Open Audition for ‘Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol’ Sept 26

Pentacle Theatre is hosting an open audition for their upcoming production of Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol

Adapted by Scott Palmer. Directed at Pentacle Theatre by Chris Davidson.

When: 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, September 26
Where: Pentacle Theatre’s downtown rehearsal studio, 197 Liberty St SE in downtown Salem

Casting call:

• We are looking to cast of seven actors: four male-presenting and three female-presenting.
• As Dickens tries to write, the characters from his own mind come to life right in his room. They argue, debate, and push him to finish the book
• It is a fast, funny, and highly imaginative comedy. It skips the overused, clichés of traditional versions to focus on how hard it is to create art.
• For a full list of roles, genders, and ages, visit pentacletheatre.org/auditions.
• Pentacle Theatre affirms, promotes, and celebrates inclusivity in theater arts, embracing and welcoming people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion, socioeconomic status, and other lived experiences.

Things to know:

• Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and open auditions for all roles begin promptly at 1 p.m. Please be on time and plan to stay through 5 p.m.
• Please arrive early to fill out an audition form. We encourage you to download the form at PentacleTheatre.org/auditions and complete it in advance. Please write clearly, especially your contact information. Headshots and resumes are not required but are always appreciated.
• Bring your calendar and provide a complete list of your conflicts through December 12, 2026. If you have a conflict with the audition date, please contact the director.

Callbacks: TBA if needed.

Rehearsals:

• Generally, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.
• The director will set weekend rehearsals and work sessions as needed. Please keep this in mind when providing your list of conflicts.
• Rehearsals will be scheduled to make the best use of everyone’s time. Cast members are required to attend every rehearsal once Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol moves into the theatre. If you have questions about rehearsals, please contact the director.

The story:

Scott Palmer wrote a highly popular stage adaptation titled Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol. He based the entire play on a real, short entry found in Charles Dickens’ personal journal. In his diary, Dickens wrote that when the idea for the book struck him, he locked himself in his study where he “wept and laughed and wept again” because he was so excited. Palmer’s script explores what it might have looked like to be a fly on the wall during that wild creative process.

• The Premise: Instead of just showing Scrooge, this play puts Charles Dickens himself center stage.

The characters: Casting actors able to play the following roles, genders and ages:

• Charles Dickens – The only actor who stays as one character the entire play. He is frantic, passionate, and dealing with intense writer’s block.
• Ebenezer Scrooge – This actor primarily embodies the famous miser. They also step out of character to argue with Dickens about how Scrooge is written.
• Ensemble (5 Actors) – These five actors track all remaining roles in Dickens’ mind. They make lightning-fast costume and voice changes right in front of the audience.

Pentacle Theatre affirms, promotes, and celebrates inclusivity in theater arts, embracing and welcoming people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion, socioeconomic status, and other lived experiences.

Show dates: November 20 – December 12, 2026

• Cast members may be required to make special appearances for marketing purposes in the weeks before the show opens.

Suitability: Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol is suitable for ages 10 and older.

Information: If you have questions or a conflict on the audition date, please contact director Chris Davidson at luvaharley@aol.com or call 503-580-1179.

Author: The Instigator