Originally posted 9/7/18, revised 8/15/19
September is here and it’s time for all aspiring actors between the ages of 8-12 to get ready for the annual Trinity Rep and Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses A Christmas Carol auditions. Children who are 12 and under by the December 31 cut-off are welcome to come and try-out for one of the many child roles in the annual family classic. This production has been going for over forty years and is a tradition for families across Rhode Island.
Children are asked to prepare 30 seconds or less of their favorite holiday song to sing, as well as be prepared to read the ACC Child Audition, Side 1 and the ACC Child Audition, Side 2. Come prepared, but lines do not need to be memorized. Actors with disabilities are encouraged to audition. Performers must be able to speak, memorize lines, sing, climb stairs, and be lifted by the adult actors. Actors must also bring the Child Actor Audition Form 2019.
Rehearsals for children take place Tuesday-Friday from 4:00 -7:00 pm and mid-day on Saturdays and Sundays from October 16 to November 13. Performances run November 7 – December 29 and do include daytime student matinees.
Auditioning is fun, and being in the show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But don’t take our word for it! Caitlin Howle, our Digital Marketing Coordinator, sat down with JJ Bento, age 13, who was in the 40th and 41st anniversary production of A Christmas Carol to get his take on auditions and what he thought of being in the show.
Caitlin Howle: First, tell us about yourself, what made you get into acting?
JJ Bento: My family is very oriented in the arts, like my mom and my grandpa. When I found out what musical theater was, the singing, the dancing, plus acting – it was perfect for me.
Caitlin: Had you ever seen A Christmas Carol before you auditioned?
JJ: No, not at all. I have a bunch of friends and family that had seen it but I had never seen it. I had read the book, I watched the movies, but I had never gone to Trinity Rep.
Caitlin: How did you decide to audition for the show?
JJ: I wanted to get serious about acting, so my grandpa one day brought up Trinity Rep. I knew who Trinity Rep was but had no idea that kids could be in their shows! So when I found out, I got so excited. This was going to be bigger and better than ever.
Caitlin: What were the auditions like?
JJ: I was nervous but in a fun way. I was in awe when I was there, there were so many great kids, all of them were so talented, too. They were the type of people I feel like I belong with, so I felt right at home.
Caitlin: What was it like being in rehearsal?
JJ: It was awesome. We had two it two days a week, then three. It was so fun to be around the people and the talent. We did rehearsal for a month and then we made this amazing show. I loved it.
Caitlin: What was your favorite part of working on the show?
JJ: The people! It was such a good environment and everyone was super talented. I loved how encouraging everyone was.
Caitlin: If you were going to give advice to a kid who is auditioning this year, what would your advice be?
JJ: I have three pieces of advice. First, be yourself – that’s a big thing. You could be the best actor in the world but no one is going to want to work with you if you’re arrogant. Don’t put up a front if it’s not you. Second, give it your all. It does take a lot of work. Third, just have fun! Just go and have fun, even if you don’t get in. What’s the harm in auditioning and having fun while doing it?
Auditions will be held at Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses at 999 Newport Avenue in Attleboro, MA from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on September 7, 2019. If a child cannot make the auditions, they may submit a video audition singing 30 seconds of a holiday song and reading the ACC Child Audition, Side 1 and the ACC Child Audition, Side 2.
We look forward to seeing you there!
