Elf the Musical Jr.
Gloucester Stage Youth Winter Program 2024WINTER MUSICAL PROGRAM INFO
Gloucester Stage Youth Company is bringing the cotton-candy world of Elf the Musical Jr. to the stage this Holiday Season
Open to Young Actors in Grades 6th to 10th
Gloucester Stage Youth Company’s musical theatre production of Elf Jr. rehearses over 7 weeks on Saturdays from 10a – 4pm.
Students learn theatre vocabulary and gain acting, singing and dancing skills while preparing for the performance.
Actors rehearse once a week and weeknights just before the performances
Rehearsals
October 26 to December 14
Saturdays @ 10am – 4pm
Dec 17, 18, 19 @ 5 – 7:30pm
Performances
7:00 pm Friday Dec 20
3:00 pm Saturday Dec 21
3:00 pm Sunday Dec 22
STUDENT SIGN-UP
Tuition $425 per child for the 8 week program
No Auditions required – all students who register are cast in the production. Payment plans and financial assistance are available – no child turned away.

“The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear”
– Buddy the Elf
About the Youth Company
Gloucester Stage Youth Company is proud to offer professional training workshops and performance opportunities designed to provide quality, innovative theatre experiences to children and teens, helping them to discover their voice and identity and nurture their creative and intellectual growth through the development of skills they can use onstage and in their daily lives.
About the Creative Team

Ts Burnham (she/they) | Director & Choreographer
TS is a B.A. Theatre graduate (Acting & Musical Theatre Concentration), from Dean College. Involved in the performing arts for 20 years, Ts is a performer, director, and teacher. With a passion for leadership, Ts has been teaching since 2016; working with Gloucester’s O’Maley Academy Drama Club in their school productions, and Musical Theatre summer intensive programs. She has also spent two years teaching in the Cape Ann YMCA Performing Arts program, and choreographing for the Manchester-Essex Middle School Musicals. Performing as backing vocalist with Gang of Four for their 2022 North American Tour, 2023 Tour (California, Portugal) and for their fall UK Tour, Ts has also spent the past two years performing in the Greater Boston Area (Moonbox Productions, Reagle Music Theatre). She is honored to be working at the Gloucester Stage Education program, where she had some of her earliest performances.
As a Gloucester Resident, Ts has worked with local dance studios, arts programs, and community theatres; both teaching and directing. Focusing in Meisner and Uta Hagen techniques, Ts directed a number of productions at Dean College; including Freshman Showcase, her senior project Beyond Us, became the President of 2 years for Dean’s Improv Troupe: Speakeasies, and was heavily involved with Dean’s Musical Theatre Troupe. As a teacher, Ts focuses on a comfortable learning and artistic experience for all involved. She invites an emphasis on storytelling through song, text, and movement; focusing particularly on individuality, and confidence for young performers.

David Livingston (he/they) | Music Director
David Livingston is a professional Music Director around the New England area. He has been music directing since his first year in undergrad where he majored in Theatre at Dean College and founded their first musical theater performance club, serving as the music director all four years. Since then, he has gone on to music direct multiple shows at the Theatre Institute at the Mansfield YMCA including Anastasia, and Heathers: Teen Edition. David is so excited to be joining the Gloucester Stage team for his first show with them this holiday season!
Additional Youth Program Details
Character Breakdown (Casting)
Character Breakdown
Santa Claus
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. This is a great role for a character performer who can play an older (and somewhat cranky) man while trying hard to keep his holiday spirit.
Buddy
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. This role is perfect for a young man who is an excellent actor and good singer who has the energetic earnestness and comedic timing that Buddy needs. It s helpful to cast an actor who is taller than the other Elves. This will help differentiate Buddy and adds to the humor of the show.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Guards
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.
Saleswoman
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.
Manager
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
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
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
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.
Policemen
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
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
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
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
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 someone who can make strong acting choices.
Ensemble
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.
Tuition Assistance
FINANCIAL AID
Funds are available for financial aid. Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. You will be contacted about your application, whether or not a scholarship is awarded. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF
Who is eligible for financial aid?
Financial aid eligibility is dependent upon the degree of need as verified by this form and supporting documents.
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment plans may be taken advantage of by anyone, regardless of financial need. This option is available to families who prefer to split a balance of $100 or more into two or three installments. No application is required; if you would like to arrange a payment plan, please email the Box Office Manager Natascha Tretter and she will set that up for you: 978-281-4433 or natascha@gloucesterstage.com
How do I apply for financial aid?
Email this completed form, with relevant documents attached, to the Education Director: Education@gloucesterstage.com or bring paper copies to the theatre box office. Financial aid requests must be submitted by or on the first date of class or rehearsal.
What does a financial aid scholarship cover?
If eligible, one partial or full scholarship will be awarded per household. For scholarships greater than 50%, volunteer opportunities are encouraged. No child turned away due to lack of funding.
Access & Inclusion
As part of Gloucester Stage Youth Company’s commitment to access and inclusion, we make intentional choices in our practices to ensure we are a welcoming space for people of all abilities, ethnicities, economic statuses and genders.
Our teaching artists are happy to work with families to meet individual physical and learning needs. If there are ways in which we can help your family feel more welcome or supported, please email our Education team: education@gloucesterstage.com