Auditions (Edmonton): White Christmas & Oliver! – NUOVA Vocal Arts, Theater News

Open Call:
2026 / 2027 Arts Season
As part of our 2026/2027 Arts Season, NUOVA Vocal Arts is seeking non-Equity performers for upcoming productions of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Lionel Bart’s Oliver!

Audition Dates and information
Wednesday, July 29 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Auditions will take place at Allard Hall, MacEwan University.

Kim Mattice Wanat (Artistic Director) & Benjamin Smith (Associate Artistic Director & Operations Manager) will be in the audition room.

To receive an audition appointment, please email: admin@nuovavocalarts.ca

Please prepare: 1 Song and contrasting 1 Monologue (under 5 minutes total) We will not have an accompanist so please bring a track. We will have adapters for you to plug into the speakers.

We welcome submissions from performers of all ethnicities, abilities and levels of experience. NUOVA is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and accessible audition environment, and we encourage artists from all backgrounds to apply.

If you require an accessibility accommodation or there is anything we can do to support your participation in the audition process, please contact us at admin@nuovavocalarts.ca. We are committed to making the process as comfortable as possible.

White Christmas
Production Schedule

Rehearsals:
Sundays throughout November
December 1–14: weekends and 2 evenings per week

Performances:
December 16–23 & December 27–30, 2026

Character Breakdown
Principal Roles
UNDERSTUDY FOR BOB WALLACE – (late 20s to mid 30s) A major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. He wears his fame easily and is a born leader, but he has some trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite his occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for his true love. A superb singer with a crooning style who moves very well. Baritone.

UNDERSTUDY FOR PHIL DAVIS – (late 20s to mid 30s) The fun-loving, go-getting song-and-dance partner of the team of Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown, operator, and incorrigible ladies’ man who is determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and outright deception. He has a boyish charm and sex appeal. Strong jazz and tap-dancing needed – a song-and-dance comic performer. Bari-Tenor.

UNDERSTUDY FOR BETTY HAYNES – (mid to late 20s) The sensible, responsible half of the upcoming song-and-dance team, The Haynes Sisters. Destined to be a star in her own right, she is nonetheless hesitant to take the spotlight for herself. A woman of decent, upstanding principles, she is devoted to her younger sister. Like Bob, she hides her yearning for true love under a protective shell. A female singer of quiet beauty and charm with a rich chest mix sound and a soprano extension. Must move well.

UNDERSTUDY FOR JUDY HAYNES – (early 20s) The younger, more ambitious, slightly scheming Haynes sister. While wholesome and adorable, she is sexy and flirty – a winning charmer whom no man can resist. Strong jazz and tap dancing needed – a major song-and-dance performer. Chest mix.

GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY – (late 50s to mid 60s) A retired U.S. Army General, adjusting to civilian life in post-World War II America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an Inn in Vermont. He remains a man of great principle and dignity. Beneath his curmudgeonly military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. Except for one line, a non-singing role.

SUSAN WAVERLY – (9–12 years old to play 9 years old) The General’s granddaughter, Susan is a lovable and outgoing real kid. She is very smart, wise beyond her years, and cares deeply about her grandfather. Once bitten hard by the showbiz bug, she demonstrates everything that is winning in the ultimate child performer. She must have an excellent belt voice and be able to move well.

Featured Roles
RALPH SHELDRAKE – (mid to late 30s) Army buddy of Bob and Phil’s, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan Show. Fast-talking, New York professional. Baritone.

RITA and RHODA – (mid 20s to early 30s) Bob and Phil’s star chorus girls, they are brash, sexy and fun, although perhaps not the smartest.

EZEKIEL FOSTER – (mid 40s to late 50s) The ultimate taciturn New Englander, he helps out at the inn and takes life at a very slow pace. Can be double-cast with the role of SNORING MAN.

MIKE – (mid 20s to late 30s) Bob and Phil’s stage manager. He tends to be over-dramatic and completely hysterical, but he gets things done. Never seen without his whistle and clipboard, which he uses to attempt to keep order. Can be double-cast with the role of ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER.

Ensemble Roles
TESSIE – Bob and Phil’s extremely competent assistant. Can be double-cast with the role of ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS.

JIMMY – The proprietor of “Jimmy’s Back Room,” a none-too-classy nightclub.

CIGARETTE GIRL

SNORING MAN

MRS. SNORING MAN – Can be double-cast with the role of SEAMSTRESS.

TRAIN CONDUCTOR

DANCE CAPTAIN

SEAMSTRESS

ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS

ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER

REGENCY ROOM ANNOUNCER – Offstage voice.

SHELDRAKE’S SECRETARY – Offstage voice.

SOLDIERS, TRAIN PASSENGERS, INN GUESTS, CLUBGOERS, CHORUS KIDS AND PATRONS OF THE REGENCY ROOM

Oliver!
Production Schedule

Rehearsals:
Sundays throughout January
February 1–14: weekends and 2–3 evenings per week

Performances:
February 19–21 & February 23–27, 2027

Tour Opportunity:
Select ensemble members may have the opportunity to tour to Grande Prairie from March 4–7, 2027.

Character Breakdown
Please note: The roles of Fagin and Nancy have been pre-cast.

Principal Roles
UNDERSTUDY FOR BILL SIKES – (25–40) A villain in his prime.
Gender: Male
Vocal Range: Top D4 / Bottom A2

UNDERSTUDY FOR NANCY – (23 Years Old ) A Graduate of Fagin’s Academy and Bill’s doxy
Gender: Female
Vocal Range: Top E5 / Bottom F3

MR. BUMBLE – (35–60) A large and pompous Beadle of the workhouse.
Gender: Male
Vocal Range: Top A♭4 / Bottom C3

MRS. CORNEY – (40–55) A sharp-tongued, domineering widow and the Workhouse Mistress.
Gender: Female
Vocal Range: Top F5 / Bottom C4

MR. BROWNLOW – (55–70) An old gentleman of wealth and breeding.
Gender: Male

MR. SOWERBERRY – (45–60) The Undertaker.
Gender: Male
Vocal Range: Top F4 / Bottom C3

MRS. SOWERBERRY – (45–60) Mr. Sowerberry’s wife and his overseer.
Gender: Female
Vocal Range: Top F5 / Bottom C4

MR. GRIMWIG – (30–50) A Doctor.
Gender: Male

MRS. BEDWIN – (30–60) Mr. Brownlow’s Housekeeper.
Gender: Female
Vocal Range: Top B4 / Bottom C4

OLD SALLY – (50–70) A Pauper.
Gender: Female

Ensemble Roles

WORKHOUSE ASSISTANTS, BOW STREET RUNNERS, STREET VENDORS, CROWD MEMBERS, ETC.
Gender: Any

More information here: https://nuovavocalarts.ca/auditions/