Perform onstage in Broadway-quality, family-friendly shows with our theatre! Auditions are open to the public—you do not need to attend Christ Wesleyan Church, or any church for that matter.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A live Radio Play

Adapted by Joe Landry

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is based on the story “The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern. “ The Greatest Gift is used by the permission of The Greatest Gift Corporation.

Directed by: Cameron Edinger

Performance Dates: December 4, 2026, 7:00 PM, The Well Coffehouse

Be transported back to the golden age of radio in this audio rendition of It’s A Wonderful Life, performed live in the cozy, Christmassy, warm, and intimate environment of the Well Coffee house. Experience the story of George Bailey and the classic Frank Capra film presented by a troupe of radio players — complete with live sound effects and jingles. Your ticket will also include a hot chocolate from the Well Coffeehouse. This special, limited engagement show will be available for one night only!

“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

About Auditions

When to audition:
Audition submissions must be received by end of day on November 15

Auditions for “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will be done via digital submission. Please read the following instructions carefully.

Send us a video or audio recording containing the following:

• Multiple characters – choose any five of the characters in the sides to read. Read all of the line in that character’s section. If you choose to send in a recording of George or Mary, one of your other five must be Young George or Young Mary respectively.

• Accents or voices (optional) – send us a couple additional reads of anything else in a voice or accent that you feel could be useful in the show. We highly recommend demonstrating transatlantic/old Hollywood/1940s vocal affectation if you are able.

• A Christmas carol – sing 30 seconds of a Christmas carol (about one verse). You do not need accompaniment in your recording.

• ENSURE YOUR RECORDING IS NO MORE THAN 5 MINUTES IN LENGTH

Send in your email submissions with a personal bio, including your name, age, and optionally, a headshot.

Send your recording as an email attachment or with a link to a viewable version of your video/audio to theatreproductions@cwc.life by end of day on November 15.

About the show

It’s A Wonderful Life:  A Live Radio Play will be performed live in front of small audience from the Well Coffeehouse stage. Lines will be read from the book into a microphone, so memorization is not required. Dynamic performances are still a must. Jingles and music will be played live on a piano and sound effects will be performed by live operators on stage. The goal is to transport the audience to an era of yester-year. Audience participation will be encouraged through cue cards asking for applause or reactions. Audience members will also be getting a drink from The Well and will be encouraged to sing along as well.

About Rehearsals

The following rehearsal schedule will be used for this show:

• Thursday, November 19 - 6:30 PM

• Sunday, November 22 - 1:30 PM

• Tuesday, November 24 - 6:30 PM

• Tuesday, December 1 - 6:30 PM

• Dress rehearsal - December 3 - 6:30 PM

Rehearsals will be conducted in a table read style and will be used to refine vocal techniques and line delivery. Memorization will not be required for this show. Lines will be read from the book at the performance. There is no blocking, staging, choreography, etc. The experience of the show is strictly audio. However facial expressions, animation, and the demeanor of the actor are a part of the experience for the audience.

Expectations and Requirements

By sending in an audition for this show, you agree to the following:

• That you have read and agree to abide by the CWTP code of conduct found here.

• That you are able to attend rehearsals and the performance for this show.

• That you will be expected to acquire your own costume and provide your own hair and makeup for this particular performance, meeting the guidelines of the CWTP staff and volunteers.

Cast of Characters

• Freddie Filmore – Freddie is a radio personality and leader of the troop. He covers the various pieces of sponsorship and ad reading that need to happen throughout the show. Additionally he covers several smaller parts throughout the show.

  • Freddie covers the roles of:

    • Gower, Potter, Billy, Joseph, Peter Bailey, Ernie, Old Man Collins, Ed, Pete, Man (at Martini’s), Nick, Bridge Keeper, Binky, Cop

  • Expectations and techniques

    • Multiple characters, high energy, wide vocal range, gregarious performance energy. Able to do accents, child voices, and older voices.

• Jake Laurents  - Jake is the leading man of the company. He’s known for playing cowboys in the weekly cliffhangers.

  • Jake covers the roles of: George Bailey (and Young George)

  • Expectations and techniques

    • High energy, eloquence, dynamic character performance, lead male qualities. Transatlantic Accent.

• Sally Applewhite – Sally is a star in the making – the company ingenue.

  • Sally covers the roles of: Mary Hatch (and Young Mary)

  • Expectations and techniques

    • Warm presence, leading female qualities, Transatlantic accent. Dynamic character performance

• Lana Sherwood – Lana is an accomplished performer and animated reader of children’s stories. She’s had a number of roles voicing cartoon characters in her career.

