AUDITION NOTICE
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sunday, Oct. 5 at 3pm, and Monday, Oct. 6th at 7pm
Performance Dates: Dec. 5-16, 2025
At the Aiken Community Theatre, we believe that every story is an opportunity to grow, connect, and celebrate the beautiful chaos of community. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is no exception —funny and full of surprises. Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or returning as a seasoned performer, you are invited to auditions.
We’re looking not just for talent, but for truth — people who bring authenticity, curiosity, and ensemble spirit to the room. The Herdmans may be wild, but they remind us that transformation is possible, and that grace often shows up in unexpected places. Please see the standard ACT audition form which will save time at auditions if you can bring the completed form with you.
We are also seeking backstage help. A crew application is available here.
Thurmond Whatley, Director
About the Show
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of a church Christmas pageant turned upside down when the Herdman kids — the worst kids in town — show up and demand starring roles. What follows is chaos, comedy, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of the Christmas story. This production celebrates transformation, empathy, and the messy beauty of community.
There is an ensemble that will have a fair amount of stage time, but no formal written lines. These characters will be required to ad lib what is required for the ensemble scenes.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
THE BRADLEY FAMILY
• Grace Bradley: Mother; unexpectedly directs the pageant. Warm, practical, overwhelmed. Suggested Age: 30–50
• Bob Bradley: Father; dry humor, supportive but skeptical. Suggested Age: 30–50
• Beth Bradley: Daughter; narrator and central voice of the story. Observant, sincere. Suggested Age: 10–13
• Charlie Bradley: Son; often tormented by the Herdmans. Blunt, reactive. Suggested Age: 8–11
THE HERDMAN CHILDREN
• Ralph Herdman: Oldest; slouchy, tough, adolescent cool. Suggested Age: 13–15
• Imogene Herdman: Loud, bossy, emotionally complex. Suggested Age: 12–14
• Leroy Herdman: Rough, confident, steals Charlie’s lunch. Suggested Age: 11–13
• Claude Herdman: Mischievous, often paired with Ollie. Suggested Age: 10–12
• Ollie Herdman: Trouble-seeker, Claude’s partner in crime. Suggested Age: 9–11
• Gladys Herdman: Small, wiry, feisty; the “Angel of the Lord.” Suggested Age: 8–10
THE CHURCH KIDS
• Alice Wendleken: Prim, proper, perfectionist. Thinks she should play Mary. Suggested Age: 10–13
• Elmer Hopkins: Minister’s son; nerdy but sweet. Suggested Age: 10–12
• Hobie: Energetic, comic relief. Suggested Age: 9–11
• David: Young, playful. Suggested Age: 7–9
• Beverly: Young girl, ensemble. Suggested Age: 7–9
• Shirley: Young girl, ensemble. Suggested Age: 7–12
• Juanita: Young girl, ensemble. Suggested Age: 7–9
• Doris: Outspoken, expressive. Suggested Age: 9–11
THE CHURCH LADIES
• Mrs. Armstrong: Former pageant director; bossy, hospitalized. Loud offstage presence. Suggested Age: 50–70
• Mrs. Slocum: Concerned, opinionated. Suggested Age: 40–65
• Mrs. Clark: Gossip-prone, expressive. Suggested Age: 40–65
• Mrs. McCarthy: Comic timing, ensemble rhythm. Suggested Age: 40–65
OTHER ROLES
• Reverend Hopkins: Minister; diplomatic, concerned. Suggested Age: 40–65
• Angel Choir Members: Flexible ensemble roles. Suggested Age: 6–12
• Baby Angels, Shepherds, Wise Men: Ensemble children. Suggested Age: 6–12
Auditions at ACT
ACT encourages everyone to come and audition. Requirements for each production can differ. Please select the production you are interested in for requirements and necessary forms.
Scripts for plays are sometimes available to borrow from the box office within 3 - 4 weeks of auditions with a $10 deposit. Scripts must be returned before auditions. Deposits will be refunded for scripts returned in good shape. We do not lend librettos for musical productions but will provide information regarding the music on the audition page for each respective musical.
Productions at ACT are cast without regard to ethnic heritage unless a specific background is essential to the theme and meaning of the play (contextually specific/playwright’s requirements). The majority of productions are contextually neutral, including historical works.
ACT cast and crew positions are open to all members of our community. If actors of a particular ethnic heritage must perform roles, it will be indicated in the character description.
Interested in auditioning or joining a production crew? Download one of our forms. Print and bring the form to auditions or email it to info@aikencommunitytheatre.org.
Future Auditions
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Holiday play) Sunday, Oct. 5 at 3pm, and Monday, Oct. 6th at 7pm
The Diary of Anne Frank (Youth Wing, play) Monday, Nov. 17 at 7pm, and Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7pm. For audition information, please contact the director at raby.james@gmail.com or revisit this page in mid-October.
You Can't Take It With You (Comedy) Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 at 3pm and Monday, Jan 26 at 6pm
Fame (Musical) Sunday, Feb. 15 at 7pm, and Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 at 7pm
Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood (Comedy) Sunday, May 3 at 3pm, and Monday, May 4 at 7pm