All parents/legal guardians should read the following information before deciding to audition to ensure this process and role is a good fit for the actor, to ensure their needs are met, that their independence and comfort are maintained, and that their experience is safe & successful.
This document accompanies the Audition Posting for the role of Tim in The Citadel Theatre’s 2026/27 production of A Christmas Carol. Please refer to the Audition Posting for more information on the show, the role, or the audition process.
Citadel Theatre sought paid consultation from community members with lived experience of disability and/or chronic illness, a parent of a Disabled child, and an Inclusive Practice Consultant in the creation and review of our Tim audition posting. We thank them for their time, energy, and collaboration.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Packed with our favourite classic Christmas tunes, Citadel Theatre’s 1940s adaptation of the beloved tale of an old man who is invited to change his ways by the Ghosts of Christmas will carry audiences away into the magical era of films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.
Citadel Theatre recognizes the importance of authentic representation of different bodies and abilities on stage and in the stories we tell. It is our priority that an actor with lived experience of disability and/or chronic illness play Tim in this production.
In Charles Dickens’ story A Christmas Carol, the character “Tiny Tim” is the Disabled son of Scrooge’s overworked and underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit. “Tiny Tim” is a disability stereotype in popular culture, the legacy of the frail boy with a crutch and a “sweet innocent” meant to draw pity from both the reader and Scrooge himself.
We understand that it is our responsibility to move away from disability tropes or caricatures in our production of this classic tale. Thanks to the consultation and guidance of numerous Disabled artists and advocates, our “Tim” has independence, agency, and is a well-rounded character that is not defined by his size or disability.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a Greater Edmonton-area actor between the ages of 8-12 with lived experience of disability and/or chronic illness to play Tim in our production of A Christmas Carol. Actors of all genders and all ethnicities with lived experience of disability and/or chronic illness will be considered for this role. The role will be double cast (2 actors) to perform in alternate performances. These will be paid positions.
Tim (he/him) is the youngest child in the Cratchit family – an optimistic, kindhearted child who loves his siblings immensely. In this adaptation of Dickens’ classic story, Tim walks with a limp (utilizing crutches and leg brace) and experiences respiratory distress throughout the script; however, we are open to reflecting the actor’s own lived experience on stage. The script and staging may be adjusted if needed, and in consultation with the actor and their family, mobility aid or support device needs can be incorporated or created to ensure an individual’s autonomy, safety, and comfort within the world of the play. The actor playing Tim must be comfortable on stage in front of a large audience and will be in scenes with spoken dialogue, will sing in group numbers, and will sing one solo song.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
- TIME ON STAGE: Tim is on stage for approx. 20 minutes total and is in both the 1stAct and the 2nd The show itself is approximately 2 hours long, plus a 15-minute intermission. It is expected that the youth actors be at the theatre before the show (for wigs & costumes), and until after the curtain call and getting out of costume. For a 7:30pm show, this would be 6:00pm-10:30pm.
- PERFORMANCE CONTENT: Tim has approximately 19 lines of spoken dialogue, sings in the ensemble for three songs (“It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Holly Jolly Christmas”), and has one solo song (“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”). The actor playing Tim is picked up by older actors in the show and moves through the scenes on their own.
- TRANSPARENCY ABOUT INACCESSIBILITY: Citadel Theatre acknowledges that the Maclab Theatre, which opened in 1989, was not designed to be an accessible space for Disabled artists that utilize mobility aids such as wheelchairs. We offer the following information and potential adjustments to our creative processes so that an actor and their parent or guardian can gauge whether the space itself may be a barrier, or if the access points and workspaces listed within are able to be accessed safely and comfortably by their preferred way of moving in each space (ambulatory, ambulatory with mobility aid, self-powered mobility aid, or powered mobility aid), or with another person(s).
- REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR 2026: The actor playing Tim will be needed in rehearsal between November 6 – 20, in technical rehearsals and preview performances from November 21 to 25, opening night on November 26, followed by performances until December 24. It is a significant time commitment that we understand may not be comfortable for all families or individual needs of the actor. While there may be some flexibility in rehearsal scheduling depending on the actor’s needs (i.e.: longer breaks, different start/end times) overall, the schedule is quite firm.
