Celebrate the season onstage! Hershey Area Playhouse is seeking children, teens, and adults for an original, family-friendly holiday production featuring music, dance, comedy, storytelling, and plenty of holiday magic.

SUMMARY:

On a snowy winter’s evening, as the Hershey Area Playhouse prepares to dim its lights for the night, an aging custodian on the verge of retirement discovers two lost children shivering outside the theatre doors. Offering warmth, comfort, and a place by the stage, he begins to share the extraordinary memories that have filled this beloved space over a lifetime. What unfolds is a magical journey through music, dance, and song—each performance a living memory brought to life.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

• One 60-second cut of a Holiday Song of your choosing.
• Optional monologue (approximately 60 seconds)

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026
• Required Collective Rehearsals: Sun., Dec. 6, 2-6 p.m. and Tues., Dec. 8, 6-9 p.m.
*Additional rehearsals will be arranged around cast member’s schedules
• Performances: December 11–13, 2026

AVAILABLE ROLES:

NICHOLAS: An aging, warmhearted theatre custodian nearing retirement who has spent much of his life caring for the Playhouse and quietly witnessing the magic created on its stage. A natural storyteller with humor, wisdom, and a touch of nostalgia, he comforts two lost children by sharing treasured memories that come alive through performance. This role requires strong acting and storytelling abilities; singing may be included, but not required.

TWO CHILDREN (ages 8-13): Two curious, spirited young performers who take shelter in the Playhouse on a snowy winter evening. As they listen to the Custodian’s stories, their uncertainty turns to wonder, and they become the audience’s guides through a magical celebration of the theatre’s past. The children should be expressive, engaging, and comfortable carrying dialogue; singing or movement may be incorporated based on the performers’ strengths.

FEATURED VARIETY PERFORMERS: Performers of all ages and artistic backgrounds who bring the Custodian’s memories to life through music, dance, comedy, character work, and other theatrical acts. Featured performers may appear as soloists, small groups, or ensembles. Each act will contribute to the production’s warm, festive spirit while showcasing the talents and personalities of its performers.

For questions or assistance with submitting a digital audition, contact:

Jasmine Ammons Bucher, hapchair@gmail.com, Extravaganza Executive Producer and Creative Director
Amanda Nowell, amrnowell@hersheytheatre.com, Extravaganza Assistant Director
Amy Jo Brixius, brixteach88@gmail.com, Extravaganza Production Assistant