Main Characters:

• Grace Bradley – A kind, patient woman who unexpectedly finds herself directing the Christmas pageant. She’s warm, open-minded, and determined to make the best of a chaotic situation.

• Bob Bradley – Grace’s supportive, slightly bewildered husband. A good-natured father trying to keep up with the Herdman mayhem.

• Beth Bradley – Grace and Bob’s daughter. The story’s narrator. Smart, observant, and a little sarcastic. She gives us insight into the events unfolding.

• Charlie Bradley – Beth’s younger brother. Straightforward and honest, he accidentally reveals that free snacks are available at church, which draws in the Herdmans.
  
  

The Herdmans (the infamous troublemakers):

• Imogene Herdman – Cast as Mary. Tough, bossy, and surprisingly sincere when touched by the story’s meaning.

• Ralph Herdman – Cast as Joseph. Gruff and intimidating, but more thoughtful than he lets on.

• Leroy Herdman – Cast as one of the Wise Men. Mischievous and loud, always causing trouble.

• Claude Herdman – Cast as a Shepherd. Scrappy and hot-headed, but eager to be involved.

• Ollie Herdman – Another Shepherd. Energetic, with chaotic enthusiasm.

• Gladys Herdman – Cast as the Angel of the Lord. Fierce and explosive, she delivers her line (“Shazam!”) with unmatched power and passion.
  
  

Church Members & Kids:

• Mrs. Armstrong – The former pageant director who breaks her leg. Strong opinions and bossy attitude.

• Alice Wendleken – A goody-two-shoes classmate, usually cast as Mary. She’s outraged when Imogene gets the part.

• Elmer Hopkins – A polite boy cast as one of the Wise Men. Plays it by the book.

• Maxine – One of the girls in the pageant. Has a small speaking part narrating the nativity.

• Hobie – A boy in the pageant, possibly a shepherd. Often confused or nervous.

• Reverend Hopkins – The church pastor. Supportive and grounded, helps guide the chaos with calm authority.

• Other Ensemble Roles – Church ladies, kids in the pageant, baby angels, shepherds, and townspeople. These roles are essential for energy, humor, and heart throughout the show!

Note: Roles may be flexible and/or gender-neutral cast. Some roles may be double cast for a single actor.

• Auditions will be cold-reads for this production... meaning you do not need to prepare a monologue. You will be reading parts from the script itself.

• Make bold character choices! We are not checking to see if you can read the words... we are trying to envision you in a role! BECOME the character! Move! React! Gesticulate!

• Project and articulate. If we can't hear or understand you, we can't cast you.

• From the moment you walk in, you are auditioning! Energy isn't just seen, it's felt... so walk in with confidence! Calm, steady, and friendly goes a long way. And don't apologize for your performance, even if you didn't feel like you nailed it. 

• BREATHE!