• The audition will be an hour long. You will be auditioning with Elijah Botkin, Revels Music Director; Debra Wise, Revels Interim Artistic Director; and Sarah Higginbotham, Assistant Music Director.
• When you arrive, you will have your picture taken and will be asked to sign a few waiver forms that will be used if you are accepted into the Chorus. This will consist of an agreement to use your photograph in publicity, and a behavioral policy agreement.
• You will be taken into the next room with your audition group of eight people. You will then be asked to learn a simple dance to see how you move and will be taught and practice a group song.
• While you’re learning those things as a group, you will be pulled one by one to sing your two songs individually for the directors in a separate room. You can find preparation instructions below.
• Once all individuals have sung, you will be taken in to see the directors as a group, where you will sing the group song and do the group dance.
• Audition results will be announced within a week or so.

For your audition for Midwinter Revels, please be prepared to sing two unaccompanied songs.

For your first selection, please sing one of the songs listed below. For your second selection, you may sing a song of your choice.

• Deck the Hall
• The Holly and the Ivy
• The Boar’s Head Carol
• Or another similar carol

We will also be doing a group singing piece. The piece chosen this year is Simple Gifts. You will be taught the group song at the audition, but if you want to look over the music ahead of time, you can find the music here. This will allow us to hear how you blend with other voices.

Additionally, we will be taking time to learn choreography and see how folks move. If you are interested in dancing or any choreography in the show, please come dressed to move (no flip flops or open-toed shoes). There will likely be a few different dance opportunities in the show – something for everyone!

Performing in Revels is a big commitment. From September through November, we generally hold 1-2 weeknight rehearsals a week, with three “all-day” Saturday rehearsals.

ALL rehearsals are mandatory for the Revels chorus. We do understand that chorus members may have unmoveable conflicts, and we do have room for accomodations on a case-by-case basis if conflicts are communicated ahead of time. Auditionees will be asked to write down any potential conflicts on their audition form.

Failure to communicate conflicts at the time of your audition, or failure to attend rehearsal, will be considered grounds for dismissal from the Midwinter Revels chorus.

PLEASE NOTE: Most rehearsals will be held on Mondays this fall, with a few exceptions due to Monday holidays.

Tech Week Rehearsals

Evenings, December 7 – 10

Performances

15 Performances, Matinees and Evenings
December 11 – 28

There will be no performances on Christmas Eve Day or Christmas Day.

All tech week rehearsals and performances will be held at Harvard University’s historic Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Tech week rehearsals and performance dates are subject to change. Further information on dates and times for rehearsals and performances will be announced closer to auditions.

Midwinter Revels 2026 – An American Celebration of the Solstice

Come experience the Revels musical tradition and celebrate a uniquely American story 250 years in the making. Drawing on 19th century songs and stories from the Great Plains,  Polish, Irish, German, Indigenous, Chinese, and Black spirituals, complete with a Sea Chanty or two for good measure, this year’s musical experience will be something to remember. Spend your holidays steeped in harmony and community and delve into the many facets and traditions of our uniquely American cultural melting pot. And bring your friends!

Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique and reminding us of the universal values that connect us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.

The Alex Hall Obby Oss Opportunity Fund

Established in 2021, the Opportunity Fund was renamed to memorialize beloved Revels chorus member, volunteer, Board Member and friend, Alex Hall.  In 2026, Revels will offer a limited number of scholarships of $300 to help defray the costs of participating in Revels’ volunteer chorus for the 55th annual Midwinter Revels.

Upon acceptance into the chorus, those who have expressed interest in the Alex Hall Obby Oss Opportunity fund scholarships will be contacted by Revels with their scholarship offer. Any inquiries will be only shared with the Production Manager and Finance staff. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Production Manager