehearsals and performances. We have found that many area schools understand that this experience is incredibly valuable and educational for the student and are able to accommodate. However, we can’t speak for all schools or situations.  

If your child is cast in the show, they would be required to be there for all daytime technical rehearsals for which they are called, as well as all matinee performances. We ask you to speak with their school and teachers about missing those days before accepting a role. We do our utmost not to pull children out of school for rehearsals/performances unless necessary. Young ensemble members will have to miss part or all of 6-8 school days depending on their holiday schedule.  

The Youth Ensemble may rehearse Wed/Thurs/Fri from 3:30-7:30pm and Sat/Sun from 10:00am – 7:00pm. The average hours of rehearsal per week prior to tech will be approximately 20 hours dependent on role. “Technical rehearsal” days, afternoon rehearsals before preview performances, and all performances must be kept clear and available. 

 During Thanksgiving week there will be rehearsal on Tues 11/26 & Wed 11/27. The full cast will have Thursday 11/28 off. On Friday 11/29, the Youth Ensemble will rehearse. Regular rehearsal schedule will resume Saturday 11/30. 

There will be a hard copy of the schedule available at the audition. A copy of the general rehearsal and performance schedule can be found here.

The audition will take place at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540. The sign-in desk will be located in the West Lobby. 

The West Lobby is located next to the Matthews Stage. If you are facing the wooden front doors in the Matthews Circle, you will see green glass doors to your right through which you should enter. There will be signs up to help you find the correct entrance. 

There is free weekend parking at the Theatre Drive Garage which is a five-minute walk from the theatre. Metered parking is also available on University Place.

Due to a matinee performance of Empire Records, parking will not be available at the theatre.    

Please feel free to reach out to Casting@McCarter.org if you have any further questions.