Auditions announced for 2021 Polar Express cast aboard Carson City's V&T Railway

The V&T Railway Commission in partnership with the historic Virginia-Truckee Railroad and Rail Events, Inc. is holding auditions for their annual production of The Polar Express Train Ride as we bring this beloved and inspirational story to life aboard the historic V&T Railroad for the 2021 season.

We are looking for upbeat, energetic actors, actresses and singers to fill the following roles of:

Stewards, Elves, Chefs, Waiters, Conductors, Hobos, Age 14 to 60+, the Hero Boy-Boys age 8 to 12, and the big man himself, Santa Claus, Age 50-plus. For Santa Claus special character attributes are preferred. Please contact Production Director, Carla Wilson, for a list of the additional characteristics.

To deter the spread of any virus, all performers, crew, and observers will be required to have a temperature check at the beginning of auditions, rehearsals, and performances. Anyone showing and elevated temperature over 99 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to remain at the event on that day. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this practice.

This 17 to 20-night event is attended by over 16,000 passengers annually. Performances begin Friday, November 26th and run through Friday, December 24th.

The Polar Express Train Ride is based on the holiday story book and feature film from Warner Brothers Pictures about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, actors and actresses will bring this classic story to life before the eyes of pajama clad passengers on a magical journey as this nighttime train whisks families away for an unforgettable ride to the North Pole.

During the journey, train conductors, stewards, waiters, and chefs will punch tickets and serve hot chocolate and cookies for passengers to enjoy while Chris Van Allsburg’s classic story is narrated overhead. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train and greet the children with the first gift of Christmas and elves will entertain passengers with Christmas carols and merriment as the train returns to Carson City.

Those interested in being a part of this energetic and magical show will have three chances to audition for a role. All auditions will be held in Carson City held at the V&T Eastgate Railroad Depot located at 4650 Eastgate Siding Road. Audition dates: Friday, August 13th, Saturday, August 14th and Sunday, August 15th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Performers only need to attend one date of auditions but must stay for the entire 3-hour period on the date they attend. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent/guardian attend the entire audition time with you. For more information about auditions or to request an audition packet, please send an email to Director, Carla Wilson, at cw3595@outlook.com.

To help expedite auditions, please request an Audition Packet in advance and bring all completed forms with you to your audition. Should you have a conflict with attending one of these audition dates, please contact Director, Carla Wilson, to inquire if an additional audition date will be available.

All performers will receive an honorarium for the performance they work. The amounts of the honorarium are based on the role the performer portrays in the production. All cast are classified as sub-contractors and will be required to complete a W9 within two weeks of the first rehearsal date. Any cast member 18 or older whose honorarium exceeds $600.00 could receive a 1099 miscellaneous.

Prior acting and singing experience is not required. Dancing and improvisational skills are a plus, but not required. Those auditioning are asked to bring a current theatrical resume to the audition if you have one. You will need to be prepared to sing the song “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” acapella and do cold readings from the script. Lyrics for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer can be e-mailed to you upon request prior to auditions. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes (no sandals, flip flops or boots) to move in for the audition.

Rehearsals will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s beginning, Friday, August 19, 2021, and will run through Sunday, November 21, 2021. Friday night rehearsals will be held at the Eastgate Siding Depot. Daytime rehearsals will be held on Saturday's and Sundays at the Carson Mall. Both locations are in Carson City. All performers are required to attend a minimum of two rehearsals each week. Exceptions can be made but must be approved by the Director one week in advance of the absence.

The 2021 Polar Express Train Ride is scheduled to run from November 26th through December 24th for 17 nights at this time. However, should ticket sales demand adding Thursday night shows in December, performers are being asked to identify their availability for 20 nights. Adding these additional nights will be determined no later than September 15th.

For production continuity purposes it is preferred performers be available to work all nights of the run. Performers must be available to work a minimum of 13 nights of the 20 nights the show may potentially run. Exceptions to this requirement can be made depending on the circumstances creating the issue. Request for consideration under the exception requirement must be done at the time of your audition and approval is at the discretion of the Director, Carla Wilson.

For more information about the production or to have an Audition Packet sent to you electronically please contact Carla Wilson, Production Director; Email cw3595@outlook.com; Phone (775) 781-0664.