In our American culture It's a Wonderful Life has become almost as familiar as Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The story is a natural for a stage adaptation: the saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him—by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born—that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. This faithful adaptation has all your favorite characters: George and Mary Hatch, Clarence, Uncle Billy, Violet, and, of course, the Scrooge-like villain, Mr. Potter. This fine dramatization not only celebrates the faith of the season, it also celebrates the American philosophy of life: hard work, fair play and the love and support of one's family and community will be rewarded.

When:

• Monday, October 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Where: Finley Theater - 500 N Elm St, Sherman, TX 75090

Directions: Google Maps to Event Venue Apple Maps to Event Venue

Audition Details

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

Tentative Rehearsals & Performances Calendar

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will run Mondays - Thursdays at 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM.

Performances

• December 4 - 20
• Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 PM
• Sundays at 2:00 PM

Characters

Ages listed indicate the age/s of the character, some of whom are seen at different ages throughout the play. Actors cast in these roles will convincingly portray the age listed.

George Bailey
Male
20 - 40

The play’s central figure, a dreamy idealist who chooses family and community over personal ambition. He appears in various life stages, from a young adult to a father of four.

Mary Hatch Bailey
Female
20 - 40

George’s sweetheart and wife. Intelligent, playful, and strong-willed, wholesome, supportive.

Clarence Oddbody
Male
Adult any age

George’s angelic guardian, sincere but somewhat bumbling.

Mr. Potter
Male
50+

The richest man in town, described as “warped, frustrated” and obsessed with control. He is the embodiment of greed and selfishness.

Ma Bailey
Female
40+

The matriarch, solid, dependable, devoted, warm, nurturing, and in the “nightmare scene” she is bitter and isolated.

Uncle Billy
Male
40+

George’s uncle and business partner, a loyal friend and collaborator.

Aunt Tilly
Female
40+

Uncle Billy’s wife, loyal, supportive.

Violet Peterson
Female
20+

Runs the local beauty salon; once competed with Mary for George’s attention.

Bert
Male
Any age

The town cop.

Ernie
Male
Any age

The town letter carrier.

Young George
Boy
12

Our hero as a young man.

Pete Bailey
Boy
12

George’s son.

Tommy Bailey
Boy
10

George’s son.

Janie Bailey
Girl
9

George’s daughter.

Zuzu Bailey
Girl
7

George’s daughter.

Sam Wainwright
Male
20+

George’s friend, a successful businessman.

Mr. Potter’s Goon
Male
20+

Ever present with Mr. Potter.

Mr. Potter’s Secretary
Female
20+

Ever loyal to Mr. Potter.

Miss Andrews
Female
20+

Townsperson.

Mrs. Thompson
Female
20+

Townsperson.

Mr. Martini
Male
20+

Proprietor of a local bar.

Mrs. Martini
Female
20+

His wife.

Miss Carter
Female
20+

A bank examiner.

Newspaper Boy
Boy
10

Mr. Welch
Male
20+

The schoolteacher’s husband.