East Lansing-Okemos-Haslett - Auditions: Come From Away
Auditions: Come From Away
Details:
Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein Performances for Come From Away will be October 15-18 & 22-25, 2026 on the Rotary Main Stage *Note that these auditions will be held offsite due to earlier than usual auditions and building capacity* Show and casting description: The Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away is a story of kindness, joy, and hope in the face of tragedy. It tells a true story of events in Gander, Newfoundland, a small town that welcomed 7,000 stranded travelers after 9/11. As fear and uncertainty gripped the world, the people of Gander opened their hearts and homes, forging unexpected friendships and proving that even in the darkest times, compassion can shine through. Filled with undeniable Canadian charm, this powerful musical is celebrated for its uplifting message, ensemble cast, and folk-inspired score. We are searching for a diverse company of 12 actor-singers who are interested in a creative and actor-driven rehearsal process. Each will play multiple roles with different accents. We welcome actors from all backgrounds. Riverwalk Theatre and our show’s creative team are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we encourage auditions from our diverse Greater Lansing community. Outside of the casting requirements stated below, we are committed to open casting. If any accommodation is required for auditioning and/or for participating in the show, please let us know. Ages playable, not literal. Other specific character notes in character descriptions. All actors will need a Newfoundland (Gander) accent as well as various other international accents. Please come prepared to show us your best Newfoundland (& other) accents! Casting team: Directors: Jane Falion & Michele Booher-Purosky Music Directors: Alan B. Sloan & Janus Hoang Choreographer: Amanda Tollstam When & Where: Open auditions will be held: July 12 & 13, at 7:00 pm* Location: *Auditions will be held at Haslett Community Church, 1427 Haslett, MI 48840 - Please enter the building at Door 2 (North side, off Haslett Rd.). - Haslett Community Church is an open and affirming church; the building is accessible, and there is plenty of onsite parking. Callbacks will take place on an invitation-only basis: July 14 at 7:00 First table read on July 15.
-To sing 32 measures of a contemporary music theatre or pop/rock song, in the style of the show’s music, which showcases your acting and singing skills as well as your vocal range. Please do not sing music from the show. An accompanist is available – please bring sheet music.
-To read a short passage of dialogue that demonstrates your proficiency with the Gander dialect and your charm as a storyteller.
-To learn and perform a short piece of movement/choreography. (You may want to bring or wear comfy clothes for this portion of the audition).
Please bring a simple one-page performing resume listing recent roles/shows in which you’ve performed, the year and the company/creative team as well as any specialty skills/interests.
Please arrive early to allow time to fill out an audition form before auditions begin. You may also fill one out ahead of time to bring with you (downloadable from our website). Because this show is set up somewhat differently than other musicals, most rehearsals will require the full company, so please list ALL CONFLICTS on the audition form.
Female Presenting Characters:
Bonnie & Others
A no-nonsense mother of 3, 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
● Age: 30-40s
● Vocal range top: Mezzo with a belt up to B (range top: B4)
Beulah & Others
Head of the Gander Legion & Teacher at the Gander Academy with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her.
● Also Plays: Delores. A New Yorker. (New York Accent) (sings Titanic theme song in karaoke)
● Age: 40s-60s
● Vocal type & range: Mezzo with a belt up to B
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.
● Age: 20s
● Vocal type & range: Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and mix up to E. (range top: E5)
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.
● Age: 40s-50s
● Vocal type & range: Strong mezzo with an easy mixed or belted C# (range top: C#5)
Diane & Others
A traditional divorcee from Texas (Texan Accent), 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.
-Age: 50s-60s
-Vocal type & range: Warm, natural contemporary Soprano with strong mix up to D (range bottom: A3)
Hannah & Others
Black. The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah.
● Also Plays: Margie and Mickey.
● Age: 40s-60s
● Vocal type & range: Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and mix up to E. (range top: E5)
Male Presenting Characters
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.
● Age: 40s-60s
● Vocal type & range: Gruff, natural sounding Baritone with a strong high G. (range top: G4)
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.
● Age: 30s-50s
● Vocal type & range: Strong contemporary Tenor up to G. (range top: G4)
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.
-Age: 50-60
-Vocal type & range: Warm, natural Baritone or Baritenor with an easy E and strong pop sensibility. (range top: E4)
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 (Texan Accent)
● Age: 30s-40s
● Vocal type & range: Strong contemporary Tenor up to G (range top: G4)
Kevin J/Ali & Others
Middle Eastern/North African (MENA)
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. (Egyptian Accent)
● Also Plays: Dwight.
● Age: 30s-40s
● Vocal type & range: Tenor or Baritenor
Bob & Others
Black. 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.
