Directed by Adam Ressa
Announcing auditions for the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s production of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. This will be performed the first weekend of December 2024 at the Pozez JCC in Fairfax. For any questions or concerns, please contact cftcmarketing@gmail.com
TIME COMMITMENT:
Audition Dates: Saturday, Sept 7th; 10am-3:30pm (Green Acres, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22030)
Tuesday, Sept 10th; 6:30-8:30pm (Pozez JCC, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031)
Callbacks: Wednesday, Sept 11th; 6-9pm (Pozez JCC, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031)
*Please bring a photo ID for entrance to the JCC*
Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 6-9pm; Saturdays, 10am-2pm (Pozez JCC, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031)
Performance Dates: Thursday, December 5th at 7pm
Friday, December 6th at 7pm
Saturday, December 7th at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday, December 8th at 2pm and 7pm
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Auditions will be readings from the script. Audition sides are available in the Audition Package. You are not expected to have them memorized. Please plan to stay for the duration of the audition slot you sign up for. For those who are interested in auditioning for goblins, please plan to arrive 15 minutes early in order to build a small puppet (supplies will be provided).
Please be ready to supply a list of schedule conflicts.
Resumes and headshots are not necessary, but welcome. We’ll have a form that asks about specific skills and experiences.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE:
This is a wonderful book from my childhood about how creativity and wit can save the day. The allegory alluded to in this adaptation has resonated through time, and maintains its relevance today.
In terms of casting, those familiar with the book know that it takes place in an unnamed Eastern European village. In our adaptation, that village is brought to life through the imagination and storytelling of a grandfather. With that in mind, we enthusiastically invite people of all races, ethnicities, sizes, and ages to audition for this production.
In terms of process - get ready to be a puppeteer! There are a couple of “traditional” puppets used in the show, but many other technical aspects utilize slightly unconventional methods of puppetry. No prior puppetry experience is needed!
CHARACTERS:
All roles are open to actors of any race/ethnicity and body type.
ZAYDE: typically Male, but any gender is acceptable, an Eastern European grandfather. NOTE: Could be played by a female presenting individual either as a grandfather or as a grandmother
ALEX: Zayde’s oldest grandchild. Any gender. Age 10-13.
ARIEL: Zayde’s middle grandchild. Any gender. Age 7-12.
NOAH: Zayde’s youngest grandchild. Any gender. Age 7-12
ROSE: Zayde’s daughter NOTE: Could be played by a male presenting individual as a father. Age 30’s - 50’s
HERSHEL: of Ostropol, our hero. Male, age 16 - mid 30’s. NOTE: Could be played by a female presenting individual.
TINY: the first goblin that visits Hershel. Any Gender. Any Age. Tiny is small, and grouchy about it; a bit bossy with a Napoleon complex. NOTE: performer will operate a hand puppet.
WADDLES: the second goblin that visits Hershel. Any Gender. Any Age. Waddles is heavy, round, and not very smart; letting gluttony guide their decisions. NOTE: performer will operate a large puppet worn via a harness.
MIDAS: the third goblin that visits Hershel. Any Gender. Any Age. Midas is bulky, and curious to the point of greed. They try to wear human clothes and collect gold. NOTE: performer will operate a large puppet in the form of a costume.
GOBLIN KING: the king of the goblins, visits Hershel on the seventh and eighth night. Any Genders, Any Ages. The largest and scariest of the goblins. NOTE: this is a puppeted costume, operated and voiced by AT LEAST three performers.
In addition to the named characters, there are many featured roles in the ensemble of this production!