Salem performers who want to step into Charles Dickens' study can audition for Pentacle Theatre's holiday production on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The theater is casting "Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol," a comedy adapted by Scott Palmer and directed by Chris Davidson. Open auditions run from 1 to 5 p.m. at Pentacle's downtown rehearsal studio, 197 Liberty St. SE. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

The play follows Dickens as he writes his most famous work under pressure. Characters from his imagination spring to life in his room, arguing and debating with him about how they should be written.

Palmer based the script on a real entry from Dickens' personal journal. In it, Dickens wrote that when the idea struck him, he locked himself in his study and "wept and laughed and wept again."

Pentacle Theatre, which has been producing plays since 1954, described the show as a fast, imaginative comedy that skips traditional retellings to focus on how hard it is to create art.

The production needs seven actors: four male-presenting and three female-presenting. One actor plays Dickens for the entire show. Another takes on Ebenezer Scrooge but also steps out of character to argue with Dickens about how the miser is written. Five ensemble actors cover all remaining roles, making rapid costume and voice changes in front of the audience, according to the audition announcement.

Auditioners should plan to stay through 5 p.m. and bring their calendar with a complete list of scheduling conflicts through Dec. 12. Headshots and resumes are welcome but not required. Audition forms are available for download at PentacleTheatre.org/auditions.

Rehearsals are generally scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Cast members must attend every rehearsal once the production moves into the theater.

Anyone with questions or a conflict with the audition date can reach Davidson at (503) 580-1179 or [email protected]. The show is suitable for ages 10 and older.

Performances run Nov. 20 through Dec. 12 at Pentacle Theatre's main stage, 324 52nd Ave. NW.