Casting Call: The Polar Express Train Ride

Casting Call: The Polar Express™ Train Ride

Join the volunteer cast of the National Railroad Museum’s The Polar Express™ Train Ride! Under license from Rail Events, Inc. and Warner Brothers, we are holding our annual Polar Express™ Casting Call to find volunteer performers for this interactive production based on the beloved book and film.

This 45-minute live show takes place aboard the Museum’s slow-moving train, with 5 train cars per performance and 4 cast members needed on each car.

Conductor: Must be able to portray character in the fashion of Tom Hanks. All genders must be 16 or older. Ability to interact with the audience while punching tickets and keeping the show ‘on track’. This 45-minute role takes place aboard the Museum’s slow-moving train.

Steward: Conductor’s counterpart. All genders must be 16 or older. Takes the lead in train safety, while also interacting with the audience, punching tickets and leading some train songs and activities.  This 45-minute role takes place aboard the Museum’s slow-moving train.

Hobo: All genders, high-energy, assertive, strong-voiced. Can only interact with guests and is not able to be “seen” by the Conductor or Steward. Non-singer. This is a 10-15 minute role. 

Polar Express Passenger: All genders, a passenger on the Polar Express who has lost their ticket, interacts with the Conductor and Steward. Must be between 8-13 years old. This is a 10-15 minute role.

All Cast Members must bring forth high energy, be a team player, and utilize improvisational skills. We welcome a diverse cast and gladly accept individuals of all abilities and acting experience. Some roles are age-specific due to accuracy and train safety regulations. All actors under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian present for all shows and practice sessions. All roles are unpaid and on a volunteer basis.

For more information about The Polar Express™ Train Ride at the National Railroad Museum, please click here.

We will be hosting an Open House and information session for prospective cast members on Tuesday, September 15th from 5:30-6:30 PM in our Richard J. Resch Theatre. Everyone is welcome to attend!

During the Open House, individuals can ask questions and get more information about our production of The Polar Express™, as well as the expectations and experience of veteran cast members.

RSVP for the Open House here!

Tryouts will be held at the National Railroad Museum on Tuesday, September 22nd, and Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM.

RSVP for Tryouts here!

Please note: cast members are not required to attend every performance, but are expected to commit to a minimum of 3 nights of performances. The full schedule, including dress rehearsal and practice dates, will be shared if you are cast.

Contact Us

Katie Lutzke, Volunteer and Membership Coordinator | (920) 437-7623 or volunteers@nationalrrmuseum.org