- TRAINING/RESOURCES: In discussion with the actor’s family, if needed, members of the Citadel Theatre staff or A Christmas Carol Company will be given appropriate training or resources on accessible practices specific to the lived experience of the actor (for example, if the actor cast is low vision or blind, our team will be trained on how to safely support an actor on stage who is low vision or blind). The youth cast may be given a similar, age-appropriate session with or without the actor playing Tim present, depending on the wishes of the actor, or their family.
- BLOCKING/STAGING/PHYSICAL CONTACT: The Citadel staff, along with the creative team of A Christmas Carol (designers, stage management, technicians), want to ensure that every point of this process feels safe and comfortable for the actor. The team will work with the actor to ensure any blocking, staging, or physical contact (such as lifts) are done so in a safe manner (i.e.: in consultation with the actor, their parent/guardian, and with an occupational therapist or other professional support, if needed).
- REHEARSAL SUPPORT: Historically, parents & guardians have not been a part of the rehearsal or production process during A Christmas Carol. Should an actor that is auditioning for Tim prefer/need to have a parent or guardian or Support Person present, we would be open to discussing this with the family. The Youth Ensemble is also supported by Child Supervisors. These are adults familiar with theatre processes, who have had police checks (including Vulnerable Sector), and that are responsible for the safe care of all children working on the production. We usually have 3 Supervisors during the production (rehearsal and performances), and we are willing to discuss the potential of adding an additional person to provide support to the actor playing Tim.
- BUILDING ACCESS: Citadel Theatre is at 9828 101a Avenue in downtown Edmonton. An overview map of our building is available here: https://bit.ly/CitadelFloorMaps
- Citadel’s accessible Drop-Off entrance is on the south side of building* (off Shoctor Alley and 99 Street). There is a powered door with a small rectangular push button. If you are using DATS or another accessible transport option, this is the best place to be dropped off and picked up. PLEASE NOTE: From May 6-July 31, 2026, DATS drop off is at West Entrance (opposite Winspear) due to road construction in Shoctor Alley.
- There is one accessible exterior parking spot on the south side of the building on Shoctor Alley*. However, we are working on educating building users on the importance of these being left available for those that need it. *There are multiple curb cutdowns on this stretch of street, and we would work with City of Edmonton, our maintenance contractor, and staff to ensure they are clear during snowy weather. PLEASE NOTE: From May 6-July 31, 2026, street parking may be limited due to road construction in Shoctor Alley.
- Underground accessible parking is available in the Library Parkade via the 99 Street entrance. Park in P2 North for access to the elevator (next to LRT entrance). There is a powered door with a push button to access the elevator. This elevator will take you to our main floor in the Lee Pavilion, from which you can access all our spaces.
- REHEARSAL HALL ACCESS: A Christmas Carol will rehearse in the Shoctor Rehearsal Hall (2nd Floor), the Bentley Salon (3rd Floor), and in the Theatre School Classrooms (2nd Floor). The Bentley and the Classrooms have unpowered doors on the path between elevator and room, and these can be left open as needed. There are accessible washrooms available near all of these spaces (see WASHROOM ACCESS). The flooring surface is a mix of low pile synthetic carpet tile, linoleum, ceramic tile, and bare concrete. All these spaces are accessible by standard elevator. This section of the building can also be accessed via a concrete stairwell. Both doors leading into and out of the stairwell are unpowered.
- There are 33 stairs/1 floor from the main floor to the Shoctor rehearsal hall and Classrooms on 2nd floor.
- There are 22 stairs/1 floor from the Shoctor rehearsal hall to the 3rd floor admin area (Bentley level).
- STAGE ACCESS: The production takes place on a “thrust” stage, which means it is surrounded by audience on three sides and has two steps down on each of the three edges into a moat. The stage is accessible from backstage on the same level; the stage can also be accessed through the stairs from the audience and through “voms” or the vomitoriums, which are steep ramped (17° slope) tunnels that run under the Maclab audience seating area. The voms are 3’ wide at their narrowest.
