AUDITION NOTICE: Ethan Claymore’s Christmas, August 22 and 29, 2026

Ottawa Little Theatre presents

Ethan Claymore’s Christmas
Written by: Norm Foster

Directed by: Sarah Hearn

Production Dates:
December 2 – 19, 2026 at 7:30 pm (Wednesdays – Saturdays) and matinees on December 6 & 13 at 2:30 pm (Sundays)
All actors must be available for all performances. 

Open Call Auditions:
Auditions  will be held on:

Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 1:00 pm FOR ADULT ROLES
*Please note, whoever is cast as ETHAN and MARTIN will be requested to attend the August 29 audition as well. 

Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm FOR 2 CHILDREN’S ROLES (boys aged 12 and 16)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out your audition card – onstage readings will commence at 1:00pm sharp.  

Audition Location:
Ottawa Little Theatre
400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
(Please use 235 Besserer Street entrance.)

Backstage Orientation:
Simultaneously with the August 22 audition, A BACKSTAGE ORIENTATION and tour of the theatre will be offered by a member of the Volunteer Committee for anyone interested in working behind the scenes on any future production. Descriptions of each of the various Volunteer Positions can be found in the Volunteer section of this website.

Synopsis:

SETTING: The present, Ethan’s house, the week before Christmas.

It’s the week before Christmas, and struggling egg farmer Ethan is confronted by his friend and neighbour, who announces that after five years of mourning his late wife, it’s time for Ethan to buy new clothes, hang out with the guys, find the perfect Christmas tree, and meet the new teacher in town! The plot thickens when Ethan’s recently deceased brother shows up on a divine mission of his own.

Character Descriptions

ETHAN CLAYMORE – age 38 – Ethan is still mourning his wife, who died 5 years ago, and lives as a virtual recluse at his failing egg farm. He is also an artist, but is not interested in the world outside, until he meets the local school teacher in a set-up by his friend and neighbour, Douglas McLaren.

MARTIN CLAYMORE – age 43 – Ethan’s brother, who has just died of a heart attack. He shows up at Ethan’s house as a “Shadow Being”, and is seen only by Ethan. He has a mission to fulfil before he can finally pass to the other side.

DOUGLAS McLAREN– in his 60s – an old friend and neighbour of Ethan, trying to encourage him to return to the world. He is understanding, but determined, and tries to help by introducing Ethan to the new local school teacher. He is a bit of a drinker.

TERESA PIKE – in her 30s – new local school teacher, happily single, pleasant, trying to fit in to the community. Becomes interested in Ethan when she meets him in a set-up by Douglas.

YOUNG ETHAN – age 12 – a nice kid, who finds it hard to deal with the dominant nature of his older brother, but always tries to smooth things over and keep the peace.

YOUNG MARTIN – age 16 – a self-assured teenager, an aspiring hockey player, who taunts his younger brother and is sometimes even cruel to him.

Audition Sides
Click on the links below to see the scenes that will be used for the audition. Hard copies of the sides will be available at the audition.

Side 1: Ethan, Douglas
Side 2: Ethan, Martin, Douglas
Side 3: Ethan, Teresa, Martin
Side 4: Teresa, Ethan, Martin
Side 5: Ethan, Young Ethan, Young Martin
Side 6: Young Ethan, Young Martin
Side 7: Martin, young Ethan, Young Martin, Ethan