Characters: (all roles available)

Theatre 121 is committed to diversity and inclusion in our casting practices. Character ages listed are stage ages, and the genders are as presented in the script. We strongly encourage actors of all gender identities, ethnicities, races, ages, and abilities to audition for any role they identify with.

• Henry Potter: Aged 60s. A once kind man who has given way to bitterness and resentment because of disease and unresolved trauma. The most powerful, feared and hated man in town. A complex man who embodies the person he is, but also the man he once was and still could be.

• Peter Bailey: Age 30s. George Bailey’s father, now deceased, Peter appears as he was in the prime of his life. Once friends with Henry before a falling out. Honest, forthright and direct. He knows this is Potter’s last chance.

• Walter Miller: Walter Miller is age 20. A soldier in World War II who died during the war but discovered there was still a battle to be won. Shy, kind of awkward. Southern accent required.

• Wendy Pettit (Adult): Aged 20s. A nurse during the war when we meet her again, Wendy has lost none of her spirit and willingness to be straightforward and honest with the world around her as well as with Henry, the love of her life.

• Jennings: Age 60s. Potter’s manservant and bodyguard. The only one in town with the courage to speak truth to Potter. Jennings is droll, sarcastic, and may be harboring a deeper secret.

• Molly Potter/Irene Bailey: Molly Potter is aged 20s. Henry Potter’s mother, kind and compassionate, cannot stand to see the suffering of others and recognizes that the resources so plentiful to her should be shared. Irene Bailey is aged 20s. Peter Bailey’s wife, she shares her husband’s view of the world and strives to make it a better place.

• George Bailey/John Potter: George Bailey is aged 40s. A basically optimistic everyman who was brought to his lowest point but was saved, with the help of an angel. John Potter is aged 30s. Henry Potter’s father. He is basically a good man, but displays some of the lesser traits that will later show up in his son.

• Mary Bailey/ Katherine Bailey: Aged 30s. Mary is George Bailey’s wife, joyful and effervescent, who never fails to see the true worth of her husband. Katherine is George Bailey’s grandmother, a woman filled with love for her son, Peter, but who nevertheless has been brought to the edge of despair by circumstances beyond her control.

• Uncle Billy/Caldwell: Uncle Billy is age 60. Fiery temper, somewhat forgetful but ultimately loveable. Caldwell is in his late 50s. Efficient office accountant who works for Potter.

• Henry Potter (Adult): Aged 20s. Henry at this point is a soldier, still charming and well-intentioned, until a series of events send him down a darker path.

• Henry Potter (Teen): Aged 12. Teen Henry is a bit of a dreamer, with big hopes for his future. Not great with the women.

• Peter Bailey (Teen)/ Petey Bailey (Teen): Peter Bailey (Teen) is aged 12. More practical than his friend, Henry, Peter is the string to Henry’s kite. Petey Bailey is George Bailey’s son. He has become disillusioned by loss and what he sees as his father’s ultimate failure.

• Wendy Pettit (Teen): Aged 12. Wendy is a flower seller, a brash, intelligent young girl whose had a fairly rough upbringing but is only stronger for it.

• Young Petey/Young Peter: Young Petey is age 8, George Bailey’s oldest son. Looks up to his father and tries his best to emulate him. Young Peter is age 8, and is Katherine Bailey’s son. Shy and withdrawn, new to Bedford Falls, Young Peter soon flourishes, thanks in part to his friendship with Young Henry Potter.

• Tommy Bailey/Young Henry: Age 5. Tommy is George Bailey’s youngest son. He’s five, what else do you want me to say? Young Henry is age 8, Molly and John Potter’s son. He is kind hearted, friendly and outgoing, and takes his financial security as a given.

• Zu Zu Bailey: Age 6. George Bailey’s 3rd child, as sweet and innocent as the first day of spring.

• Janie Bailey: Age 9. George Bailey’s daughter, a musical wunderkind.

• Ensemble: Party goers, townspeople.