Auditions This Saturday for Patti Rutland Jazz’s Santa’s Workshop

HEADLAND & BRUNDIDGE, AL — September 2025 — The holiday season is coming early to the Wiregrass, and Patti Rutland Jazz (PRJ) is inviting children and adults to be part of the fun. Auditions for the annual production of Santa’s Workshop will be held this Saturday, September 13, at both the Headland and Brundidge studios.

Kids Take Center Stage

Every year, Santa’s Workshop gives children the chance to step into the spotlight. Dancers as young as three put on costumes, learn choreography, and light up the stage with holiday magic. For many, it is their very first time performing and an experience their families will never forget.

Auditions are open to kids ages 3 and up, and no dance experience is required. The process is easy and welcoming: 30 minutes of learning a short dance, 15 minutes of costume fittings, and a quick parent meeting to go over everything. Every child who auditions will get a role in the show.

Families should note that children who audition in Headland will perform in the Dothan Civic Center shows, while children who audition in Brundidge will perform in the Troy University shows.

A Fan Favorite Returns: The Penguins

While the kids may be the stars, the Penguins are the crowd-pleasers. Adults from the community, including parents, teachers, and friends, join the show in penguin costumes, adding laughter and fun to the holiday story. Kids love seeing grown-ups on stage, and audiences never fail to cheer when the Penguins appear.

Being a Penguin is also a wonderful bonding opportunity. Parents who perform alongside their children in Santa’s Workshop often say it is one of the most memorable family experiences they have had, sharing rehearsals, costumes, and the stage itself in a way that strengthens family connections.

Penguins now register online just like the kids. Their small participation fee helps cover costumes and a shirt, making it easy for anyone who wants to join in.

Keeping It Affordable

PRJ is committed to keeping costs low so every family can take part.

• Children and Penguins Fee: $10 participation fee
• Children and Penguins Bundle: $30, which includes the fee, a Santa’s Workshop program, and a Santa’s Workshop T-shirt

When families and schools buy tickets to the shows, they are not just enjoying a holiday tradition. All ticket sales go directly toward scholarships and continued dance education for PRJ students.

Audition Details

• Date: Saturday, September 13
• Times (both studios):
  • Ages 3–5: 9:00–9:45 AM
  • Ages 6–9: 9:45–10:30 AM
  • Ages 10–12: 10:30–11:15 AM
  • Ages 13+: 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
• Locations:
  • Headland Studio, 21 Park Street
  • Brundidge Studio, 118 N Main Street

Show Schedule

Headland/Dothan Cast at the Dothan Civic Center

• Dress Rehearsal: November 30
• School Show: December 1 at 9:00 AM
• Evening Show: December 1 at 6:30 PM

Brundidge/Troy Cast at Troy University

• Evening Show: December 14 at 6:30 PM
• School Shows: December 15 at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM

Be Part of the Magic

Santa’s Workshop is about more than a performance. It is about confidence, teamwork, and joy for both kids and adults. Whether your child is stepping on stage for the first time or you are ready to waddle in a penguin suit, there is a place for you in this holiday tradition.

To register and learn more, visit www.pattirutlandjazz.com