The show was written for 12 performers to portray over 100 characters. We will be casting close to that template, but not strictly.
Thursday, October 1 @ 6:30pm
Friday, October 2 @ 6:30pm
Come to either session or both. If you cannot attend at all, email the director andrew.gaines@ghc.edu
Location
Bishop Center for the Performing Arts, Grays Harbor College
1620 Edward P. Smith Drive. Aberdeen, WA 98520
- We are the first building on your left as you enter campus.
About the Show
Come From Away is a critically acclaimed musical based on the true story when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world when 38 planes carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the reminder that we’re all part of a global family with the ability to come together, no matter what the circumstances.
The show has earned global success with 37 award nominations, including 7 Tonys, and most notably winning Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards and Outstanding Musical at the 2017 Drama Desk Awards.
Come From Away gives GHC and Bishop Center the opportunity to contribute to the show’s worldwide impact by spreading its message of kindness, unity, and resilience with our Harbor community.
Performances
First 2 weekends of March, 2027
FRI 3/5, SAT 3/6, SUN 3/7 (matinee) and FRI 3/12, SAT 3/13, SUN 3/14 (matinee)
Rehearsals
We will meet 1-2 times each month (usually Thursdays) in October, November, and December to lay groundwork. More intensive rehearsals begin Tuesday, January 5. Expect 3-4 weeknights and some Saturdays. Starting February 1, we increase to 4-6 nights and Saturdays through performances.
A commitment to attend almost every rehearsal is critical. The full cast behaves as an ensemble; everyone is on stage for the majority of the production singing, playing multiple roles, moving chairs, tables, props, and costume pieces — as though the show is one long choreographed dance. Please consult your schedules and email any questions or concerns to andrew.gaines@ghc.edu
Production Team
Andrew Gaines, Director
Steven Puvogel, Assistant Director
Bill Dyer, Music Director
Kari Hasbrouck, Vocal Director and Accompanist
Patty Sundstrum & Andrew Gaines, Choreographers
Casey Bronson, Technical Director
What to Expect at Auditions
No preparation is required as we will be teaching all songs at the auditions, but it will absolutely serve you to review the resources provided below and in the Production Google Drive
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18fd8lI4qSaaWnaj3vbtRJCc7JNiTDfCp?usp=sharing
Drive contains sheet music, accompaniment recordings (which will be used at auditions), potential scenes for acting callbacks, and an audition form (which you can feel free to fill out and print out in advance, but copies will be available in-person).
6:00 Doors open. Please arrive early to fill out paperwork, have your photo taken, and get settled in.
6:30 Welcome and physical warm up
6:45 Vocal warm up
7:00 Learning a section of the song “Welcome to the Rock” (measures 95-113)
https://youtu.be/V49bo9b9UQE?si=TZm9NvHjGoVKrpvj&t=145
Stop at 2:52
- We will be teaching some of the harmony splits at the end. ALTOs should note that you will be asked to sing the Soprano line. See notes on provided sheet music in the Google Drive.
7:15 Singing auditions for “Welcome to the Rock”. These are held in an Arena Format, with all auditioners watching each other present.
8:00 Creative Team will invite some auditioners to stay for callbacks. If you are not asked to stay for callbacks, it does not necessarily mean that you are not still being considered for the show.
Callbacks will include movement, acting, and singing additional songs listed below:
ME AND THE SKY (Beverley)
Measures 90-104
https://youtu.be/qiQ0pDudAAA?si=uRtDzSWA_KsoHkzs&t=155
Stop at 3:02
STOP THE WORLD (Nick & Diane)
Measures 45-58
https://youtu.be/kBHQ3FrKC70?si=TZ38LK_ohuZzwUsq&t=89
Stop at 1:56
WELCOME TO THE ROCK (Claude, Oz, Bob)
Measures 14-22
https://youtu.be/V49bo9b9UQE?si=k9AfjORCT5tDFDBE&t=17
Stop at 0:31
I AM HERE (Hannah)
Measures 44-53
https://youtu.be/N86TvVuCwWQ?si=myuZUUPsiIkCc6_1&t=59
Stop at 1:15
PRAYER (Kevin T)
Beginning through measure 10
https://youtu.be/WYBTCHm48Ps?si=sS15gK968Dl6txZy&t=22
Stop at 0:44
Auditions might go as late as 10pm.
We hope you understand that due to the small cast size, there will be lots of hard decisions for us to make. We encourage you to keep performing and auditioning and to not be discouraged!
Character Descriptions
NOTE ON AGES: Ages listed represent the Character’s Stage Age. We are open to casting people of different ages to portray characters depending on who attends auditions.
In Order of Appearance…
Locals
CLAUDE – 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. Featured secondary roles might include: Derm, Brenda’s Brother, Eddie. Vocal Type: Gruff, natural sounding Baritone with a strong high G. (40-60s)
BONNIE – 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. Featured secondary role might include Martha. Vocal Type: Mezzo with belt up to B. (30-40s)
BEULAH – The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. Featured secondary roles might include: Delores and Customs Officer. Vocal Type: Mezzo with belt up to B. (40-60s)
OZ – The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways. Featured secondary roles might include: Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist. Vocal Type: Strong contemporary Tenor up to G. (30-50s)
DOUG – An Air Traffic Controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals. Doug is usually played by the actor who portrays Nick. Vocal Type: Warm, natural Baritone or Baritenor with an easy E and strong pop sensibility. (30-40s)
JANICE – 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. Featured secondary roles might include: Flight Attendant, Britney, and Party Girl. Vocal type: Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and a mix up to E. (20s)
ANNETTE– A local teacher at the Gander Academy and mother to a lot of children. Annette is usually played by the actor who portrays Beverley. Strong Mezzo with an easy mixed or belted C# (40-60s)
GARTH – The head of the local union, representing the Bus Drivers. Garth is usually played by the actor portraying Kevin T. Strong contemporary Tenor up to G. (30-50s)
Come From Aways
BEVERLEY – The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverley Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. Featured secondary roles might include Annette. Vocal Type: Strong Mezzo with an easy mixed or belted C# (50s)
DIANE– 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. Secondary Roles might include Crystal and Brenda. Vocal Type: Warm, natural contemporary Soprano with strong mix up to D. (40-60s)
NICK – An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane. Featured secondary roles might include: Doug, Officer Stephenson, and a Townsperson. Vocal Type: Warm, natural Baritone or Baritenor with an easy E and strong pop sensibility. (40-60s)
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. Featured secondary roles might include: Garth and President Bush. Vocal Type: Strong contemporary Tenor up to G. (30-50s)
KEVIN J. – Kevin’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave Gander as soon as possible. Featured secondary roles might include: Ali (A devoted Muslim misunderstood by those around him.) and Dwight. Vocal Type: Tenor or Baritone (20-50s)
BOB – A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where he’s landed, fearing that it’s World War III, that someone going to shoot him and steal his wallet – but instead, he ends up losing his New York jadedness. Featured secondary roles might include: Muhumuza and Captain Bristol. Vocal Type: Baritone (20-40s)
HANNAH – The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Featured secondary roles might include: Margie, Mickey, and Party Girl. Vocal Type: Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and mix up to E. (40-60s)
Updates to this site will be made periodically leading up to the audition with more information as it becomes available. Check back soon!
Questions
Email the director andrew.gaines@ghc.edu