Audition Call at the South Arkansas Arts Center

We can’t wait to get started on our next production.  

Spring 2026 projects include the community theatre production of “Rumors” by Neil Simon on April 10-12 & 16-18, followed by a youth theatre production of “Doctor Dolittle, JR” on April 30 & May 1-2. Check back for audition information to be posted.

This Show is an Excellent Opportunity for Families to Audition Together!

Roles for Age 7 to Early Teens & Adults of Any Age

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson is a heartwarming and humorous story about the unlikely transformation of a holiday tradition. The story revolves around the Herdman children, six unruly siblings known as the “worst kids in the history of the world,” who unexpectedly take over the church’s annual Christmas pageant. Despite their reputation for causing chaos and never having heard the Christmas story before, the Herdmans bring an unexpected sincerity and authenticity to the roles of Mary, Joseph, and the Wise Men. As the pageant unfolds in unpredictable ways, the community is challenged to see the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of these misunderstood children, leading to a surprising and uplifting conclusion.

Auditions for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will be hosted on Sept. 30 for Youth Auditions and October 2 for Adult Auditions. The lobby opens a half hour before auditions begin at 6:30pm. Arrive in time to fill out an audition form and get a head shot. Please bring your calendar and provide a complete list of rehearsal conflicts.

Everyone will be asked to read from the script. No advanced preparations necessary. Sides are available for anyone interested in reviewing them before auditions. Callbacks, if needed, will be scheduled directly with actors individual for a time TBD in the week following auditions. Click Here for Audition Sides

Adult roles include parts for 4 men and 6 women of a wide range of ages to play the pageant director, children’s parents, members of the church, the pastor, and a couple of firemen who come to save the day.

Youth roles include parts for 8 boys, 6 girls, and ensemble of Youth Group kids with speaking lines, Baby Angels, Shepherds, & Angel Choir Members. Parts open to any children who look 5 years to early teens, but must be 7 or older to audition. The choir will sing Christmas standards like Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in the Manger, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Silent Night. (Treble/Boy Soprano)

The first rehearsal will be Sunday, October 12 from 2-4pm. Expect rehearsals to run Sunday-Thursday, with Friday and Saturdays only added to the schedule close to production dates, but this is not guaranteed until after all cast scheduling conflicts are considered. A parent or guardian must attend the October 12, 2pm meeting with children under 18.

For more information call SAAC at 870-862-5474 or stop by to visit with us in the SAAC office at 110 East 5th St in El Dorado.

South Arkansas Arts Center production of
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson
Director Caroline Callaway and Assistant Director John Lowery
Dec 2-3, 5-7 • Performances at 7:30pm, except for Sunday matinee at 2:30pm
Sponsored by Amercable, Southern Bancorp, and The Call
Tickets $5/10/15. Run-time one hour.