Show Synopsis
Based on the cherished New Line Cinema hit, Elf JR. features songs by Tony Award-nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award-winners, Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother
doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Character Breakdown
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 the same jolly old St. Nick underneath it all, but the job is getting to him.
Buddy is the perfect elf! He’s good-natured, he means well, and he’s happy& all the time. There’s only one problem. He’s not an elf he’s an adult human.
Elves: The Elves are Santa’s special helpers who love their job making toys to meet their Christmas Eve deadline. These roles are great for younger performers, or for those who can embody a youthful spirit, enjoy singing and work well together as a group.
Charlie is in charge of monitoring the other Elves, making sure every present is wrapped and every bow is tied. Cast a young performer with a good speaking voice, someone who is comfortable taking command of the stage and has authority over the rest of the Elves, but always remains friendly.
Shawanda is a dependable and caring elf. She will do whatever she can to help out others, including Buddy, even though she accidentally reveals that he is a human. Cast a good actress with a clear speaking voice for this very important moment in the story.
Sam is one of Walter s Office Staff who is in a bind at the top of the show. A young performer with a good speaking voice and strong character choices will do the trick.
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 at times, but ultimately he learns to recommit to his family. Cast a great actor with a strong, authoritative presence, but be sure they can also show his softer side
Deb, Walter’s secretary, has the big responsibility of keeping her boss and the whole office happy. She does this by sharing her positive attitude with everyone. This is a plum role for a young woman with a pleasant demeanor, yet efficient work ethic, who is a solid actor with a good speaking voice
Emily Hobbs is Walter s devoted wife who would prefer her husband to spend a little more time at home. She is a problem solver and an excellent mother who is doing everything she can to provide a positive family dynamic. Cast an excellent actress and singer who effortlessly conveys a sense of maturity and warmth.
Michael Hobbs is the smarter-than-average 12-year-old son of Walter and Emily. He quickly befriends his new adult brother, 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.
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.
The Saleswoman is the first person to greet Buddy as he enters Macy’s. She’s the consummate sales person: smiling, overfriendly, and always trying to sell something. This is a great ensemble role for a young woman with little stage experience.
The manager is a terrific featured acting role for a performer with good comedic timing. As the manager of Macy’s, he’s doing everything he can to make sure all the employees stay in line.
Jovie works as a store elf at Macy’s, but don’t be mistaken she doesn’t quite exude the Christmas spirit. She’s kind of cynical, a bit tough around the edges, and now the target of Buddy’s complete adoration. This is a fantastic role for a young woman with a strong singing voice and acting chops.
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 voice.
Fake Santa is a poor replacement for the real Santa. He s an employee of Macy s who is a bit rough around the edges. Fake Santa should be played by a performer who is unafraid of being a little over-the-top and has good physical control of his body.
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.
Sarah is a staff member at Walter’s office. This is a nice role for a less experienced actor with a good singing voice.
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.
Chadwick and Matthews are staff members at Walter’s office who are doing everything they can think of to save the day and make their boss happy. Cast a pair of good character actors who work well with each other and are able to drive the action of scenes.
Charlotte Dennon is a TV reporter with a big personality. She does her best to keep her professional persona in public and doesn’t like being shown up. This is a great role for a young woman with professional charisma and
Finale Soloists #1,#2,#3 and #4 are good roles to highlight four of your strong solo singers.
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.
The Ensemble, including 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 are all important roles for creating the distinct worlds of the North Pole and New York City. These roles can all be double cast from your ensemble, and it’s important to remind your young
performers that the stronger and more specific their character choices, the richer and more vivid the story becomes.
What To Prepare
Please prepare a short excerpt of a musical theatre song. (Bring backing track or sing acapella)
Additional Info
Participation fee: If you are selected to perform in this Elf Jr. Musical, there will be a $150 participation fee due. All parts will be assigned on the first rehearsal. If you are only interested in one role, please let us know immediately at the time of the audition.
Baker Performing Arts, in a 10K Sq. ft. facility, has been open for 8-years and is fast becoming the go to studio with over 300 students!! We provide the finest celebrity entertainment, musical theatre productions, workshops, lessons, open mics, winter/fall/summer and spring break camps, ballroom dancing and special events in our intimate 350 seat showroom (depending on theatre or dinner show seating) with a full stage, state of the art P.A. and lighting system.
