Audition Information
It’s Christmas Eve in 1941. The Depression is coming to a close, but 18 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the threat of war has just begun. The Sanders Family Singers are heading up the annual Christmas celebration at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe (who works part-time at the local pickle plant) and the Sanders family attempt to raise the spirits of their faithful flock (the audience!) in a rousing, hilarious and heart-warming Christmas gospel sing-along of cherished holiday hymns and carols. There’s Uncle Stanley; the family’s patriarch, Burl and his Scripture-quoting wife Vera; the twins Dennis and Denise and their sister June (she doesn’t sing, she signs).
Vocal Performance: Prepare 16 to 90 seconds of a Christmas song, traditional gospel, bluegrass, or country song that showcases your vocal range and ability to sing in harmony.
Instrumental Skills: While not always strictly mandatory for every role, the ability to play acoustic instruments—such as the guitar, piano, bass, fiddle, harmonica, banjo, or accordion—is a major plus and often heavily prioritized for cast members.
Audition Format: Expect a mix of cold readings from the script, vocal auditions (a cappella, bring a prepared track, or bring your own instrument), and a review of your calendar for rehearsal conflicts.
Characters
Burl Sanders (40s to late 50s) – Plays the genial, grounded patriarch of the family who leads the musical gatherings and keeps the group together.
Vera Sanders (40s to late 50s) – Serves as Burl's scripture-quoting wife, acting as a formidable songstress, storyteller, and spiritual anchor for the family.
Uncle Stanley (40s to late 50s) – Represents the quirky black sheep or estranged uncle of the family, providing understated, heartfelt, and humorous moments.
Dennis Sanders (19 to late 20s) – One of the musical twins whose imminent departure to join the military drives the plot and emotional send-off of the evening.
Denise Sanders (19 to late 20s) – The other half of the talented twin duo, showcasing strong vocal and instrumental talents alongside her brother.
June Sanders (20s to early 30s) – The eccentric elder daughter who lacks a singing voice ("a tin ear") but steals scenes by communicating the gospel and Christmas lyrics entirely through enthusiastic sign language.
Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe (30s to early 40s) – The eager, loquacious young local pastor trying to keep the chaotic church service and send-off running smoothly.