Show: HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS
Theater: Civic Theatre of Allentown
Theater Website: https://civictheatre.com/theatre/audition-callback-information.html/title/hershel-and-the-hanukkah-goblins-
Theater Phone: (610) 432-8943
Start date of auditions: 10/21/2026
HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS
By Shari Aronson
Adapted from Eric Kimmel’s original book
Directed by Kelcie Kosberg
Synopsis:
HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS returns to Civic’s Theatre514 stage in a playful & bright production, crafted to engage children and families in an imaginative holiday theatre experience.
Based on the beloved story by Eric Kimmel, this playful adaptation follows Hershel of Ostropol as he arrives in a village on the first night of Hanukkah to find the villagers too frightened to celebrate. A band of goblins has taken over the old synagogue, blowing out candles, breaking dreidels, and destroying the holiday spirit.
To help rid the synagogue of the goblins and save the holiday, Hershel volunteers to stay in the synagogue for all eight nights of Hanukkah. Armed only with a few simple items and his quick wit, he faces a new goblin each night, building toward a final showdown with the King of the Goblins.
Created with young audiences in mind, this production features puppets, gentle audience participation, and bright, imaginative storytelling that keeps children engaged while remaining accessible and fun. With a short runtime and morning performances, it’s an easy and joyful holiday outing for families with little ones.
A joyful celebration of courage, cleverness, and light for the whole family.
Civic Theatre of Allentown is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, body types, and ages to audition.
Audition Date:
Wednesday October 21, 6:30pm
PLUS Join us for a Free Puppetry Audition Workshop on Monday, October 19th! Details and sign up here: Civic Theatre of Allentown: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins Puppetry Audition Workshop
Location:
Civic Theatre of Allentown 19th Street Theatre514
514 N 19th St. 18104
Rehearsal Dates:
Rehearsals begin the week of October 26. Actors must present their conflicts through Closing performance on their audition forms.
Performance Dates:
Please note that performances are all 10am or 1pm. Tentative group performances on Friday 12/11 and Friday 12/12– not available to the public reserved for field trips, school groups, organizations, etc upon request. The cast will be informed with enough advance to plan accordingly if these performances will take place.
Saturday 12/12 – 10AM
Saturday 12/12 – 1PM
Sunday 12/13 – 10AM
Sunday 12/13 – 1PM
Saturday 12/19 – 10AM
Sunday 12/20 – 10AM
Sunday 12/20 – 1PM
Seeking the Following Roles:
The Humans:
The role of Hershel has been cast.
THE TOWNSPEOPLE – a buffoonish array of characters who live in the village of Helmsburg. All kinds of ages and types, all have worn out clothes, faces and hearts. They often finish each other’s sentences or speak in unison.
The Puppets (to be doubled by the Townspeople. Please note all puppeteers will be onstage and visible throughout.):
LITTLE GOBLIN – a small, winged and feisty critter. Small rod style puppet
PICKLE GOBLIN – a slobbering oaf. Full body style puppet
SIMON & RIBSY – a two-headed, comic henchman. To be portrayed by two puppeteers. Two headed, live hand puppet
GOBLIN KING – a cold, fierce supernatural force. Multi-piece puppet operated by the whole cast
ENCHANTED SYNAGOGUE OBJECTS- Shammes, Prayer Book, Prayer Shawl, Sun, Moon, and other bits of magic throughout the story. May be operated by goblin puppeteers.
To Sign-up: Please complete the Google Audition Form Here
Paper copies will be available at auditions for anyone who has difficulty accessing the Google Form. If you plan to complete a paper copy, please arrive early enough to allow time to complete the form before your audition, and be prepared to list all known conflicts between the start of rehearsals and closing of the production.
Resumes and headshots are invited but not required. Photos will be taken where headshots are not provided. Auditions are a first come, first served basis. There will be no appointments. Please plan accordingly.
Audition Requirements:
For your audition, please prepare a 1-2 minute monologue that shows your physical movement. You may be asked to read sides, or improv with other actors at your audition.
Self-tape/Virtual Auditions:
If you are unable to attend auditions, you may submit a video audition of your monologue to associate_artistic_director@civictheatre.com no later than October 21. We will alert you if we need a call back.
