Albright Theatre holds auditions for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

Auditions for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson will be held from noon to 2 p.m. for children ages 5 to 9; from 3 to 5 p.m. for children ages 10 to 15 on Sunday, Oct. 5; and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, for adults. The Albright Theatre is on the 3rd floor of the government building, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

An Albright Theatre favorite, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is the tale of a Christmas pageant that almost wasn't. When the meanest kids in school take over the pageant, the entire community learns lessons of acceptance and understanding.

Children's roles (ages 5 and older):

• Beth Bradley - The narrator, strong voice and presence. Must be a strong reader.

• Charlie Bradley - Lovable kid brother.

• Ralph Herdman - The oldest Herdman child, tough, sarcastic and surly.

• Imogene Herdman - Oldest girl. She is bossy and domineering, but has a softer side.

• Leroy Herdman - A schoolyard bully. Charlie's nemesis.

• Ollie Herdman - A troublemaker, Claude's partner in crime.

• Claude Herdman - A troublemaker, Ollie's partner.

• Gladys Herdman - Youngest Herdman. Small, wiry, feisty.

• Alice Wendelken - Prim, proper, pain in the neck, know-it-all.

• Maxine - Another "goody-goody" girl who narrates the pageant.

• Elmer Hopkins - The Reverend's son.

Christmas Pageant Kids - ages 5-10:

• Hobie, David, Doris, Juanita - These roles have minimal lines.

• Baby Angels/Angel Choir - Nonspeaking roles for younger actors. Will sing a couple simple Christmas carols in a group

Adult roles:

• Grace Bradley - Mother of Beth and Charlie. New director of the Christmas pageant.

• Bob Bradley - Grace's husband, an average American dad.

• Reverend Hopkins - Church pastor.

• Helen Armstrong - Longtime director of the Pageant. Middle-aged.

• Mrs. McCarthy, Mrs. Slocum, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Clausing - The Queen Bee and her worker bees. They are described as "typical church ladies."

Performance dates are Dec. 5-7, 12-14. For more information, call (630) 406-8838. Follow them on Twitter or visit www.albrighttheatre.com for more updates and information.

The rehearsal schedule will be determined by the director and is subject to the availability of the confirmed cast and crew. The Albright Theatre Company is a nonprofit organization that is membership driven and relies upon volunteer actors.