THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns once again to the Colorado Railroad Museum! Colorado’s Premier Immersive Christmas experience that is sure to rekindle the Christmas spirit in True Believers, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ offers a unique, three-part theatrical extravaganza of Holiday Magic. A Hot Chocolate Cabaret featuring everyone’s favorite Christmas Chanteuses, The Garland Sisters and the “Hot Chocolate” song and dance kick things off each evening. A faithful telling of the Polar Express Story is sure to be a highlight of the evening. Then we head outside to meet characters from the movie on your ride to the North Pole aboard vintage coaches, pulled by an authentic, coal-fired steam locomotive. Visiting with Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas tops off the experience! Winner of the Polar Bell award for Best North Pole 2026 out of 55 companies from around the world.
General Auditions will be held Sunday, July 26th and Monday, 27th at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Please prepare 16-24 bars of an uptempo holiday song and a 1 minute holiday themed monologue. An accompaniest will be provided.
Callbacks will be Sunday, August 2nd and Monday, August and 3rd from 6 – 10pm.
Auditions for the Hero Kid, Billy and Darcy will be held on August 30th with callbacks on August 31st.
Please note that new conflicts will not be accepted once the role has been offered. Rehearsals will begin on September 28th and will run evenings through Previews on November 5th. Pick up/put in rehearsals are currently scheduled for 11/12 and 11/19 (one per cast). Not every role will be called every day, but flexibility is appreciated.
The performances are November 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, and every night December 1st through 23rd. With two added afternoon Sensory Friendly performances on December 7th and 14th. All roles will be double cast to split performances so that no one performs every night in December. Monday – Thursday cast (Jingle Bell) and Friday – Sunday cast (Candy Cane).
All Roles Paid. Nightly rates range between $55 for Children’s roles and $85 and $125 for adult actors. No Equity Contracts are available for this production. Rehearsal stipends will also be available based on the number of rehearsals attended.
Roles Available:
Holly Garland: Age range 20-50. F3-F5 Strong Singer/Mover. This sassy songbird is one half of Santa’s Favorite singing sister duo, The Garland Sisters. Along with her sister Ivy and Steward Ginger, she entertains passengers during the Polar Express Cabaret before Hot Chocolate Service. Character will be asked to play Ukulele live onstage. Character identifies as female.
Ivy Garland: Age range 20-50. A3-A5 Strong Singer/Mover. This sweet songbird is one half of Santa’s Favorite singing sister duo, The Garland Sisters. Along with her sister Holly and Steward Ginger, she entertains passengers during the Polar Express Cabaret before Hot Chocolate Service. Character identifies as female.
Ginger Snow (Chef 1): Age range 20-50. Strong Singer and Mover. Ginger is an enthusiastic Steward for the Museum. Character greets passengers as they arrive, sings several songs in close harmony with the Garland Sisters. Performs Hot Chocolate number and will tell the Polar Express story with Cinnamon and The Conductor (as appears in the original book). This character will interact closely with the audience. Character identifies as Female.
Cinnamon (Chef 2): Age Range 18-40. Actor/Strong Mover. This enthusiastic Polar Express employee helps seat passengers at the start of the Polar Express Cabaret. Performs in the Hot Chocolate dance, assists with Hot Chocolate service and will tell the Polar Express story with Cinnamon and The Conductor (as appears in the original book). This character will interact closely with the audience. Character identifies as Female. This role will understudy Ginger.
Nutmeg (Chef 3): Age Range 18-40. Actor/Strong Mover. This enthusiastic Polar Express employee helps seat passengers at the start of the Polar Express Cabaret. Performs in the Hot Chocolate dance, assists with Hot Chocolate service and the telling of the Polar Express Story. Character identifies as female. This role will understudy Cinnamon.
The Conductor: Age Range 25-65. Actor, Singer and Mover. A seemingly all-knowing character who has made the round trip to the North Pole many times. Based on the Tom Hanks from THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Movie but should not be a caricature. They are punctual, know the rules and can assist every passenger on the train. Performs in the Hot Chocolate dance, assists with Hot Chocolate service and will tell the Polar Express story with Ginger and Cinnamon (as appears in the original book). This character will interact closely with the audience. Character will perform outside and on moving train. Any gender may apply.
