WELCOME TO WHIPPANY, NJ
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride!

ABOUT THE SHOW

The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is an hour-long live production that happens aboard a real, moving train that leaves from the Whippany Railway Museum in Whippany, NJ. There are 3-5 departures per show day. The show includes scripted scenes, live singing, dancing, and a great deal of audience interaction.

Rehearsals will be at Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Ave, New York, NY 10018

Rail Events Productions will provide a shuttle bus from Midtown Manhattan to and from the job site in Whippany, NJ. Actors may also self-report if they choose.

Housing is not provided.

PAY RATES

All Roles (except Santa & Hero Child): $22.50/hour
Santa: $36/hour
Hero Child: Click Here for Full Info

PAY RATE NOTE: This role is paid on an hourly basis, including overtime for weeks exceeding 40 hours. The base hourly rate is $22.50/hour ($36/hour for Santa). Presuming a fully realized performance season (no unexpected cancellations or Acts of God), and if actors work the entirety of their assigned schedule, Whippany actors will work approximately 384 total hours from the start of rehearsals to the closing day performance.

ALL ACTORS PLEASE NOTE: Because of the nature of the schedule, we cannot specify exactly how much regular time and how
much overtime will be worked. We are providing this information and the production schedule in order to supply as much information
as possible; however, please understand that this is not a guarantee of total wages. The role is paid hourly for actual hours worked.

NYC Audition Date/Time

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | Appointments: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | OPEN CALL: 9:30am – 11:00am; Appointments: 11:00am – 6:00pm

NYC Audition Location:
Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Ave, New York, NY 10018

New Jersey Audition Date/Time

Thursday, August 6, 2026 | *Appointments: 3:00 – 8:00pm
*Walk ins welcome and will be seen time permitting.

New Jersey Audition Location:
Alpha Wave Studios, 9 Whippany Rd, Whippany, NJ 07981

Audition Preparation

Click each casting category to know how to prepare

APPLY FOR AN AUDITION BELOW

NOTE: All actors should submit the Audition Request Form below.

First Name

Last Name

Pronouns

Cell

If represented by an agent, please also list agent information:

Agency Name

Contact Person

Agency Phone

Agency Email

*If actor is under the age of 18, list parent/guardian info below. We will not contact minors directly..

Parent/Guardian First Name

Parent/Guardian Last Name

Relationship

Youth Actor DOB

Please upload a current headshot and resume.

Youth Actors: If you do not have a headshot or resume, please upload a current picture from the waist up and a document that includes your contact information, height, and any theatrical work you have done (professional and/or non-professional). Please only include performance work (as opposed to backstage, production work, etc.). Thank you!

Headshot (jpg, png, pdf, 5 MB Limit)

Resume (pdf, 5 MB Limit)

Select the type of audition you wish to attend. In-person auditions are preferred, but we welcome video submissions if you are unable to attend one of our in-person audition dates.

In-Person Appointment Video Submission

Are you willing to work as a local hire?

Yes No

If you are having trouble submitting the form above, please submit directly to the following email: [email protected]

We will be in touch via email if we would like to schedule an audition.
If you do not hear back from us, you are welcome to come to one of our open calls!

WELCOME TO WHIPPANY, NJTHE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride!