Character Performer Roles:

For your audition, choose up to two (2) available characters for EACH festival you wish to be considered for (i.e. if you are auditioning for both Legends & Lanterns® AND Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®, you may present up to four characters). Prepare a 90-second performance for each role, giving a sample of what it would be like to interact with your character during the event. Present each of your chosen characters’ personalities in a unique, engaging, and entertaining way. Show us what you would bring to the role. Be creative!

LEGENDS & LANTERNS®

THE FOX SISTERS* (Margaretta & Kate): NEW FOR 2026. After using "rappings" to convince others that they were communicating with spirits, the Fox Sisters pioneered the spiritualist movement. Through their use of trickery, carnival film-flam, and special effects, Margaretta & Kate became famous as they swindled the public with their hoax seances (famed magician Harry Houdini hated the fake spiritualist movement so much, he started a crusade against phony mediums). Eccentric, funny, and over-the-top, during Legends & Lanterns®, the Fox Sisters will set up a seance parlor in the KATY Depot where they will share their hilarious visions of guests' futures and get into a variety of hijinks. *NOTE: One sister has already been cast. One role available.

JERSEY DEVIL: NEW FOR 2026. This elusive cryptid, renowned for stalking (and flying) around southern New Jersey is ready to step out of the shadows and tell their story. According to legend, the Jersey Devil was the 13th child to a woman known as "Mother Leeds." Born a normal human in 1735, immediately after birth the baby sprouted claws, a tail, and wings and flew off to the Pine Barrens of Jersey. Over the centuries there have been countless sightings of the mysterious creature. At Legends & Lanterns®, the Jersey Devil joins the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot at Cryptozoology Corner, where as members of S.C.A.R.E. (the Society of Cryptids And Reclusive Entities) they share their experiences to increase their visibility to the human community. May be played as male or female-presenting. New Jersey accent preferred.

LIZZIE BORDEN: Did she or didn't she? Acquitted for the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother, Lizzie never quite convinced history of her innocence. Now she's on Main Street, looking to "bury the hatchet," as she teaches festival guests all of the pointers for crafting the perfect alibi. If you're lucky, she might even recite the classic nursery rhyme that details her "alleged" crime.

THE SIREN: Evil mermaid. Forget Ariel, this sea witch uses her haunting voice to hypnotize sailors and lure them to their watery demise. Mysterious and dangerous, visitors to Pirates’ Cove should be wary of trusting this deep-sea menace. This character will perform alongside Captain Hook & Captain Anne Bonny. This performer should be comfortable being seated at all times while wearing a mermaid tail that restricts movement.

GHOULING STONES (Singing Role): A troupe of ancient theatre performers who incurred the wrath of Medusa (after performing a satirical comedy about her). They have been transformed into statues, but they still retain their singing voices and are now on tour as the original “rock” stars singing everything from “Titanium” to “Defying Gravity” for Main Street guests.  Fans of rock/stone puns. Multiple roles available for female-presenting singers.

ANGRY VILLAGER (Singing Role): The true antagonists of the festival. This comedic, bumbling hoard of monster-hunting stereotypes seeks to rid Main Street of supernatural varmint, all while singing some of the iconic songs of the Halloween season from “Ghostbusters” to “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.” Seeking a female-presenting alto singer to perform as a Vampire & Werewolf-hunting German peasant villager.

WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST: Often overshadowed by her green-skinned sister, the Wicked Witch of the West, this evil spell-caster terrorizes Oz in her own right as the cruel Mayor of Munchkinland. Most recognizable for her striped stockings and silver slippers (as popularized in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), this sorceress has a deep appreciation for poppies and winged primates (just keep her far away from any water). While on Main Street’s not-so yellow brick road, the Wicked Witch of the East will be keeping an eye out for any unexpected twisters (or farm girls from Kansas). This character will perform alongside the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

VLAD THE IMPALER: History’s most famous vampire. This ruthless Transylvanian prince was infamous for his cruelty. His enemies spread rumors that he drank the blood of his victims. This lore inspired writer Bram Stoker to create the character of Count Dracula. Transylvanian accent.

THE GINGERBREAD WITCH: One of the most infamous villains of the Brothers Grimm, this confection-loving crone lives in a candy cottage in the mysterious Black Forest of Germany. After having been pushed into an oven by Hansel and Gretl, the Gingerbread Witch has come to St. Charles to track them down and get her revenge (and perhaps pick up a human snack as well).

