Grand Theatre Audition Notice
Come From Away
The Grand Theatre operates on the traditional lands and territories of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapewak. We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations, and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (also known as North America), and acknowledge the traditional lands upon which we live, work and tell stories together.
OUR COMMITTMENT
At the Grand we are committed to creating and practicing a company culture that ensures an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming space for artists, audiences, donors, board members, and staff. We actively encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as being part of underserved communities. It is our mission to reflect the diversity of our community on and off our stages. If you can imagine yourself in the role, then so can we!
Access and inclusion are important to us. If you have any questions regarding the Grand’s accessibility policies and initiatives, or any requests, we encourage you to reach out to Vanessa Spence, Associate Producer & Company Manager, at vspence [at] grandtheatre.com (vspence[at]grandtheatre[dot]com).
THE PROJECT
COME FROM AWAY Book, Music and Lyrics by |
Directed by | Musical Direction by | Choreography by |
On the northeast tip of North America, in the town of Gander, Newfoundland, a community receives a message. The U.S.A has shut down its airspace, forcing thousands of planes to be diverted. Among them, 38 flights full of passengers are about to land nearby, and will have nowhere to stay.
Countless “trips to Shoppers” later, the community braces for the displaced and uncertain visitors, ready to meet them with open arms, and open doors. Based on the events of September 11, 2001 (and the days that followed), Come From Away tells the true and heartwarming story of kindness in the face of unprecedented circumstances.
PRODUCTION DATES
Rehearsals Start: March 31, 2026
First Preview: April 28, 2026
Opening: May 1, 2026
Closing: May 24, 2026
Please note that there is a possible extension to May 31st.
AUDITION DATES
Auditions will be taking place on June 22nd – 24th in Toronto, ON. Initial calls will be on June 22nd and June 23rd. Callbacks will happen on June 24th. There will be a dance/movement portion as part of callbacks. Not everyone will be asked to dance, but those called back will be required to attend the dance/movement portion in person on the 24th.
NOTE FROM THE CREATIVE TEAM
Come From Away is an ensemble based, highly physical show. Everyone is onstage for the majority of the show and plays multiple parts - Newfoundland locals to characters from all over the world. Traditional dance training is not required, but a high level of comfort with movement is necessary. Looking for strong, rhythmic, collaborative actor-singers who are excited about creating a new vision of this show. Actors must also be comfortable with a range of dialects and have the ability to effortlessly transition from one to the next, within a few lines of text.
AVAILABLE ROLES
Please note: Ages and pronouns listed reflect the ages and pronouns of the characters. All genders and racial identities will be considered for all roles.
DIANE & OTHERS (she/her) - 50s-60s, Contemporary Mezzo Soprano with a strong mix.
DIANE is 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 he is safe, she’s given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder, more carefree side of herself. Plays a variety of roles.
HANNAH & OTHERS (she/her) - late 30s – 50s, Contemporary soprano with strong high mix.
HANNAH is the mother of a firefighter in Manhattan; HANNAH waits for news about her son and is comforted by BEULAH. Plays a variety of roles.
JANICE & OTHERS (she/her) - late 20s – 30s, Mezzo Soprano with strong belt.
JANICE is an eager new local TV reporter, thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naive about the world, Janice must face the pain and confusion around her. Plays a variety of roles.
BEULAH & OTHERS (she/her) - 40s – 60s, Mezzo Soprano with strong belt.
BEULAH is the head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, she befriends HANNAH and walks to church and prays with her. Quick-witted and open hearted, BEULAH loves to share a joke. Plays a variety of roles.
BONNIE & OTHERS (she/her), 30s – 40s, Mezzo Soprano.
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. Plays a variety of roles.
KEVIN T & OTHERS (he/him) - 30 – 40s, High Tenor.
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.’ Plays a variety of roles.
KEVIN J & OTHERS (he/him) - 30s – 40s, Baritone.
Kevin T’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, KEVIN J wants to leave and get back to the U.S. as soon as possible. Plays a variety of roles.
BOB & OTHERS (he/him) - 30s – 40s, Baritone.
A hardened New Yorker, BOB is suspicious of where he’s landed, fearing that it’s World War 3 and that someone is going to shoot him and steal his wallet – but instead he ends up losing his New York jadedness. Plays a variety of roles.
CLAUDE & OTHERS (he/him) - 40s – 60s, Tenor.
The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland, CLAUDE loves his work, the townspeople, and his daily traditions, but he’s never before had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Plays a variety of roles.
NICK & OTHERS (he/him) - 50s – 60s, Baritone.
An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, NICK’s life is turned upside down when he falls for another passenger, Diane. Plays a variety of roles.
Please note that we are also looking to cast 3 Swings who will act as NON-PERFORMING UNDERSTUDIES (NPU’s). These NPU’s should be strong and versatile as they will be covering 3 to 6 tracks each.
Please note the roles of BEVERLEY and OZ have been cast.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Please submit a resume and headshot for consideration through our form located here https://forms.gle/rDb7XyJUQ3WiAbTL9 or via Casting Workbook. Please only submit once. Email submission will not be considered. Priority will be given to Equity artists and they will be seen first on the audition days.
The deadline for submissions to be received is Sunday, June 8 at midnight.
