01
August
Casting Begins
Casting, community involvement, and volunteer recruitment begin.
From Casting to Premiere
the journey
A community-made Christmas film brought to life across four unforgettable months.
02
September
The Film Takes Shape
Table reads, wardrobe, set building, rehearsals, and final production preparation.
03
Production Begins
October
Principal Photography
Two weekends of principal photography, followed by additional pickup scenes later in the month.
04
December
Premiere Week
The red carpet event, premiere, and community screenings bring the story home.
Why We Are Making This
more than a movie
Most churches invite people to a service. We're inviting people into a story.
Closed on Christmas is an original feature film produced by Venue Church to share the hope of Jesus through creativity, laughter, and authentic storytelling.
Hope Community Story
How You Can Help
This film will be brought to life by actors, volunteers, families, local businesses, and community members willing to bring what they have.
audition
No experience required. We're looking for adults, teenagers, children, and seniors who are ready to bring these characters to life.
Explore Roles ↓volunteer
Help provide meals, snacks, coffee, transportation, lodging, filming locations, decorations, supplies, setup, cleanup, or simply a willing hand.
Go to Volunteer Form ↓give
Financial gifts help cover meals, wardrobe, props, equipment, set materials, locations, and the practical costs of bringing this story to life.
When giving, please add "Closed on Christmas" in the note.
Give Toward the Film ↗Closed on Christmas Casting
featured roles
Start with the audition guide, choose a character, and download the official packet containing everything you need to prepare.
Digital Audition Guide
Learn how to record, name, upload, and submit your digital audition before preparing your character scenes.
↓ Open Audition GuideProduction Handbook
Review the heart of the project, production culture, filming expectations, safety information, and on-set guidelines.
↓ Open Production HandbookMain Roles
Ginger is the heart of a struggling church. Quick-witted, compassionate, and quietly carrying more than anyone realizes, she has spent years believing it is her responsibility to hold everything together.
Two weekends of principal photography with additional pickup scenes later in the month.
Drama Romance Comedy
↓ Download Ginger Starling Audition PacketRalph is a handsome, nerdy outsider with dry humor, natural warmth, and quiet confidence. His unexpected arrival at the church slowly changes both the community and Ginger's life.
Two weekends of principal photography with additional pickup scenes later in the month.
Drama Romance Comedy
↓ Download Ralph Garland Audition PacketFeatured Supporting Roles
Gruff, intimidating, and guarded. Beneath Linus's hardened exterior are years of guilt and regret, along with the possibility of a powerful redemption.
Drama Redemption
↓ Download Linus Holloway Audition PacketA bold, deeply loyal church matriarch who appears throughout the story. Gale Joy is fearlessly honest, naturally funny, and always ready with an opinion.
Comedy Drama
↓ Download Gale Joy Audition PacketA gentle, hopeful pastor carrying the weight of his church and family. His strength is quiet, sincere, and deeply grounded.
Drama Heart
↓ Download Pastor Matt Audition PacketIntense, big-hearted, and unpredictable. Manny approaches every situation as though he is unraveling a major conspiracy and fighting unseen wars.
Comedy Energy Heart
↓ Download Officer Manny Audition PacketA hugely funny California free spirit whose extravagant hospitality makes everyone feel like an honored guest, even when his home is wherever he happens to sit.
Comedy Heart
↓ Download Jovie Audition PacketDry, observant, and thoroughly unimpressed. Baylee's humor comes from honesty, self-possession, and precise deadpan timing.
Comedy Drama
↓ Download Baylee Starling Audition PacketGrounded, quietly confident, and matter-of-fact. Mary speaks plainly and changes people through practical acts of kindness.
Drama Heart
↓ Download Mary Audition PacketWarm, steady, and welcoming. Joseph has classic stepdad energy, including helping hands, affectionate hugs, hair-tussling, and unapologetically terrible jokes.
Comedy Heart
↓ Download Joseph Audition PacketFrequently asked questions
Do I need acting experience?
No! Whether you've acted for years or have never been on camera, we'd love to meet you. We're looking for authentic people who are excited to help tell this story.
Do I have to be available every filming day?
No. Most cast and crew members will only be needed on select filming days. We'll provide your schedule well in advance.
Can I audition if I'm not a member of Venue Church?
Absolutely! Auditions are open to everyone in our community regardless of church background.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Auditioning and volunteering are completely free.
Are children allowed to audition?
Yes! We're looking for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian involved.
Will food be provided?
Yes! Meals, snacks, and drinks will be provided during production days.
What if I don't want to act?
Movies require hundreds of volunteers. We need help with costumes, props, hospitality, meals, lighting, camera, makeup, set design, photography, and much more.
Will I receive a copy of the movie?
Everyone involved will be invited to the red carpet premiere and receive information about viewing the finished film.
When will filming take place?
Principal photography is scheduled for two weekends in October with additional pickup scenes later in the month.
How can I support the movie if I can't participate?
You can pray, donate, provide meals or resources, help spread the word, and invite others to the premiere.