Adirondack Railroad Announces Auditions for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

UTICA, N.Y. — Adirondack Railroad will hold auditions for performers for its upcoming THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride on Wednesday, August 12, and Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Auditions will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on both days at the Adirondack Railroad offices, 330 Main Street, Suite 102, Utica, NY 13501.

All actors must pre-register at least 24 hours before their selected audition date. To register, call 315-724-0700 or email info@adirondackrr.com.

Selected performers must be available for rehearsals two to three times per week, leading up to performances in November and December.

Available roles include the Conductor, Hobo, Hero Boy, Know-It-All Kid, Santa Claus, chefs, and stewards.

Character Breakdown:

• Conductor and Hobo: Male, ages 30–50. Charming, outgoing, and personable.
• Hero Boy: Male, ages 9–13. Sincere and comfortable interacting with others.
• Know-It-All Kid: Male, ages 9–13. Outgoing and personable.
• Santa Claus: Male, age 45 or older. Warm, sincere, and joyful. Prior Santa experience is a plus.
• Chefs and Stewards: Male or female, ages 16–70. Singing, acting, and dancing skills are needed for various roles and duties. Performers must be outgoing and joyful.

The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, Inc. (ARPS) operates the Adirondack Railroad. It is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer-based organization with main offices in Utica, New York. Since 1992, it has provided a successful tourist attraction, operating on the former New York Central Adirondack Division located in upstate New York.