Hobo: Age range 25-60. Actor. Is a magical and ghostly character who inhabits the roof of the train and understands the true meaning of Christmas. He plays Devil’s advocate to test the strength of the Hero Kid’s skepticism but is the heart of the show. Character will perform outside and on moving train. Character identifies as male.
Smokey: Age Range 18-45. Singer/Mover. Smokey is the Fireman for THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Based on the characters from the movie and along with Steamer they help passengers understand how a steam engine works and sing the Polar Express Theme song. Character will perform outside and on moving train. Any gender may apply.
Steamer: Age Range 18-45. Singer/Mover. Steamer is the Engineer for THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Based on the characters from the movie and along with Smokey they help passengers understand how a steam engine works and sing the Polar Express Theme song. Character will perform outside and on moving train. Any gender may apply.
Hero Kid: Age should appear to be between 8 and 12. The actor is the main protagonist of the story; this character possesses the will to believe but is full of self-doubt surrounding the existence of Santa and the magic of Christmas. They are helpful, self-sacrificing and will disobey the Conductor’s orders to assist fellow children in their time of need. Any gender may apply.
Billy: Age should appear to be between 8 and 12. Strong Singer/Actor. Billy is the lonely child and has a rather quiet, sad demeanor. Billy does not have much belief in the spirit of Christmas. Sings “When Christmas Comes to Town” duet with Darcy/ Hero Girl. Character will perform outside and on moving train. Any gender may apply.
Darcy/Hero Girl: Age should appear to be between 8 and 12, Strong Singer/actor. Quiet, calm, and friendly towards everybody. Darcy believes in the magic and spirit of Christmas from the beginning. Sings “When Christmas Comes to Town” duet with Billy. Character will perform outside and on moving train. Any gender may apply.
Chief Steward: Age Range 18-60. Actor. Character serves in the role of car captain. Interacting primarily with the Brakeman, Red Associate steward and passengers in the Red Car. Character will perform outside and on moving train. Any gender may apply. This role will understudy the Hobo.
Brakeman: Age Range 18-60. Actor. Strong improv skills a plus. Character serves in the role of car captain. Interacting primarily with the Chief Steward, Blue Associate steward and passengers in the Blue Car. Character will perform outside and on moving train. Any gender may apply.
Associate Stewards: Age Range 25-60. Actor. Strong improv skills a plus. Character serves in the role of host or car attendant. A nod to the “know-it-all-Kid” from the movie, this character is well informed about trains and the North Pole. Responsible for helping to seat passengers in their car. 4 Stewards are needed for each cast. Character will perform outside and on moving train and will understudy the car captain for their assigned train car. Any gender may apply.
Crystal: Age Range: 18-50 Strong Singer/Dancer or strong mover. Employed by Santa at the North Pole this character helps ignite the magic of the North Pole with a live rendition of Mariah Carey’s, “Santa Clause is Coming to Town.” Character will perform outside. Character identifies as Female.
ChElf 1: Age Range: 18-35 Strong Dancer/Singer. This character is a floater between the Pavilion and the North Pole scenes. Character will perform the Hot Chocolate dance in the Pavilion, and the North Pole dances of Santa Clause is Coming to Town and Rockin’ on Top of the World, Character will perform inside and outside. This role will understudy the Crystal.
ChElfs 2+: Age Range: 18-35 Strong Dancer. This character is a floater between the Pavilion and the North Pole scenes. Character will perform the Hot Chocolate dance in the Pavilion, and the North Pole dances of Santa Clause is Coming to Town and Rockin’ on Top of the World, Character will perform inside and outside.
Santa’s Entourage Elf 1: 18-80. Actor. This character will appear in the North Pole Scene with Santa and the Elves. Character will then board the train cars and help Santa pass out bells and help wrangle Santa line at the end of the experience. Love of interacting with patrons a must. Character will perform outside and on moving train.
Santa’s Entourage Elf 2: 18-80. Actor. This character will appear in the North Pole Scene with Santa and the Elves. Character will then board the train cars and help Santa pass out bells and help wrangle Santa line at the end of the experience. Love of interacting with patrons a must. Character will perform outside and on moving train.
Santa: Age Range 45+. A real beard is a must. Santa is a wise and magical Character who spreads Christmas spirit throughout the world. He lies at the core of the story. Santa is calm, patient, and contemplative while imparting knowledge to those who truly believe. Character will perform outside and on moving train.
Break a leg!
Warm Regards,
Boni McIntyre
Polar Express Director
303-588-0616