AUDITIONS/SUBMISSIONS
White Christmas
Back by popular demand, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas returns to the Circa ’21 stage this holiday season to kick off our 49th season! Based on the beloved, timeless film, and featuring 17 of Berlin’s most recognizable songs, White Christmas is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family. Soldiers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis served under General Henry Waverley in World War Two and, ten years later, they are still working together in a popular song and dance duo, Wallace and Davis. When they meet the singing sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, Phil becomes enamored with the beautiful Judy, while Bob is more reserved about his feelings for Betty. The two men follow the sisters up to their seasonal engagement at The Columbia Inn in Vermont. They discover the inn is owned by General Waverley but, unbeknownst to him, the inn is struggling to survive. With the help of Martha, the concierge, and the General’s granddaughter, Susan, Bob, Phil, Betty and Judy decide to put on a big show to draw in business. This musical theatre classic will be directed and choreographed by Circa ’21 veteran Ashley Becher, who recently directed our outstanding productions of Chicago, The Addams Family and our previous production of White Christmas in 2022. Music Direction will be provided by Circa ’21 resident music director, Ron May.
Circa ’21 will host an open call on Tuesday, June 3 at the theatre beginning with youth auditions for Susan at 3:30 pm and adults at 5:30 pm. Sign-in will be located in the Circa ’21 lobby at 1828 3rd Ave. Rock Island, IL 61201. Rehearsals begin October 23, 2025, with opening November 7, 2025, and closing December 28, 2025. All performances take place at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, Illinois. All roles in this professional production are paid. If you are unable to attend the open call, video submissions will be accepted. For consideration, please send a cover letter, headshot/resume, a brief song and dance reel to Production Manager, Jeremy Littlejohn at [email protected] by June 3.
Seeking the following roles:
Youth Auditions:
Susan Waverly (Girl under 5 ft tall to play 9 years old) - The General's granddaughter. Lovable and outgoing. A bit precocious, but wise beyond her years. Gets bitten by the stage bug and is great at it. Strong actor, excellent belt voice, must move very well.
Those interested in the role of Susan Waverly should bring in a verse and a chorus of 2 contrasting songs (one should be uptempo). Please bring your own sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. A cappella singing or recorded accompaniment will not be allowed. Please be prepared to learn a brief dance combination and read if needed.
Adult Auditions (must be 18+):
Those auditioning should prepare a verse and a chorus of a song from, or in the style of, the show. Please bring your own sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. A cappella singing or recorded accompaniment will not be allowed. All auditionees should be prepared to dance, and those auditioning for Judy, Phil and the ensemble should be prepared to tap. You may be asked to read sides from the script.
Available roles:
Phil Davis - (mid 30's to early 40's) - The fun-loving song-and-dance partner of the team Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown, operator, and incorrigible ladies' man who is determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and outright deception. He has a boyish charm and sex appeal. Strong ballroom, jazz and tap dancing needed. Baritone-tenor.
Bob Wallace - (mid 30's to early 40's) - A major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. He wears his fame easily, but has some trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for true love. Excellent actor and singer with a crooning style who moves very well. Baritone.
Betty Haynes - (mid-20's to late 30's) - Sensible, responsible half of the Haynes sisters’ act. Classic elegance. Destined to be a star, but hesitant to take the spotlight. Devoted to her sister. Hides a yearning for true love under a protective shell. Female singer with a rich chest mix and soprano extension. Excellent actor who moves well.
Judy Haynes - (mid-20's to mid-30's) - Younger, more ambitious and slightly scheming other sister. Wholesome and adorable, sexy and flirty. Strong jazz and tap dancer. Strong singer with a chest mix.
Male and Female Ensemble - (early 20s to mid-30s) Strong dancers and singers. Dance style is 1950s Hollywood musical style. All ensemble members must tap.
