Auditions for Christmas Carol: The Rap Musical, coming to Yellow Bicycle Theater in Center City for Philly Fringe 2026, are now open!
Take part in the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge, told through an original hip hop musical.
We’re seeking rappers/actors for a variety of roles. All roles include a stipend.
Please visit this site to find the concept album, available on all streaming platforms.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE RAP MUSICAL
Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2026 | Character Breakdown
Please note the roles of Scrooge and Fezziwig have been cast and their performance can be found on the concept album.
Some roles may be doubled including carolers.
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JACOB MARLEY
Scrooge's deceased business partner, bound in chains of his own making. Terrified and terrifying. He carries the full weight of a life misspent and appears to Scrooge as both warning and mirror.
Song: Shackles | Influence: Ol' Dirty Bastard / Wu-Tang Clan
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BELLE
Scrooge's past love who breaks off the engagement. Forthright, self-assured, and wise ahead of her years, she is a bellwether of the life he will lead.
Song: I Release You | Influence: Modern lyrical style (e.g. Kendrick, J. Cole)
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GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
The first of the three spirits. Warm and observant, but non-judgmental; they appear to Scrooge like a distant relative to guide through his memories. This role welcomes non-gender-conforming casting.
Song: In progress | Influence: Modern lyrical style (e.g. Kendrick, J. Cole)
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YOUNG SCROOGE
Scrooge as a young man, seen during the Christmas Past sequence. He starts eager, open-hearted, and life of the party, but becomes cold and dismissive towards Belle as she releases him from their engagement.
Song: Plum Pudding | Influence: Beastie Boys
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RICHARD
Scrooge's closest friend in his younger years. He celebrates with Scrooge, Belle, and Fezziwig at Fezziwig's party.
Song: Plum Pudding | Influence: Beastie Boys
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GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
The second of the three spirits. Enormous in appetite and generosity, he arrives like a celebration and leaves like an indictment. Witty and provocative, he goads Scrooge as much as he guides him.
Songs: Know Me Better Man, Doom | Influence: Song 1 — 2000s party rap (e.g. 50 Cent) | Song 2 — Grimy NY 90s rap (e.g. Mobb Deep)
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BOB CRATCHIT
Scrooge's underpaid clerk. He is fully aware of the difficulties of life and his impoverished conditions; however, he chooses to face them head-on with hope and optimism. He is surrounded by love and is grateful for his life and his family. In Christmas Yet to Come, his resilience breaks.
Songs: The Cratchit House, Bah Reprise | Influence: Wiz Khalifa, DJ Khaled — "Higher"
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SCAVENGER
A roguish back-alley dealer negotiating the sale of recently deceased Scrooge's belongings, unbothered by the moral weight of what he is doing.
Song: Old Joe | Influence: Speed rap, hard modern lyrical (e.g. JID)
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THE CAROLERS
A Greek chorus who serve as narrators and players throughout the show. These roles will be doubled from other characters, stepping into and out of other roles to drive the show. Inspired by the tradition of wassailing, they turn their rejection into a moralizing lesson.
Music: Traditional Victorian Christmas carols — God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, The Holly and the Ivy, Here We Come a Wassailing/Caroling
THE PROCESS
SUBMIT THE FORM
Please submit the sign-up form as soon as possible to lock in your audition slot.
Submit the audition form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dY9rirses5cKZFhHzBKhbdk9ELzb7RfrDVT6jO97J_U/edit
RECORD YOUR VIDEO
Record a short video and email it to [email protected] with your name in the subject line. You can attach the video directly or upload it to YouTube and send a link.
Your video should include:
• A brief introduction — your name and the role(s) you're interested in
• A rap of your choice (32 bars, ~60–90 seconds)
• If you're open to singing (the Carolers), please include 30–60 seconds of your favorite Christmas carol
We encourage you to choose something that reflects the style of the role(s) you're auditioning for — refer to the character breakdown below for guidance. That said, it is far more important that you perform something you know well and can deliver with confidence than to match a specific style.
No professional setup required. We just want to hear you.
SUBMIT BY JUNE 20TH
All videos must be submitted by June 20, 2026. Callbacks and casting decisions will follow shortly after the submission deadline.