- The Maclab Theatre is on the north side of the Citadel building, located within the Lee Pavilion and surrounded by beautiful, lush plants that are donated and cared for by the Muttart Conservatory. While the lobby and accessible seating of the Maclab Theatre are available by standard elevator, the backstage of the Maclab is not. Access to the backstage of Maclab Theatre is through an unpowered door. There is a freight elevator that can access each level of the Maclab Theatre, including the stage level, that may be available. (Please note that the freight elevator cannot run during the performance, only before and after.) There is also a concrete stairwell (steps with with standard rise) with steel railing:
- There are 42 stairs/2 floors from the main floor at Stage Door to backstage/stage level (if dressing room on this level).
- There are 62 stairs/3 floors from the main floor at Stage Door to the Youth Ensemble dressing room (before and after show).
- There are 20 stairs from backstage/stage level to the Youth Ensemble (for during show).
- There are 8 stairs between the Youth Ensemble dressing room and the voms leading to the stage, as well as steep ramps (17° slope) up the voms to the stage. There are sets of stairs on both sides of the vom, one to the Youth Ensemble dressing room (and the other leads towards the trap room).
- There are moments in the current blocking of the show where the only onstage access from upstage is through a revolving door that is on a 6” riser, or a small door (29.5” wide) just to the side of the revolving door. The blocking may be adjusted if needed, and in consultation with the actor and their family, mobility aid or support device needs can be incorporated or created to ensure an individual’s autonomy, safety, and comfort within the world of the play.
- WASHROOM ACCESS:
- Scheduling: Citadel is open to discussing break length and scheduling, based on the actor’s needs.
- Rehearsals will take place in an area of the building with multiple accessible washroom options near each rehearsal space. We have four brand new accessible washrooms backstage of the Shoctor, where the actor will be working during rehearsals, and there is an additional accessible washroom on the 3rd Floor for when working in the Bentley. Depending on the actor’s needs (turning radius, grab bar locations, longer bio-breaks, privacy, etc), we can speak with the family about which washroom might be best.
- Technical Rehearsals and Performances will take place in the Maclab Theatre. Youth cast members have historically used the Maclab backstage washroom on the Stage level, which is shared with the crew and stage management team – to be blunt – it is a very busy washroom! This summer, as currently planned, we will be adding one additional washroom to the Maclab backstage. The current washroom has minimal turning radius and could potentially be used by an actor if we use a transfer bench and install a grab bar (both options Citadel is willing to discuss). Depending on the actor’s bio-break needs (length, privacy, accessibility, etc), and the rehearsal/show timing, a trip to the Shoctor Backstage area to use the accessible backstage washroom could be facilitated.
- Washroom Sizes: All of the washrooms mentioned above are shown in the Photo folder and a variety of sizes:
- Shoctor Dressing Room Accessible Washrooms: 9’ 6” x 6’ (there are two full bathrooms that have mirrored floor plans, allowing for either left or right transfer). Doors swing out. Door openings are 35”.
- Shoctor Hallway Washrooms: 6’ 6” x 7’ . Doors swing out. Door openings are 35”.
- 3rd Floor Accessible Washroom: 8’ 9” x 8’. Door swings in. Door opening is 35”.
- Ensemble Washroom, accessible stalls: 4’ 11” x 5’ 6”. Door openings are 30”.
- Maclab Backstage Washroom: 4’ 10” x 5’ 6”. Door swings in. Door opening is 32”.
- COSTUME AND PROP DESIGN: In this adaptation of Dickens’ classic story, Tim walks with a limp (utilizing crutches and brace) and experiences respiratory distress throughout the script; however, we are open to reflecting the actor’s own lived experience on stage. The script and staging may be adjusted if needed, and in consultation with the actor and their family, mobility aid or support device needs can be incorporated or created to ensure an individual’s autonomy, safety, and comfort within the world of the play. We will discuss alterations to costumes or the dressing process to ensure the artist feels comfortable, supported, and in character.
