ROLES AND CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

Santa Claus
Santa Claus has a lot on his plate during the Christmas season, and it is starting to show. He is annoyed with the Elves, tired of lying to Buddy, and sad that people seem to be losing their Christmas spirit. He is still jolly old St. Nick underneath it all, but the job is getting to him. This is a great role for a character performer who can play an older, somewhat cranky man while trying to keep his holiday spirit.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: Bb3–D5

Buddy
Buddy is the perfect elf. He is good-natured, means well, and is happy all the time. There is only one problem: he is not an elf, he is an adult human. This role is ideal for a young man who is an excellent actor and good singer with energetic earnestness and strong comedic timing. It helps to cast an actor who is taller than the other Elves to differentiate Buddy and add to the humor of the show.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: B3–G5

Elves
The Elves are Santa’s special helpers who love making toys to meet their Christmas Eve deadline. These roles are great for younger performers or students who can embody youthful energy, enjoy singing, and work well together as a group.
Gender: Any

Charlie
Charlie monitors the other Elves, making sure every present is wrapped and every bow is tied. Cast a young performer with a good speaking voice who is comfortable taking command of the stage and showing friendly authority over the rest of the Elves.
Gender: Male

Shawanda
Shawanda is a dependable and caring elf. She will do whatever she can to help others, including Buddy, even though she accidentally reveals that he is human. Cast a good actress with a clear speaking voice for this important story moment.
Gender: Female

Sam
Sam is one of Walter’s office staff members who is in a bind at the top of the show. A young performer with a good speaking voice and strong character choices will work well for this part.
Gender: Male

Walter Hobbs
Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s real father, is so focused on keeping his job that he is not making time for his family. He can be stern and unemotional, but ultimately learns to recommit to his family. Cast a great actor with strong authority who can also show Walter’s softer side.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: B3–E5

Deb
Deb, Walter’s secretary, has the big responsibility of keeping her boss and the office happy. She does this through a positive attitude and efficient work ethic. This is a great role for a young woman with pleasant energy, solid acting ability, and a good speaking voice.
Gender: Female

Emily Hobbs
Emily Hobbs is Walter’s devoted wife who wishes he would spend more time at home. She is a problem solver and excellent mother who does everything she can to create a positive family dynamic. Cast an excellent actress and singer who conveys maturity and warmth.
Gender: Female | Vocal range: G3–D5

Michael Hobbs
Michael Hobbs is the smarter-than-average 12-year-old son of Walter and Emily. He quickly befriends Buddy and does everything he can to make sure Buddy becomes a permanent part of the family. Look for a solid young actor and singer with an unchanged voice.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: G3–D5

Security Guards
Security Guard #1 and Security Guard #2 are a stern duo from Walter’s office, making sure everyone who enters has permission. Cast a duo that works well together and fits the bill for a tough pair.
Gender: Any

Saleswoman
The Saleswoman is the first person to greet Buddy as he enters Macy’s. She is the consummate salesperson: smiling, overfriendly, and always trying to sell something. This is a great ensemble role for a young woman with limited stage experience.
Gender: Female

Manager
The Manager is a terrific featured acting role for a performer with good comedic timing. As the manager of Macy’s, he is doing everything possible to keep the employees in line.
Gender: Male

Jovie
Jovie works as a store elf at Macy’s, but she does not exactly radiate Christmas spirit. She is cynical, a bit tough around the edges, and the target of Buddy’s complete adoration. This is a fantastic role for a young woman with a strong singing voice and acting chops.
Gender: Female | Vocal range: G3–Db5

Santa's Helper
Santa’s Helper works as a Macy’s employee and announces when each kid gets to visit with Santa. This is a good ensemble role for a performer with a loud, clear voice.
Gender: Any

Fake Santa
Fake Santa is a poor replacement for the real Santa. He is a Macy’s employee who is rough around the edges. Fake Santa should be played by a performer unafraid of being a little over the top and who has good physical control.
Gender: Male

Policemen
Policeman #1 and Policeman #2 are a friendly pair of cops who return Buddy to the Hobbs household. These are perfect featured roles for two ensemble members.
Gender: Any

Sarah
Sarah is a staff member at Walter’s office. This is a nice role for a less experienced actor with a good singing voice.
Gender: Female

Mr. Greenway
Mr. Greenway is one of the crankiest businessmen around. He is the big boss, so look for an older student with a commanding presence to tackle this acting role.
Gender: Male

Chadwick and Matthews
Chadwick and Matthews are staff members at Walter’s office who are doing everything they can to save the day and make their boss happy. Cast a pair of good character actors who work well together and can drive the action of scenes.
Gender: Male

Charlotte Dennon
Charlotte Dennon is a TV reporter with a big personality. She does her best to keep her professional persona in public and does not like being shown up. This is a great role for a young woman with professional charisma and strong acting choices.
Gender: Female

Finale Soloists
Finale Soloists #1, #2, #3, and #4 are good roles to highlight four of your strong solo singers.
Vocal range: B3–B4

Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin
Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin are on the scene in Central Park and are convinced of Santa’s magic after Buddy reveals their past Christmas gifts. Look for two young ladies with nice singing voices and some acting experience to take on these small but featured roles.
Gender: Female

Ensemble
The Ensemble includes New Yorkers, Comforting New Yorker, Macy’s Employees, Macy’s Employee #1, Members of the Rockefeller Crowd, Office Staff, Business Woman, Flyer Guys, Teenager, Jogger, Carolers, Passerby, Children, and Parents. These roles create the distinct worlds of the North Pole and New York City. They can all be double cast from your ensemble, and strong, specific character choices will make the story feel richer and more vivid.
Gender: Any