2026 Character Performer & Singer Auditions

We're seeking creative, diverse, and engaging storytellers to help bring history to life as interactive character performers during the 2025 Halloween and Christmas celebrations along historic Main Street.

Audition Dates: 

By appointment Saturday, May 30 & Wednesday, June 3

• SINGER AUDITIONS: Those interested in singing roles with either festival should sign up to attend auditions either 3pm-4pm on Saturday, May 30th OR 7pm-8pm on Wednesday, June 3rd. Please plan to stay for the whole hour to learn and perform the song selection in small groups. Can’t make those specific times? Let us know and we’ll make alternate arrangements.
• CHARACTER PERFORMER AUDITIONS: Sign up for any of the Character Performer Audition slots. Each half-hour can accommodate four (4) auditioners. Even if you plan on auditioning for multiple festivals/roles, you don't need to select more than one appointment slot.

Audition Location: Saint Charles Tourism Center (lower level) 230 South Main Street Saint Charles, MO 63301

Compensation: The starting rate for all roles is $15 an hour for all rehearsals and performances.

Role Requirements:  An outgoing, creative personality, strong improvisation skills, and the ability to engage with thousands of guests of all ages in character. Both Legends & Lanterns® and Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® are all-weather festivals that take place entirely outdoors. Positions require long periods of standing/walking.

Legends & Lanterns®: A "Spirited" Journey Through Halloween History

Celebrating its 11th season, Legends & Lanterns® brings to life some of the most iconic villains, witches, and ghouls from history and folklore. They have decided to make Main Street their new favorite “haunt”…but don’t worry, these silly apparitions have more treats to offer than tricks, and they look forward to providing the exp-EERIE-nce of your life (of afterlife).

Performance Dates: Individuals auditioning for Legends & Lanterns® MUST be available for the duration of ALL performance dates

• Saturdays, October 10, 17(11am-6pm), & 24 (11am-8pm)
• Sundays, October 11, 20, & 25 (12pm-5pm)
• Friday, October 23 (5pm-8pm)

Rehearsal Dates: July 29 (6pm-8pm), August 30 (Time TBD), September 2 [non-singing cast only] (6:30pm-9pm), September 9 [singing cast only] (6:30pm-9pm), October 3 (9am-12pm).

NOTE: New cast members should also plan to attend ONE of the following: September 22 (evening, time TBD), September 23 (evening, time TBD), September 24 (evening, time TBD)

Singer Rehearsals: Singing roles for Legends & Lanterns® will have additional rehearsals for two hours on Monday evenings (August 24-September 14)

Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®

Welcome to the place where Christmas past comes to life! Celebrating 52 seasons, Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® uses a unique blend of history, storytelling, and fairytale whimsy to transport visitors back in time to a world of yuletide nostalgia and fantasy where reindeer fly, Victorian carolers sing cherished melodies, and international figures share the holiday customs of their native cultures.

Performance Dates: Individuals auditioning for Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® should make every effort to be available for the duration of ALL performance days. While some conflicts may be accommodated, availability will be a deciding factor when casting.

• Opening Day (11/27): 12pm-8:30pm
• Saturdays (11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19): 12pm-8:30pm
• Sundays (11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20): 12pm-5pm
• Fridays (12/4, 12/11, 12/18): 6pm-8:30pm
• Christmas Eve (12/24): 11am-2pm

• Wednesdays A Christmas Carol Stroll*(12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23): 6pm-8:30

*Not all cast members will be required for Wednesdays’ A Christmas Carol Stroll

Rehearsal Dates: August 12 (6pm-8pm), August 30 (Time TBD), September 2 [non-singing cast ONLY] (6:30pm-9pm), September 9 [singing cast ONLY] (6:30pm-9pm), September 16* (6pm-9pm), November 7 (Time TBD), November 21 (9am-12pm)

*Not all cast will be needed for this 9/16 rehearsal

NOTE: New cast members should also make themselves available for ONE of the following dates: November 10 (evening, time TBD), November 11 (evening, time TBD), November 12 (evening, time TBD)

Singer Rehearsals: Caroling groups for Christmas Traditions® will have additional rehearsals for 2 hours on either Monday OR Tuesday evenings (October 12-November 17). All singers auditioning will mark their preference/availability for Mondays or Tuesdays on their audition form.

What to Prepare for Your Audition:

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!

What to Prepare for Your Audition (Singers):

Singers should sign up to audition either 3pm-4pm on Saturday, May 30th OR 7pm-8pm on Wednesday, June 3rd. During that time we will workshop sections of two tunes with the full group. After learning the music, we will have singers audition as quartets for the Production Staff. Each singer may have the opportunity to sing multiple times during the audition period. Printed music will be provided.

Please be prepared to sing your respective vocal part for “Holly Jolly Christmas” (measures 9-33) and “Carol of the Bells” (measures 13-24).

Additional Information:

What to Bring to the Audition: A FULL list of conflicts with the festival rehearsal/performance schedule. A current resume and headshot are encouraged but not required.

Am I Required to Audition for Both Festivals?: No. Though this audition is casting singers and character performers for both Legends & Lanterns® and Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® (and you are welcome to audition for both), if you are only interested in being considered for one, you will note your preference at your audition appointment

Age Requirement: With the exception of Tiny Tim, performers should be at least 16 years of age by the time of the first rehearsal.

What If I Sign Up, But Can No Longer Attend Auditions?: No worries, we just ask that at your earliest opportunity you delete your sign-up so that your appointment slot may be freed up for others.

What if I’m Not Available On The Audition Dates But Still Want To Be Considered?: Reach out to Festival Director Ryan Cooper for instructions on submitting a video audition.

Who Will Be in the Audition Room?:

• Ryan Cooper (Festival Director)
• Alexandria Dyer (Assistant Director)
• Rob Gleason (Music Director)
• Beth Derhake (Festival Assistant)
• Riley Grady (Costume Designer)

When Will I Hear Back About Casting? All individuals who audition will be notified via email of their casting status no later than Monday, June 8th.

We look forward to seeing you at auditions! Questions? Contact Ryan Cooper