Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is holding open auditions for ELF THE MUSICAL. Initial auditions are by electronic submission only with in person invited callbacks on Monday, September 19, 2022. Performances for ELF THE MUSICAL run November 19 - December 23, 2022.
Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF THE MUSICAL features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (The Wedding Singer) and Chad Beguelin (Disney's Aladdin on Broadway), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Submissions are open through Sunday, September 18, 2022. Invitation-only Callbacks are scheduled for Monday, September 19. 2022.
Rehearsals begin on/around Monday, September 26, 2022 (Sun.-Thurs. eve.; daytime on Sat.). Performances are scheduled to commence Saturday, November 19, 2022 and conclude Friday, December 23, 2022. Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Additional performances on December 15, 21, 22 at 8 pm. Potential additional performances could include Dec 14, 18, 28, 29, 30 at 8 pm depending on availability and ticket sales. All rehearsals and performances will take place at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 East Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA.
Note: Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center does not discriminate in casting or hiring. Qualified applicants are considered for all roles. SVCAC believes in upholding the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility. Performers of all ethnicities, nationalities, religions, gender expressions, sexual orientations, body types, and performers with disabilities are encouraged to submit! Age ranges listed are a guideline and may be adjusted to accommodate production needs.
All performers must be local to the Los Angeles area and must be vaccinated for COVID-19.
THIS IS A NON-EQUITY PRODUCTION. Stipends are available for all performers 18+ ranging from $300-$500 depending on role.
ALL PERFORMERS MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED. Boosters preferred. All company members will be testing twice weekly during rehearsals and weekly during performance weekends.
“Fully vaccinated” is defined by the CDC as being at least 14 days after the receipt of the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (such as the currently available Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna) or one dose of a single-dose vaccine (like Johnson & Johnson).
Acceptable proof of vaccination is 1) the physical COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card issued to the individual at the time of vaccination, 2) a photograph of the individual's COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, or 3) a digital vaccination record. All residents of California may request a digital vaccination record at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
Below is a list of roles and additional info on each.
ALL ROLES EITHER OPEN OR CASTING UNDERSTUDIES:
Actors of all gender identities, ethnicities, ages, and disabilities will be fully and fairly considered for all roles and are encouraged to submit for said roles. SVCAC is looking to cast understudies and/or swings for this production. Understudies/Swings cast from the ensemble could receive an additional nominal stipend. Actors comfortable roller-skating on-stage a plus.
BUDDY THE ELF (Understudy Only)
Buddy is the perfect elf! He’s good-natured, he means well, and he’s happy all the time. There’s only one problem. He’s not an elf, he’s an adult human. This role is perfect for a young man who is an excellent actor and good singer who has the energetic earnestness and comedic timing that Buddy needs. Buddy is preferably taller than the other Elves. This will help differentiate Buddy and adds to the humor of the show. Must have strong movement skills and be able to rollerblade. Tap dancing a plus.
Gender: Male presenting, 25-35
Vocal range: Tenor (Bb2 – A4)
JOVIE
Jovie works as a store elf at Macys, but don’t be mistaken, she doesn’t quite exude the Christmas spirit. She’s kind of cynical, a bit tough around the edges, and now the target of Buddy’s complete adoration Must have an amazing singing voice with a strong belt up to a D flat. and great acting chops. Must have strong movement skills and be able to rollerblade. Tap dancing a plus.
Gender: Female presenting, 25-30
Vocal range: Alto (G3 – D5)
WALTER HOBBS
Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s real father, is so focused on keeping his job that he is not making time for his family. He can be stern and unemotional at times, but ultimately he learns to recommit to his family. Looking for a great actor with a strong, authoritative presence, but must also show his softer side. Strong movement and tap skills a plus.
Gender: Male presenting, 50-60
Vocal range: High Baritone (A2 – G4)
EMILY HOBBS (UNDERSTUDY ONLY)
Emily Hobbs is Walter’s devoted wife who would prefer her husband to spend a little more time at home. She is a problem solver and an excellent mother who is doing everything she can to provide a positive family dynamic. Looking for an excellent actress and singer who effortlessly conveys a sense of maturity and warmth. Must have a strong belt up to a C.
Gender: Female presenting, 45-65
Vocal range: Alto (F3 – D5)
MICHAEL HOBBS
Michael Hobbs is the smarter-than-average 12-year-old son of Walter and Emily. He quickly befriends his new adult brother, Buddy, and does everything he can to make sure Buddy becomes a permanent part of the family. Looking for a solid young actor and singer with an unchanged voice up to a E. Must move well, Tap dance skills a bonus.
Gender: Male presenting, child perfomer age 12-16. Michael Understudy will also be part of the ensemble.
Vocal range: Child Male Alto (F3 – E5)
The following roles will also be members of the ensemble and may play multiple roles:
DEB
Deb, Walter’s secretary, has the big responsibility of keeping her boss and the whole office happy. She does this by sharing her positive attitude with everyone. This is a plum role for a woman with a pleasant demeanor, yet efficient work ethic, who is a solid actor. Must be a very strong character singer with an excellent belt. Must move well.
Gender: Female presenting, 25-40
Vocal Range: Alto (C4 – C5)
MACY'S MANAGER
Paranoid that Corporate has sent Buddy to spy and that someone is gunning for their job. Businesslike and unintentionally funny. Must move well.
Gender: Male presenting, 35-45
Vocal range: High Baritone (B2 – F#4)
GREENWAY
Mr. Greenway is one of the crankiest businessmen around. He is the big boss with a commanding presence to tackle this acting role.
Gender: Male presenting, 55-65
SANTA CLAUS
Santa Claus has a lot on his plate during the Christmas season, and it is starting to show. He is annoyed with the Elves, tired of lying to Buddy and sad that people seem to be losing their Christmas spirit. He is still the same jolly old St. Nick underneath it all, but the job is getting to him. This is a great role for a character performer who can play an older (and somewhat cranky) man while trying hard to keep his holiday spirit. Must move well.
Gender: Male presenting, 50-70
Vocal range: Baritone (Bb2 – E4)
CHADWICK
One of Walter's right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job, and perhaps the dumber of the two.
Gender: Male presenting, 25-50
MATTHEWS
One of Walter's right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job and is the schemer of the two.
Gender: Male presenting, 25-50
ENSEMBLE:
The Ensemble consists of comedic dancer/singers and singer/dancers. Must be able to deliver various comedic bit parts throughout the show. Will possibly cover principal and/or featured roles.
Ensemble roles include Elves, New Yorkers, Macy’s Employees, Members of the Rockefeller Crowd, Office Staff, Flyer Guys, Fake Santas, Policemen, Office Employees, Vendors, Ice Skaters, Children and Parents. Additionally, members of the Ensemble could double and perhaps triple in a variety of roles that includes several solos: Mrs. Claus, Charlie (Head Elf), Tiara, Charlotte (News Woman) and more! The Elves are Santa’s special helpers who love their job making toys to meet their Christmas Eve deadline. Looking for strong technical dancer/singers and singer/dancers. Tap and/or roller skating skills a plus. Dancers must be comfortable performing an entire sequence on the knees (knee pads provided).
THE ENSEMBLE for this show is a VITAL and BUSY Ensemble! This isn’t your average ENSEMBLE. So, no, there are no small parts—there are MANY parts for good actors and singers.
Also casting Swings/Understudies to cover all roles for any COVID related or other unforeseen circumstances.
To submit an audition, click on the AUDITION LINK and fill out the form completely, including all attachments requested. Should you have any questions, please email svcac.elf22@gmail.com.