2024 Character Performer & Singer Auditions

Legends & Lanterns®: A “Spirited” Journey Through Halloween History and Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®

The Greater Saint Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau seeks creative, diverse, and engaging storytellers to help bring history to life as interactive character performers during the 2024 Halloween and Christmas celebrations along historic Main Street. Read on for information regarding auditions for each festival, available roles, frequently asked questions, and more!

Auditions for character performers & singers for both Legends & Lanterns and Saint Charles Christmas Traditions will be on Sunday, May 19 & Tuesday, May 21. Full audition information and sign ups will go live Thursday, May 9.

The Greater Saint Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau seeks creative, diverse, and engaging storytellers to help bring history to life as interactive character performers during the 2024 Halloween and Christmas celebrations along historic Main Street.

Audition Information

Dates: By appointment Sunday, May 19th and Tuesday, May 21st

Audition Location: Saint Charles Tourism Center (lower level) 230 South Main Street Saint Charles, MO 63301

Compensation: The starting rate for all roles is $13 an hour for all rehearsals and performances.

Role Requirements:  An outgoing, creative personality, strong improvisation skills, and the ability to engage with thousands of guests of all ages in character. Both Legends & Lanterns® and Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® are all-weather festivals that take place entirely outdoors. Positions require long periods of standing/walking.

Sign Up: At the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48A8AC22A4F8C52-49555165-2024 

Legends & Lanterns®: A “Spirited” Journey Through Halloween History

Heading into its 9th season, Legends & Lanterns® brings to life some of the most iconic villains, witches, and ghouls from history and folklore. They have decided to make Main Street their new favorite “haunt”…but don’t worry, these silly apparitions have more treats to offer than tricks, and they look forward to providing the exp-EERIE-nce of your life (of afterlife).

Performance Dates: NOTE: Individuals auditioning for Legends & Lanterns® MUST be available for the duration of ALL performance dates

• Saturdays, October 12, 19(11am-6pm), & 26 (11am-8pm)
• Sundays, October 13, 20, & 27 (12pm-5pm)
• Friday, October 25 (5pm-8pm)

Rehearsal Dates: August 7 (6pm-8pm), August 25 (Time TBD), September 4 (6:30pm-9pm), September 11* (6pm-9pm), September 25 (6pm-7:30pm), October 5 (9am-12pm).

*Limited cast needed for this rehearsal.

Singer Rehearsals: Singing roles for Legends & Lanterns® will have additional rehearsals for two hours on Tuesday evenings beginning September 10th.

Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®

Celebrating 50 seasons! Welcome to the place where Christmas past comes to life! Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® uses a unique blend of history, storytelling, and fairytale whimsy to transport visitors back in time to a world of yuletide nostalgia and fantasy where reindeer fly, Victorian carolers sing cherished melodies, and international figures share the holiday customs of their native cultures.

Performance Dates: NOTE: Individuals auditioning for Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® should make every effort to be available for the duration of ALL performance days. While some conflicts may be accommodated, availability will be a deciding factor when casting.

• Opening Day (11/29): 12pm-8:30pm
• Saturdays (11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21): 12pm-8:30pm
• Sundays (12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22): 12pm-5pm
• Fridays (12/6, 12/13, 12/20): 6pm-8:30pm
• Wednesdays A Christmas Carol Stroll*(12/4, 12/11, 12/18): 6pm-8:30
• Christmas Eve (12/24): 11am-2pm

*Not all cast members will be required for Wednesdays’ A Christmas Carol Stroll

Rehearsal Dates: August 14 (6pm-8pm), August 25 (Time TBD), September 4 (6:30pm-9pm). September 11* (6:30pm-9pm), November 16 (9am-12pm), November 23 (9am-12pm)

*Limited cast needed for this rehearsal

Singer Rehearsals: Caroling groups for Christmas Traditions® will have additional rehearsals for 1.5 hours on either Monday OR Tuesday evenings beginning October 14th. All singers auditioning will mark their preference/availability for Mondays or Tuesdays on their audition form, and assigned rehearsal nights foe each singing group will be determined prior to casting offers being made.

What to Prepare for Your Audition (Character Performers)

Look over the list of available character roles listed here: https://www.discoverstcharles.com/events/christmas-traditions/available-character-roles

For your audition, choose up to two (2) available characters for EACH festival you wish to be considered for (i.e. if you are auditioning for both Legends & Lanterns® AND Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®, you may present up to four characters). Prepare a 90-second performance for each role, giving a taste of what it would be like to interact with your character during the event. Present each of your chosen characters’ personalities in a unique, engaging, and entertaining way. Show us what you would bring to the role. Be creative!

What to Prepare for Your Audition (Singers)

FEMALE SINGERS: Prepare both the melody and your specific vocal part for WINTER WONDERLAND. A copy of the music cut and the rehearsal tracks can be found here:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jse5yvuvhgi95fd/AACccxMaxjpYVQEAuldCnCEua?dl=0

 Be prepared to sing with an instrumental recording of the other vocal parts. Singers may be asked to vocalize to present their comfortable range.

MALE SINGERS: Prepare both the melody and your specific vocal part for HERE WE COME A-WASSAILING. A copy of the music cut and the rehearsal tracks can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jse5yvuvhgi95fd/AACccxMaxjpYVQEAuldCnCEua?dl=0

 Be prepared to sing with an instrumental recording of the other vocal parts. Singers may be asked to vocalize to present their comfortable range.

Additional Information:

What to Bring to the Audition: A full list of conflicts with the festival rehearsal/performance schedule. A current resume and headshot are encouraged, but not required.

Am I Required to Audition for Both Festivals?: No. Though this audition is casting singers and character performers for both Legends & Lanterns® and Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® (and you are welcome to audition for both), if you are only interested in being considered for one, you will note your preference at the end of your appointment sign-up process.

Age Requirement: With the exception of Tiny Tim, performers should be at least 16 years of age by the time of the first rehearsal.

What If I Sign Up, But Can No Longer Attend Auditions?: No worries, we just ask that at your earliest opportunity you delete your sign-up so that your appointment slot may be freed up for others.

What if I’m Not Available On The Audition Dates But Still Want To Be Considered?: Reach out to Festival Director Ryan Cooper at rcooper@discoverstcharles.com for instructions on submitting a video audition.

When Will I Hear Back About Casting? All individuals who audition will be notified via email of their casting status no later than Friday, May 24th.

We look forward to seeing you at auditions! Questions? Contact rcooper@discoverstcharles.com