  • Lana covers the roles of:

    • Violet (and Young Violet), Rose Bailey, Matilda, Ruth, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Thompson, Schultz, Zuzu, Janie, Sadie Vance

  • Expectations and techniques

    • Multiple characters, high energy, wide vocal range, gregarious performance energy. Able to do accents, child voices, and older voices.

• Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood – Jazzbo is a musician first and foremost — an appreciator of various musical stylings and genres. He brings that adaptability to his performance energy in the studio.

  • Jazzbo covers the roles of:

    • Harry (and Young Harry), Bert, Clarence Oddbody, Sam Wainright, Martini, Dr. Campbell, Charlie, Man (at run on the bank), Horace the teller, Mr. Welch, Tommy, Sheriff

  • Expectations and techniques

    • Multiple characters, high energy, wide vocal range, gregarious performance energy. Able to do accents, child voices, and older voices.

All characters provide ad-libs for background sound, large group scenes, and crowds. These parts include: Boys, Board Members, Crowd at the run on the bank, Restaurant patrons, Crowd at a party.

Additionally, all characters sing radio ad jingles and Christmas carols throughout the show.

The characters who appear in the story of “Its a Wonderful Life” are:

More About Auditions

Who can audition?

The parts available are for actors age 18 & up.

There are a number of parts for children and/or teens. These parts will be played by the adult performers reading as children.

All actors are non-paid.

Do you have to attend Christ Wesleyan Church?

No, anyone can audition whether or not they attend a church.

When are the performances?

December 4, 2026

What if I don’t get the part I want or I am not cast in the show?

Don’t be discouraged. Auditioning is a difficult process and you should feel proud for even auditioning! We ask that you be honest about your expectations with us during the audition process. On your form you will see a question asking you if you will accept any role in the show, regardless of your results. Please only answer yes if you are truly willing to accept any role, including in the ensemble. The ensemble in this show is integral to the storytelling and is just as important as any lead or speaking role. There are no “small parts” or parts of limited importance. It takes everyone to pull off a show. If you are not selected to be a part of our show, or choose not to accept the part you are casted in, we would ask you to consider helping out behind the scenes. There are many ways to help — costumes, makeup, set build, set painting, guest services, stage crew, props, etc. It takes a small army to put on a production and we would love to have you take part in anyway possible.

Are there any tips for the audition for this show?

Don’t just read the lines in the sides. Act. We are looking for dynamic performers that can create a wide multitude of characters with their voice. This is the primary thing we are looking for in our auditions.

Don’t mimic or imitate another performance. Let’s face it — this story is well known. Watching the film version of this story is a Christmas tradition for many. The script for this show contains many lines in common with the film version as well. Make the character your own, rather than imitate any other performance.

Do your research. This show is rooted in a very popular form of entertainment. Before television, families gathered around the radio to hear stories told in a dramatic fashion — a fashion that this show emulates. We are seeking to deliver this experience in our show. Research the transatlantic accent, vocal cadences, and vocabulary of the era.

Tips for Auditioning

1. Act. Don’t just read.

While your audition scenes do not need to be memorized, remember that you are bringing these characters to life with your performance.

2. Learn a little bit about the show you’re auditioning for.

The more you understand the play and the characters, the more you can tailor your audition toward your desired role.

3. Take the time you need to prepare.

While memorization is not required, it is encouraged and will make your performance better. The audition sides will be posted here for you to prepare.

4. Slow down and enunciate every word.

When you talk too fast, it is harder to make sure each word is understood, and the emotion that should accompany those words does not come through. Slow down and make sure you can say each word clearly.

5. If you make a mistake, battle through it.

If you do make a mistake, don’t apologize. Don’t ask to start over. Just pick up from where the mistake was made and push forward.

6. Be humble.

There are limited roles. No one is guaranteed a role based on their previous acting experience here or elsewhere. If you didn’t get the role you wanted, don’t be discouraged - it’s not because you are a bad actor. Our casting decisions are based on a number of factors — including chemistry and fit with other performers, vocal range/strength, availability, etc.

7. Audition often.

Auditioning can be intimidating. The more you go through the process, the easier it becomes. We recommend that you audition often - here or elsewhere! If you were cast or not, auditioning often helps you learn, to build confidence, and helps you meet other people with a shared passion for theatre.