V&T Railway to hold character auditions for 2021 production of The Polar Express holiday train
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 09/20/2021 - 3:16pm
Event Date:
Repeats every day until Wed Sep 29 2021 .
September 28, 2021 - 6:00pm
Event Date:
September 29, 2021 - 6:00pm CARSON CITY — V&T Railway in partnership with Lollipop Productions is holding a casting call for the annual production of The Polar Express train for the 2021 season. Upbeat, energetic actors, actresses and singers will fill the following roles: Steward, Chef, Waiter (Age 13+); Conductor (Age 20+); Hobo (Age 25+); Hero Boy (Age 8 to 12). Prior acting and singing experience is not required.
All performers are required to have the ability to do simple dance movements and perform at a high level of energy and excitement.
To ensure a safe and clean environment, all performers and crew are required temperature checks at the beginning of the casting call, rehearsals and performances. Anyone showing an elevated temperature over 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit will not be allowed to remain at the event on that day. Train cars are sanitized between each run and masks are required for all cast, crew and passengers while on board, per government regulations.
The 23-night event is attended by over 10,000 passengers annually. Performances begin Thurs., Nov. 18 and run through Fri., Dec. 24, with three performances each night at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.
The Polar Express Train Ride is based on the holiday story book and feature film from Warner Bros. 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, performers 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 punch tickets and serve hot chocolate and cookies for passengers to enjoy while Chris Van Allsburg’s classic story is narrated overhead.
The story’s mysterious Hobo character is aboard to give his advice to all the doubters of the big man, Santa. At the North Pole, Santa boards the train and greets children with the first gift of Christmas and elves 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 have two chances to attend the casting call being held in Carson City at Adams Hub located at 111 W. Proctor Street, Carson City NV. Casting call dates are Tuesday, Sept. 28, and Wednesday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Performers only need to attend one date of this casting call but must stay for the entire three-hour period on the date they attend. Those under the age of 18, must have a parent/guardian attend the entirety of the casting call.
All performers are considered sub-contractors and receive an honorarium for each performance night. The amounts of the honorarium are based on the casted role in the production. Honorarium amounts are as follows: Hero Boy-$25; Cast Conductor-$60; Hobo- $55; Steward-$55 to $65; Chef & Waiter-$50 to $55. All cast are required to complete a W-9 within two weeks of the first rehearsal date. Any cast member 18 or older whose honorarium exceeds $600 will receive a 1099 miscellaneous.
Rehearsals are held on Fri., Sat. and Sun. beginning, Frid., Sept. 24, 2021, and run through Sun., Nov. 14, 2021. Friday night rehearsals are held at the V&T Railway Eastgate Depot, 4650 Eastgate Siding Road, Carson City. Daytime rehearsals are held Sat. and Sun. at Adams Hub, 111 W. Proctor Street, Carson City. All performers are required to attend a minimum of two rehearsals each week. Director approved exceptions are permissible one week in advance of the absence.
The Polar Express Train Ride is scheduled to run Nov. 18 through Dec. 24 for 23 nights. Performers are asked to identify availability for 17 nights of this 23-night event. Performers are preferred to be available to work all nights of the event for production continuity purposes; however, exceptions to this requirement may be available based on individual circumstances. Request for consideration under the exception requirement must be done at the time of your casting call and approval is at the discretion of the Director, Carla Wilson.
Electronic Casting Packets to be completed in advance of casting call may be requested by contacting cw3595@outlook.com. For more information about the casting call or the production, please contact Carla Wilson, Production Director, at the same email or by phone at (775) 781-0664.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit vtrailway.com or call 833-RAILSNV. For the latest updates on V&T Railway, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About V&T Railway
V&T Railway, located in Carson City, Nev., is a state funded, historical railroad that invites guests of any age to enjoy a journey into rich Nevada history while traveling through Nevada’s “wild west” Virginia Mountain Range. With reconstruction efforts beginning in the early 1990’s, the state set up a commission to rebuild the line, operating today as the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway. Since inception, the Commission has restored 16-miles of track from Gold Hill into the Carson River Canyon, giving the railway the opportunity for more diverse trains. The rail continues to operate its regular season from May through mid-October, with fully narrated roundtrip train rides from Carson City to Virginia City offering scenic routes and historic sites. The train also features various special events including Toast of the Canyon wine trains and the wildly popular Polar Express. For more information, visit online, connect through Facebook and Instagram or call 833-RAILSNV.