- DRESSING ROOM: During technical rehearsals and performances, the actor playing Tim has historically been in the Youth Ensemble dressing room. However, if the actor playing Tim utilizes an elevator to safely gain access to the lower levels of the theatre (backstage, or Youth Ensemble dressing room level) but is not able to be lifted or carried by an adult between the backstage level and the Youth Ensemble dressing room level during the show, an alternate dressing room may be discussed. Citadel recognizes the social and personal benefit of having all Youth Ensemble cast members be together throughout the experience and will prioritize options with the actor and their family that do not “other” the actor playing Tim and keeps the Youth Ensemble cast together.
- EMERGENCIES: In the unlikely event we need to evacuate the building, a pre-approved plan will be implemented to ensure the safety of all participants in each phase of the production.
- SCENT SENSITIVITIES: Citadel Theatre aims to protect artists with scent-related allergies and chemical sensitivity that work within our building. We ask that all participants refrain from applying cologne, perfume or other scented products (soap, hairspray, creams, aftershave) while working at the Citadel. It is important to note that actors wearing wigs may need small amounts of scent-free hairspray applied, and while we are mindful of the materials and amounts used, some with allergies may have a reaction to these products. A discussion can be had if this is a concern for the actor and their family.
- INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY: Citadel Theatre recognizes that the Maclab Theatre backstage areas currently present accessibility barriers, particularly due to limited elevator and lift access to backstage spaces and the Youth Dressing Room. Upcoming renovation plans include upgrades to the Green Room to improve accessibility, as well as renovations to two Maclab dressing rooms to include two wheelchair-accessible dressing spaces. We are actively working with the City of Edmonton (building owner), funders and corporate sponsors to advance all accessibility projects as quickly as possible (and if you’re a potential sponsor reading this, we’d love to connect!). Citadel Theatre is committed to ongoing accessibility improvements in the Maclab Theatre in the coming seasons, with a focus on removing barriers to participation for children and artists of all abilities.
- ONSTAGE RISKS: A Christmas Carol is a very large theatrical production, with many moving parts. Our #1 concern at all times is the safety of staff, technicians, and artists. To ensure families are aware of potential risks, we share the following information that is included in adult actor contracts, and is part of a rider parents/guardians of Youth Ensemble must sign:
- Using stage entrances and exits from the voms where the rake is greater than 1 inch in 12 inches (17° slope).
- Working around a trap with a drop-off of 6’.
- Walking on a set with multi-levels (stairs and sidewalk 8” level changes).
- Moving larger rolling scenery on stage in scene changes (for youth: being near moving scenery).
- Participating in choreographed movements that involve lifting and carrying another actor (for youth: being lifted and carried), pulling another actor onstage through a set piece with a 6” step up and standing/sitting on a platform 8’ above the deck.
- PHOTOS: We have captured images and maps of the different areas mentioned in this document for you to view. You can access these by clicking here: https://bit.ly/CitadelTimAccessPhotos
- VIDEO: We have some video tours of our building that you can find here. This is mainly patron facing, so if you would benefit from a video of a particular space mentioned within this document, including the backstage spaces, please contact our Bridget Norris-Jones (she/her), Producer at bnorrisjones@citadeltheatre.com.
- Please also visit our Accessibility page on our website for more information including a 3D Tour and Visual Guide. https://citadeltheatre.com/accessibility/
- Citadel’s accessible Drop-Off entrance is on the south side of building* (off Shoctor Alley and 99 Street). There is a powered door with a small rectangular push button. If you are using DATS or another accessible transport option, this is the best place to be dropped off and picked up. PLEASE NOTE: From May 6-July 31, 2026, DATS drop off is at West Entrance (opposite Winspear) due to road construction in Shoctor Alley.
- There is one accessible exterior parking spot on the south side of the building on Shoctor Alley*. However, we are working on educating building users on the importance of these being left available for those that need it. *There are multiple curb cutdowns on this stretch of street, and we would work with City of Edmonton, our maintenance contractor, and staff to ensure they are clear during snowy weather. PLEASE NOTE: From May 6-July 31, 2026, street parking may be limited due to road construction in Shoctor Alley.
- Underground accessible parking is available in the Library Parkade via the 99 Street entrance. Park in P2 North for access to the elevator (next to LRT entrance). There is a powered door with a push button to access the elevator. This elevator will take you to our main floor in the Lee Pavilion, from which you can access all our spaces.
