Audition for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Based on the animated television special “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”

Adapted from the story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks

Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks

Script Adaptation by Robert Penola

Developed by Character Arts Creations, LLC. Originally produced, directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage with scenic and puppet designs by Brandon Kirkham. Arrangements by Timothy Splain. Orchestrations by William. C White. This production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

About The Show!

The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off-screen and onto the stage in a dazzling, puppet-filled musical spectacular! Based on the iconic 1964 stop-motion animated special, this heartwarming production features favorite songs like “Silver and Gold,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” and “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year.”

Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius – and marvel at a towering 10-foot Bumble alongside lifelike Toys from the Island of Misfit Toys. One of The Rose’s most popular shows returns in a magical new staging to celebrate the misfit in all of us.

Audition Information

The Rose Theater is holding auditions for its 2026 production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, directed by Stephanie Jacobson with Music Direction by Jerry Brabec and Choreography by Sue Valker. This round of auditions will be for teens (13+) and adults (18+).

A separate audition for youth ensemble roles will be held at a later date for youth ages 8-14. Please see the character breakdown for details below.

In-Person Auditions: August 7th from 5:30 – 10:00pm
Video Audition Deadline: August 6th at 11:59pm
Callbacks: August 14th at 5:30 – 10:00pm

The Rose is joyfully and boldly committed to ensuring diversity & equity in the casting of each of its productions. Actors of all types regardless of race, gender, age, or disabilities are welcome to audition for both lead and ensemble roles.

Time Commitment

View the full rehearsal/performance calendar here.

Rehearsals: October 27 – December 3

Weeknight & weekends at The Rose Theater (Downtown location)

Performance: December 3 – December 20

Weekday daytime and weekend performances
Weekday performances limited to: December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th at 10AM

Adult Actor Compensation: $3,000. Most favored nation terms in effect.

*Youth actors do not receive monetary compensation.

Please email auditions@rosetheater.org with any questions.

When, Where & How to Audition

In Person Auditions:
- Sign up for in-person auditions on Friday, August 7th
- Location: The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102
- https://forms.gle/1iWbS8URtYzfByVn8

Video Submissions:
- Submit your audition via video by 11:59pm on Thursday, August 6th
- https://forms.gle/zSUSLcuPHbeAHnMr7
In-Person Callbacks by invitation only:
- Date: Friday, August 14th at 5:30pm
- Location: The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102

What to Prepare

Dance

In-person auditions – upon arrival ALL auditionees will join the show’s choreographer to learn a short dance combo.
Please wear clothing and shoes you can comfortably move around in.
For video submissions – In the video submission form you’ll find an instructional dance video. Review and submit a video of yourself performing the dance combo. Or if you have a prepared dance reel you may submit that in lieu of the dance video.
In person auditions will have a different dance call than folks submitting a video.

Acting

Prepare a 60-second monologue or select from the provided pieces. We are asking for auditionees to choose material with strong, bold character choices rooted in honesty.

Provided sides can be found in the registration & video submission forms.

Music

A music audition will be held only at callbacks.

Character Breakdown

Pronouns listed reflect the script. Performers of all identities are encouraged to audition for all roles.

Sam: A snowperson. A warm, friendly creature with a relaxed demeanor. A powerful storyteller who never gets in the way of the story they are telling. A knowing sense of humor; an appealing, warm singing voice.
Santa Claus: Larger-than-life personality; cheerful but distracted. Agelessly youthful, but should read middle-aged. Strong singing voice.
Mrs. Claus: Feisty, matter of fact, inherently warm. A strong belter.
Donner: Rudolph’s father. Strong mover; tougher on the outside than he is on the inside.
Mrs. Donner: Rudolph’s mother. Maternal, soft-spoken, quietly strong. Warm mezzo.
Rudolph: A young buck. Youthful; strong mover; winning performer; vulnerable but strong; a solid singer.
Hermey: An elf. Charmingly apologetic, but with inner strength. Strong comic sensibility; must move well and have a strong character voice.
Boss Elf: Humorless manager of the elves’ workshop; innate comic sensibility.
Fireball: A young reindeer. Featured member of the chorus; young, & sparky.
Coach Comet: Reindeer Games Coach. Strong mover; featured member of Santa’s team; leads the reindeer games with coach-like quality.
Clarice: A young doe. Youthful, strong mover. Strong, willful, loving, flirtatious, must have a lilting soprano voice.
Yukon Cornelius: A prospector. Larger than life character; instantly likable character; slightly absent-minded; strong mover and strong comedic ability.
Bumble: 3-Person Puppet. The Abominable Snowman
King Moonracer: Puppet. King of the Island of Misfit To
Ensemble: Reindeer, Misfit Toys (Puppeteers)

*We will be holding separate auditions at a later date for youth ages 8-14 for our elf and snowflake ensembles. These ensemble roles will sing and dance but are not speaking roles. We are looking to cast approximately 20 elves and snowflakes. Selected youth actors can expect to sing and dance alongside industry professionals. Please note that these roles will include minimal or no speaking.