Audition Notice – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Faith Church Loveland is holding open auditions for THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER by Barbara Robinson, directed by Coley McAvoy with Musical Director Laura Harris. Performances run December 12 and 13, 2026 in the church’s main sanctuary, free and open to the community.

Barbara Robinson’s beloved holiday classic follows the six Herdman children, widely considered the worst kids in the history of the world, as they lie, cheat, and bully their way into every leading role in the church Christmas pageant. What follows is chaos, and then something unexpectedly moving, as a town that thought it knew the Christmas story hears it for the first time.

We are casting all roles. Auditions are open to actors of all ages and experience levels, from elementary-age children through adults, and adults audition alongside young performers in the same session. Available roles include the six Herdmans (Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys), the Bradley family (Beth, Charlie, Grace, and Bob), Alice Wendleken, Mrs. Armstrong, Reverend Hopkins, Elmer Hopkins, the church ladies committee, and a full ensemble of angels, shepherds, wise men, pageant children, and townspeople. Ages are flexible and casting is at the director’s discretion. Ensemble roles are a substantial and visible part of this production. All roles are unpaid/volunteer.

There is nothing to prepare. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script, provided on site, with a few minutes to look them over. No monologue, no prepared song, no headshot or resume required, and no participation fee. Wear comfortable clothing. Plan to attend one of the two sessions. No photographs are taken at auditions.

Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from October 1 through December 3, with principals called 6:00 to 8:00 PM and ensemble 6:00 to 7:15 PM. Not everyone is called to every rehearsal; a detailed call schedule is distributed with the cast list. We are dark Thursday, November 26 for Thanksgiving. Mandatory dates for all cast are December 1 (all-cast polish), December 3, December 5 (technical rehearsal), December 11 (dress rehearsal), and both performance days, December 12 and 13.

Questions may be directed to Coley McAvoy at coleyobri3n@yahoo.com or 951.723.7511.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com