MRS. LOVETT: The accomplice of Sweeney Todd (the “demon barber of Fleet Street”), Mrs. Lovett once made the worst meat pies in London. Fortunes changed when Mr. Todd began giving customers the “closest shave they’ll every know” and these victims provided the secret ingredient that made Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies delicious. Cunning, funny, loud, and eccentric. A perfect vehicle for a strong character actress.  This role will perform alongside the character of Sweeney Todd. Cockney accent.

SAINT CHARLES CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS®

THE SUGARPLUM FAIRY: The monarch of the magical realm known as the Land of the Sweets, she oversees the creation of the most beloved candies of all holidays (i.e. Halloween’s candy corn, conversation hearts for Valentine’s Day, chocolate Easter bunnies, etc.) But she is most known for dancing in the heads of children providing them “sweet” dreams on Christmas Eve. She also has to protect her kingdom from the invading Mouse King (with help from her friend the Nutcracker Prince). Whimsical, elegant, and regal. This role will perform alongside the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King.

THE MOUSE KING: The notorious rodent monarch from the trashy side of the Land of the Sweets, this obnoxious ego maniac has crossed the treacherous maple syrup sea and braved the forest of wild gummy bears in order to topple of the regime of the Sugarplum Fairy. But why stop there? Knowing that his enemies have fled to St. Charles, he now sets his sights on crowning himself king of the human world! Seeking a comedic, over-the-top performer. This character will perform alongside the Sugarplum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince.

MTOA HADITHI: Habari gani! Meaning “storyteller” in Swahili, Mtoa Hadithi shares the origins and practices of the festival of Kwanzaa. Founded in 1966, Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration of African American culture and heritage. Mtoa delights in telling how celebrants mark the holiday with feasts, gift-giving, and reflections on the Nguzu Saba (the seven principles of African heritage). May be played by a male or female-presenting performer.

CHRISTMAS CAROLERS (Singing Role): From the classic holiday tunes of the Victorian era to the jazzy standards of the 1940s and 50s, the various caroling ensembles of Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® provide a musical timeline of treasured yuletide songs. Multiple roles available

MAIDS-A-MILKING:  When not "a-milking," these Milkmaids (of “12 Days of Christmas” fame) spend their holiday season offering Christmas Traditions® patrons cups of Wassail (a traditional old English spiced cider) at the 8 Maids Wassail Tavern. Amidst their cowbell ringing and (bad) yodeling to attract customers, they also share stories about their adventures with the 10 Lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, and those infamous five golden rings! English or German accent preferred. Multiple roles available.

CHESTNUT ROASTERS: Direct from the alleyways of old London, these plucky roasters delight audiences with their antics, and carnival-barker energy they bring as they demonstrate the fine art of preparing this popular Victorian street food live over an open fire. Cockney/English/Irish accent. Multiple roles available.

PICCADILLY PEDDLERS: Hearkening back to the by-gone era of Victorian street merchants who sold their wares along the banks of the River Thames, these cheerful London peddlers create witty slogans in order to sell their fine wares to Christmas Traditions® patrons (including ornaments, festival t-shirts, pins & buttons, and various other mementos and souvenirs that help guests display their yuletide spirit all year long!) Cockney/English/Irish accent. Multiple roles available. Seeking outgoing performers who would be comfortable selling merchandise. These performers will also perform a short, scripted Victorian vaudeville skit on festival days.

YOUNG EBENEZER SCROOGE (Part Time Role): A representation of Charles Dickens’ classic miser as seen in the “Ghost of Christmas Past” section of A Christmas Carol. This performer will depict the moment when greed corrupted Scrooge’s heart as the engagement with the love of his life, Belle, is broken off as he chooses money over love. This actor will only perform on Wednesday evenings (12/2, 12/9, 12/16, & 12/23) during our “A Christmas Carol Stroll” programming. Seeking a performer who can convincingly play mid to late 20s.

BELLE (Part Time Role): The true love of a young Ebenezer Scrooge. Belle will recreate the moment that the engagement between her and Ebenezer was broken off. Seeking a performer who can repeatedly display the dramatic transition between hope and disappointment as she recognizes that greed has corrupted the heart of the man she once loved. This actor will only perform on Wednesday evenings (12/2, 12/9, 12/16, & 12/23) during our “A Christmas Carol Stroll” programming.

KALLIKANTZAROI (Part Time Role):  [Pronounce CAL-ee-CONTS-uh-roy] Mischievous Greek trolls who live in the center of the earth. They emerge during the 12 Days of Christmas to play tricks. They are remarkably un-intelligent (famously they are unable to count past the number three). Goofy and over the top.  These characters will only perform on Friday evenings (12/4, 12/11, 12/18) during our “Krampus Karnival” programming. Seeking comedic performers with high energy.