The Understudies Production Company, Inc.
Keeping theatre in the community and the community in theatre!
The Understudies Production Company, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
About Us
"Drama began as the act of a whole community. Ideally, there would be no speculators. In practice, every member of the audience should feel like an understudy." ~ W.H. Auden
What we believe:
The Understudies Production Company, Inc. is committed to keeping theatre in the community and the community in theatre.
Putting our mission in to play:
The Understudies believes that theatre does more than entertain; it also inspires, transforms and unites communities.
Our Mission:
The Understudies finds it both an honor and a privilege to give back to the community through its art. Proudly supporting local, non-profit organizations working to make a positive impact in Wilkes, The Understudies provides an opportunity for groups to advance their missions and fund much needed programs, which are vital to Wilkes County.
Upcoming Production
Coming in December 2025!
Next up for The Understudies is the timeless favorite, "A Christmas Carol." Written by Ed Monk, this production is an entertaining and faithful adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. We are pleased to have Wilkes County Public Library as our Spotlight Organization for this production, and we are honored to share 20% of all ticket sales in support of the programs and services the library offers. To learn more about the amazing impact Wilkes County Public Library has in our community, please visit them at www.arlibrary.org/wilkes.
Audition Info
The Understudies welcomes all who have a passion for theatre and a love for community to be part of our productions.
About the Director: D.J. VanHoy is thrilled to direct “A Christmas Carol” with The Understudies Production Company, Inc. She was most recently on stage in "Steel Magnolias" as Ouiser and "Proof" as Catherine. Her directing credits include: "The Rainbow Fish" (Alleghany High School), "The Little Mermaid" (Wilkes Playmakers), and "Seussical" (Wilkes Playmakers), among others. DJ has several years of theatre experience in the Eastern United States, including literary and educational theatre. She values teamwork, empathy, mutual respect, and authenticity in art. DJ is looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces on the stage for this production!
About the Show: This play, written by Ed Monk, is a faithful adaptation of the original story, so you can expect the classic tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge and his visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" holds a special place in DJ's heart. Dickens’ focus on empathy and compassion for those less fortunate is something she's always admired, and it remains as important today as it was in 1843.
Show Dates & Times: All Performances will take place at
the Mayes Pit/Cohn Auditorium on the Wilkes Community College campus in Thompson Hall.
December 10 @ 7:00 pm
December 11 @ 7:00 pm
December 12 @ 7:00 pm
December 13 @ 7:00 pm
December 14 @ 2:00 pm
Character List:
NARRATOR
EBENEEZER SCROOGE
BOB CRATCHIT
FRED
POOLE
MARLEY
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
YOUNG SCROOGE
FAN
TOM
MR. FEZZIWIG
MRS. FEZZIWIG
BELLE
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
MRS. CRATCHIT
PETER
MARTHA
TINY TIM
FRED’S WIFE
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE
BUSINESS MAN #1
BUSINESS MAN #2
JOE
MAID
BOYS
GUESTS AT FEZZIWIG’S
GUESTS AT FRED’S
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AUDITIONS:
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COLD READ OF SCRIPT: This means there is no expectation for those auditioning to memorize audition material. Copies of the script will be available at auditions. You will receive copies of the selected portions, and then you will be given time to review the script. After an appropriate amount of time, you will read from the script in character with others auditioning. You will be able to read for all of the roles you are interested in. Children who are unable to read are not required to participate in auditions; however, they are expected to fill out conflict forms and meet with the director.
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DATE, TIME & LOCATION: Auditions will take place on September 26 from 6 PM to 8 PM & September 27 from 1 PM to 3 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church 200 W. Cowles St. Wilkesboro.
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AUDITION FORM: To save time the day of auditions, fill out the Online Audition Form here: Online Audition Form
WHAT TO EXPECT AT REHEARSALS: Actors will only be called during blocking rehearsals when they are actively participating in the scene. All actors should attend run-throughs, work rehearsals, and the entirety of tech week. Inform the director of all rehearsal conflicts at auditions to ensure the entire team is respected. Rehearsals will start during the third week of October (after October 13).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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Where will rehearsals be held? We have worked with community partners on past shows who have allowed us to use their space for rehearsals. Whichever space utilized will be in North Wilkesboro or Wilkesboro. All cast members will be informed of the rehearsal space well in advance of the rehearsal.
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Can I audition for this show if I’m in other shows? Absolutely! Please ensure that you list any conflicts on your audition form, so we can adjust the rehearsal schedule accordingly and utilize everyone’s time wisely. However, actors must be present for all performances and rehearsals the week prior.
Theatre is created to entertain, but it also inspires, transforms, and unites communities. For that reason, The Understudies is committed to keeping theatre in the community and the community in theatre. Supporting local, non-profit organizations through our art is both an honor and a privilege for The Understudies. When you support our mission, you also are supporting other non-profit organizations in Wilkes that are working to make a positive impact in our community. Your donation will help The Understudies fund future productions, purchase essential equipment, and pay for operational expenses.
With your support, Theatre Works for Wilkes!
If you would like to learn how we can help your non-profit organization, please contact us!
If you're interested in performing or helping with other aspects of theatre such as set building and design, stage crew, tech, etc., please join our mission!
Do you have a venue that would be perfect for rehearsal space or live, theatre performances? Let us know!
Together we can transform the way we live, work, and play in Wilkes County one performance at a time!
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization