Come From Away
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by Sean Byrd
Music Direction by JC Lippold
Choreography by Lauri Kraft
Audition Information
When: Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25, 2026 – 6:00–9:00 PM
Where: Auditions will be held at the Phipps Center for the Arts (109 Locust St, Hudson, WI 54016). Wednesday auditions will take place in the John H. Potter Theater, and Thursday auditions will take place in the Black Box Theater.
Who: This audition is open to performers ages 18 and up.
What to Expect: Auditions will be held in 3-minute time slots. Please prepare 60-90 seconds (maximum) of a song from the show or in the style and feel of the show.
Performers must fill out the audition form here: Come From Away Audition Form
Callbacks: Invited callbacks will be held on Friday, June 26, from 6:00–9:00 PM and Sunday, June 28, from 2:00–4:00 PM in the John H. Potter Theater at the Phipps. Callbacks will include reading/singing from the show as well as a movement call. Non-dancers should not be concerned, as the movement will be rooted in character and not complex dance choreography.
Video Auditions: If you are unable to attend auditions, please submit a video audition of you performing 60-90 seconds (maximum) of a song from the show or in the style and feel of the show. Please slate your name at the top of your video audition. Upload a link to your audition video when prompted on the audition form.
What to Bring
- Actors may choose to bring sheet music for our audition accompanist or a phone with a track on it. A Bluetooth speaker and an aux cord with adapters will be provided.
- If you haven't submitted your audition form before the audition, please bring a resume and headshot.
About the Show
When U.S. airspace shut down on September 11, 2001, 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were unexpectedly grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. What followed was an extraordinary week of generosity, as locals opened their homes, schools, and hearts to strangers from around the world.
Character Breakdown
The majority of characters we currently encounter adhere to the gender binary. Despite these limitations, our casting aims to be inclusive. We encourage and welcome submissions from gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors for roles that resonate with their identities.
Claude & others. The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland, Claude loves his work, the townspeople and his daily traditions, but he's never had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude before. Also plays Derm and Brenda’s Brother, Eddie.
Bonnie & others. A no-nonsense mother of three, Bonnie is the head of the Gander area SPCA. When she discovers animals are trapped on the planes, she stops at nothing to ensure their safety - but in frustration, she often lashes out at those around her. Also plays Martha.
Beulah & others. The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. Also plays Delores.
Oz & others. The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town's population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways. Also plays Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist.
Janice & others. An eager new local TV reporter, Janice is thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naïve about the world, Janice must face the pain and confusion around her. Also plays Britney and Flight Attendant.
Beverley/Annette & others. Beverley: The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverley Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. Annette: A schoolteacher at Gander Academy with an active fantasy life. Also plays Reporter.
Diane & others. A traditional divorcee from Texas, who is terrified that her son may have been flying at the time of the attacks. When she finds out that he's safe, she's given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder more carefree side of herself. Also plays Crystal and Brenda.
Nick/Doug & others. Nick: An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick's life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane. Doug: An Air Traffic Controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals. Also plays Officer Stephenson and Male Townsperson.
Kevin T/Garth & others. Kevin T: The head of an environmental energy company in Los Angeles, Kevin was on vacation with his boyfriend (and secretary, also named Kevin), when they are stranded in Gander. Inspired by the town's generosity, Kevin creates the Pay It Forward Foundation. Garth: The head of the local union, representing the Bus Drivers. Also plays President Bush.
Kevin J/Ali & others. Kevin J: Kevin's boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible. Ali: An Egyptian man traveling to America who experiences isolation and Islamophobia but who finds a connection to Beulah. Also plays Dwight.
Hannah & others. The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Also plays Margie and Mickey.
Bob & others. A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where he's landed, fearing that it's World War 3, that someone is going to shoot him and steal his wallet - but instead, he ends up losing his New York jadedness. Also plays Muhumuza and Captain Bristol.
Townspeople & others. These actors will also serve as internal swings. Swing assignments will be determined once casting is complete.
Intimacy in Come From Away
The script specifically calls for the characters of Diane & Nick to kiss. There may also be some elements of intimacy for the characters of Kevin T. and Kevin J. All intimacy scenes will be staged by an Intimacy Director using a consent-forward process.
Scheduling Information
Rehearsals Begin: Monday, July 13, 2026
Tech Week Begins: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Performances:
Fri, Sept 11 @ 7:00pm
Sat, Sept 12 @ 2:00pm
Sun, Sept 13 @ 2:00pm
Thurs, Sept 17 @ 7:00pm
Fri, Sept 18 @ 7:00pm
Sat, Sept 19 @ 2:00pm
Sun, Sept 20 @ 2:00pm
Thurs, Sept 24 @ 7:00pm
Fri, Sept 25 @ 7:00pm
Sat, Sept 26 @ 7:00pm
Sun, Sept 27 @ 2:00pm