Production: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Production Type: Live Production
Producer: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
Location: 117 North Park Square | Marietta, GA 30060
Director: Cindi Costoulas
Compensation: Yes

Auditions Due: July 24, 2026 at 11:59pm
Performance Dates: November 6, 2026 – November 22, 2026
Rehearsal Start Date: September 28, 2026
Tech Week Start Date: November 2, 2026

About the show
Experience a beloved holiday classic in a whole new way with It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Based on Frank Capra’s iconic 1946 film, this inventive stage adaptation retells the timeless story of George Bailey, a man who takes a life-changing look back at his past on a snowy Christmas Eve.

Presented as a live 1940s radio broadcast, the production transports audiences to the golden age of radio. A talented ensemble of actors brings dozens of characters to life, shifting seamlessly between roles while live sound effects make the story unfold before your ears. With vintage microphones, live foley effects, and the spirit of a classic radio studio, the familiar journey through Bedford Falls becomes a theatrical experience full of imagination, humor, and heart.

Both nostalgic and fresh, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play captures the warmth, hope, and humanity that have made this story a holiday tradition for generations.

Seeking:
Jake Laurents — Radio Actor
The company’s classic leading man voice: warm, sincere, confident, and emotionally grounded. Jake anchors the production with the heart and humanity of George Bailey while embracing the polished style of a 1940s radio star.

Sally Applewhite — Radio Actor
The company’s elegant leading lady with charm, wit, and emotional warmth. Sally balances romantic sincerity with polished radio-era sophistication. This is a singing role.

Freddy Filmore — Radio Actor
The polished master of ceremonies for the evening’s radio broadcast. Freddy brings versatility, timing, and classic announcer confidence to a wide variety of roles.

Harry Heywood — Radio Actor
The troupe’s comic specialist with excellent character versatility and expressive energy. Harry shifts effortlessly between broad comedy, sincerity, and eccentricity.

Ray Gordon — Radio Actor
A dynamic radio star capable of shifting between comedic personalities, heartfelt sincerity, and larger-than-life character roles. Ray often drives the production’s momentum and humor.

Lana Sherwood — Radio Actor
A glamorous and versatile radio performer capable of both comedic sparkle and emotional depth. Lana handles sophisticated, flirtatious, and practical characters with equal ease. This is a singing role.

Hazel Jenkins — Radio Actor
A stylish nightclub entertainer with strong comedic instincts and rich vocal characterizations. Hazel brings warmth, humor, and emotional texture to both comedic and maternal roles. This is a singing role.

Please note: Actors age 18+ are invited to audition for this production. The Strand does not provide housing or transportation stipends.

Additional note: The Radio Actors will perform multiple characters, each with diverse voices and personalities. They will also rotate in and out, providing sound effects on the Foley stage.

Production Information
Rehearsals will begin Monday, September 28, 2026 and will generally be Monday-Thursday evenings 6-9:30PM. Performances will be held November 6-22, 2026 at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre.

Audition Details
Video submissions should include:
1. A memorized, one minute monologue of your choice.
2. Three readings of the attached excerpt from the play. Material found HERE (read either MAN or WOMAN’s line)
          – Reading 1: Read the line in your best Transatlantic film accent.
          – Reading 2: Read the line in a child’s voice.
          – Reading 3: Read the line using a unique character voice of your choice.
3. For those submitting for Female roles, include a one minute vocal selection of your choice using backing tracks or piano accompaniment.

In your video, please slate your name, location, and (if applicable) your vocal selection. It is preferable to have all materials in the same video.

All submissions must be submitted by July 24, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered.