Audition for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Youth Ensembles

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 youth/student ensemble roles in its 2026 production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, directed by Stephanie Jacobson with Music Direction by Jerry Brabec and Choreography by Sue Valker. These auditions are for non-speaking ensemble roles for youth ages 8-14.

In-Person Auditions: Thursday, August 27 6:00 – 8:15 pm or Saturday, August 29 12:00 – 2:15pm
Video Audition Deadline: Friday, August 28 at 11:59pm
There will be no callbacks for youth auditions.

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.

All rehearsals take place at The Rose Theater (Downtown location)

Rehearsals: October 27 – December 3

Snowflake and Elf Ensembles will be called for rehearsals Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from October 30 – November 22.
They will be called for all rehearsals November 24 – December 3 including weeknights and weekends.

Performance: December 3 – December 20

Weekday daytime and weekend performances

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 Thursday, August 27 6:00 – 8:15 pm or Saturday, August 29 12:00 – 2:15pm
- Location: Rose Studios for Youth Artists, 12202 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE 68144
- https://forms.gle/MKDvjjT8kyMWr1Uc7

Video Submissions:
- Submit your audition via video by 11:59 PM on Friday, August 28
- https://forms.gle/Y1NNhWPAHsmD5EKC8

What to Prepare

Dance

In-person auditions – upon arrival ALL auditionees will join the show’s choreographer to learn a short dance combo. You can expect to be pulled into smaller groups so our casting team can properly evaluate all individuals.
- 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 those submitting a video.

Music

Following the group dance call, all auditionees will be taught a piece of music by our music director. You can expect to be pulled into smaller groups so the casting team can hear how voices blend together.
For video submissions, please prepare 16-32 bars of the auditionee’s choosing OR choose to use the provided sheet music & backing track. (Sheet music & the backing track can be found in the video submission forms.)
- Acapella (without any accompaniment) singing is also acceptable.

Acting

After dance & music, all auditionees will stay in the same room together and be led through a drama workshop by director, Stephanie Jacobson.
- Students submitting a video submission do not need to send anything in for Acting.

Character Breakdown

All youth actors auditioning will be considered for the Snowflake and Elf Ensemble. We are looking to cast approximately 16-23 Snowflakes/Elves. Selected youth actors can expect to sing and dance alongside industry professionals. Please note that there are minimal or no speaking roles.