It’s a Wonderful Life

By Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, and Frank Capra

Directed by Lisa McDowell

Presented at the Pumphouse Theatre
December 11 to 19, 2026

Based on the classic film by Frank Capra, It’s A Wonderful Life has been delighting audiences on the silver screen and in theatres since it debuted in 1943. December just doesn’t seem complete without a trip to Bedford Falls and the story of George Bailey, a man who believes in building community and helping your neighbours. When he becomes overwhelmed by one misfortune after another, George almost gives in to despair and then, on Christmas Eve, he meets a special angel on a mission to help George and receive his wings. The timeless message of hope, love and charity is especially warming on winter evenings with family and friends close-by. We hope you and yours will come celebrate this classic piece and this special time with us.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Principals

George Bailey (Male presenting, 20s-30s) A man who keeps giving up his dreams for others and suffers a crisis of faith.
Mary Hatch (Female presenting, 20s-30s) honest girl next door who is in love with George.
Clarence Oddbody (Male presenting, 30s-80s) George’s eccentric and guileless guardian angel, hasn’t earned his wings yet.
Mr. Potter (Male presenting, 50s-80s) a spiteful and miserly old man bent on putting the whole town under his control.
Uncle Billy (Male presenting, 50s-70s) an irascible and jovial man with a terrible memory.
Ma Bailey (Female presenting, 40s-60s) George’s wise and heartfelt mother.
Potter’s Assistant (non-speaking, 50s-80s) Mr. Potter’s ubiquitous but silent assistant.

Supporting

Pa Bailey (Male presenting, 40s-60s) George’s father and role model, founder of the Bailey Bros Building & Loan.
Harry Bailey (Male presenting, 20s-30s) George’s younger brother, a war hero.
Mr. Gower (Male presenting, 50s-80s) owner of the pharmacy and tormented by the death of his only son.
Violet Bick (Female presenting, 20s-30s) the sultry vixen of the town, but with a heart of gold.
Cousin Tilly (20s-60s) member of the Bailey family who helps run the Building & Loan, bit of a gossip.
Cousin Eustace/Eunice (20s-60s) member of the Bailey family who helps run the Building & Loan, not the sharpest tool.
Ernie (Male presenting, 20s-50s) a cab driver and good friend of George and Bert.
Bert (Male presenting, 30s-50s) Bedford Falls’ member of law enforcement and friend to George and Ernie.
Ruth Daiken (Female presenting, 20s-30s) a young lady who falls for Harry Bailey.
Sam Wainwright (Male presenting, 20s-30s) George’s best friend from childhood and entrepreneur.
Various Ensemble (Angels, Townsfolk, etc)

Many of the supporting actors will be playing multiple parts throughout the show, so the ensemble will be getting plenty of stage time and lines.

Children

Young George/Pete (Male presenting, 8-12) George as a child as well as his eldest son.
Young Mary/Janie (Female presenting, 8-12) Mary as a young child as well as their oldest daughter.
Young Harry/Tommy (Male presenting, 5-9) Harry as a young child and their youngest son.
Zuzu Bailey/children of town (Female presenting, 5-9) George and Mary’s youngest daughter and several children around town.
Young Sam/children of town (Male presenting, 8-12) a young Sam Wainwright and various children of Bedford Falls.
Young Violet/children of town (Female presenting, 8-12) the young Violet Bick and one of the children of Bedford Falls.

Actors of all ethnicities, gender, identity, and ability are encouraged to audition.
Age ranges are recommendations but are flexible to interpretation.

Audition Requirements:

• Auditions for It’s a Wonderful Life will take place In-person in ten minute time-slots.
• Please prepare a monologue (approximately 2 minutes long) that shows your abilities and range.
• A cold read may be required.
• Auditioners for roles of Children should book a time on September 12th.  If you are not available that day, please email audition@morpheustheatre.ca
• If you will be away or unavailable during auditions, you may submit a video audition piece, that must arrive by September 12th.
• Auditioners are asked to complete an online audition form, with an acting resume and headshot.
• Selected auditioners will be requested to attend an in-person callback to read with other performers.

Morpheus Theatre encourages individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and abilities to audition. Not a traditional actor?  That is okay, get in touch with us and we will find a way for you to showcase what you have to offer.