- There are 33 stairs/1 floor from the main floor to the Shoctor rehearsal hall and Classrooms on 2nd floor.
- There are 22 stairs/1 floor from the Shoctor rehearsal hall to the 3rd floor admin area (Bentley level).
- There are 42 stairs/2 floors from the main floor at Stage Door to backstage/stage level (if dressing room on this level).
- There are 62 stairs/3 floors from the main floor at Stage Door to the Youth Ensemble dressing room (before and after show).
- There are 20 stairs from backstage/stage level to the Youth Ensemble (for during show).
- There are 8 stairs between the Youth Ensemble dressing room and the voms leading to the stage, as well as steep ramps (17° slope) up the voms to the stage. There are sets of stairs on both sides of the vom, one to the Youth Ensemble dressing room (and the other leads towards the trap room).
- There are moments in the current blocking of the show where the only onstage access from upstage is through a revolving door that is on a 6” riser, or a small door (29.5” wide) just to the side of the revolving door. The blocking may be adjusted if needed, and in consultation with the actor and their family, mobility aid or support device needs can be incorporated or created to ensure an individual’s autonomy, safety, and comfort within the world of the play.
- Scheduling: Citadel is open to discussing break length and scheduling, based on the actor’s needs.
- Rehearsals will take place in an area of the building with multiple accessible washroom options near each rehearsal space. We have four brand new accessible washrooms backstage of the Shoctor, where the actor will be working during rehearsals, and there is an additional accessible washroom on the 3rd Floor for when working in the Bentley. Depending on the actor’s needs (turning radius, grab bar locations, longer bio-breaks, privacy, etc), we can speak with the family about which washroom might be best.
- Technical Rehearsals and Performances will take place in the Maclab Theatre. Youth cast members have historically used the Maclab backstage washroom on the Stage level, which is shared with the crew and stage management team – to be blunt – it is a very busy washroom! This summer, as currently planned, we will be adding one additional washroom to the Maclab backstage. The current washroom has minimal turning radius and could potentially be used by an actor if we use a transfer bench and install a grab bar (both options Citadel is willing to discuss). Depending on the actor’s bio-break needs (length, privacy, accessibility, etc), and the rehearsal/show timing, a trip to the Shoctor Backstage area to use the accessible backstage washroom could be facilitated.
- Washroom Sizes: All of the washrooms mentioned above are shown in the Photo folder and a variety of sizes:
- Shoctor Dressing Room Accessible Washrooms: 9’ 6” x 6’ (there are two full bathrooms that have mirrored floor plans, allowing for either left or right transfer). Doors swing out. Door openings are 35”.
- Shoctor Hallway Washrooms: 6’ 6” x 7’ . Doors swing out. Door openings are 35”.
- 3rd Floor Accessible Washroom: 8’ 9” x 8’. Door swings in. Door opening is 35”.
- Ensemble Washroom, accessible stalls: 4’ 11” x 5’ 6”. Door openings are 30”.
- Maclab Backstage Washroom: 4’ 10” x 5’ 6”. Door swings in. Door opening is 32”.
- Using stage entrances and exits from the voms where the rake is greater than 1 inch in 12 inches (17° slope).
- Working around a trap with a drop-off of 6’.
- Walking on a set with multi-levels (stairs and sidewalk 8” level changes).
- Moving larger rolling scenery on stage in scene changes (for youth: being near moving scenery).
- Participating in choreographed movements that involve lifting and carrying another actor (for youth: being lifted and carried), pulling another actor onstage through a set piece with a 6” step up and standing/sitting on a platform 8’ above the deck.
THANK YOU
If you have any questions about the production, the audition process, or anything else, please feel free to email auditions@citadeltheatre.com.
If you would like this information shared in another format, such as audio, or large print (soft copy or hard copy), or if you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Bridget Norris-Jones (she/her), Producer at bnorrisjones@citadeltheatre.com.
Citadel Theatre sought paid consultation from community members with lived experience of disability and/or chronic illness, a parent of a Disabled child, and an Inclusive Practice Consultant in the creation and review of our Tim audition posting. We thank them for their time, energy, and collaboration.