ABOUT THE SHOW
Come From Away is an ensemble-driven musical based on the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001.
Actors portray multiple characters with precision, clarity, emotional truth, and rapid transformation. The production relies on muscular ensemble storytelling, disciplined staging, and music-driven momentum. musical based on the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001.
CASTING OVERVIEW
We are seeking a 12–20 person ensemble. All roles are multi-track, with actors portraying multiple characters of varying ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. We are building a rigorous, collaborative ensemble of actor-singers capable of nuanced storytelling and dynamic character transformation.
We are seeking performers who can:
• Work collaboratively within a demanding ensemble process
• Handle dialect work with specificity and respect
• Sing tight ensemble harmonies in a contemporary folk/rock style
• Execute precise movement and staging vocabulary
• Transition fluidly between multiple characters
• Sustain emotional truth without sentimentality
PRODUCTION STAFF
Producers: Kim Barnes and Clay Creasey
Associate Producer: Madison Bales
Director: Rosie Gordon
Music Director: Andy Street
Stage Manager: Hannah Luyet
Costume Designer: Mary Crane
Artistic Director: Richard Camp
REHEARSAL DATES
June 29, 2026, through September 10, 2026
Monday–Thursday 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturdays or Sundays during the day, as needed
Tech rehearsals begin Sunday, September 6, 2026.
PLEASE NOTE: Rehearsal start and end times are approximate. Tech week rehearsals will begin at 6:00 PM and may extend later into the evening. Rehearsal schedules will be built around approved conflicts provided at auditions.
PERFORMANCE DATES
September 11, 2026 – September 20, 2026
6 performances over 2 weekends
FRI 7:30 PM
SAT 7:30 PM
SUN 2:00 PM
ALL PERFORMANCES ARE MANDATORY
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS
Actors unable to attend in person may submit electronically.
To submit electronically, please email materials to:
info@ojaitheater.org
Subject line: COME FROM AWAY AUDITION – [YOUR NAME]
Please include:
• Headshot
• Résumé
• Vocal range
• All known rehearsal conflicts
• One video audition link
Video submissions should be submitted as a private or unlisted YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar viewable link.
Please do not send audio-only submissions or large downloadable video attachments unless specifically requested.
Electronic audition videos should include:
• A brief slate with your name, location, vocal range, and role(s) of interest
• Approximately one minute of a song in the style of the show
• Optional brief acting material if desired
Selections from Come From Away are permitted but not required.
We encourage performers to choose material that demonstrates strong storytelling, emotional connection, and vocal suitability for the production rather than imitation of original cast performances.
Please ensure all links are accessible and do not require passwords, download requests, or special permissions.
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EMAIL AUDITION MATERIALS email to: info@ojaitheater.org
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Please list ALL current and potential conflicts during the rehearsal period, including commitments on days not currently scheduled for rehearsal. Scheduling will be built around cast availability whenever possible.
• No conflicts will be accepted for performance dates or the week prior to opening. No additional conflicts will be accepted after casting.
• Auditioning performers may arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled audition start time.
• Post-audition feedback will not be provided
AUDITION DATES
Thursday, June 4, 2026
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday, June 5, 2026
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, June 6, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
AUDITION LOCATION
Ojai Presbyterian Church – Rectory
304 Foothill Road
Ojai, CA 93023
OPEN CALL AUDITION | NON-EQUITY | NON-PAID
SPECIAL AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
• Prepare one minute of a song in the style of the show. Selections from Come From Away are permitted but not required. A cappella auditions will not be permitted.
• We encourage performers to choose material that demonstrates strong storytelling, emotional connection, and vocal suitability for the production rather than imitation of original cast performances.
• Please bring clearly marked sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be provided.
• Performers using accompaniment tracks must bring a playback device and speaker. Tracks must be edited, cued, and stored locally on the device.
• Streaming audio and wireless connectivity will not be available.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Actors of all ages, genders, body types, and ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Age ranges listed reflect the age to be portrayed and not necessarily the age of the performer.
CLAUDE & OTHERS
The gregarious and widely respected Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland. Claude loves his town, its people, and the rhythm of daily life, but he is suddenly forced to lead through an unprecedented crisis.
Also plays Derm, Brenda’s Brother, and Eddie.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 40–60
Vocal Range Top: G4
BONNIE & OTHERS
A practical, no-nonsense mother of three and head of the local SPCA. Bonnie becomes fiercely determined to care for the animals stranded aboard the grounded planes.
Also plays Martha.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 30–40
Vocal Range Top: B4
BEULAH & OTHERS
The warm and deeply compassionate head of the Gander Legion. Beulah becomes a grounding emotional presence for Hannah during the crisis.
Also plays Delores.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 40–60
OZ & OTHERS
The quirky and resourceful constable in Gander’s tiny police force. Oz adapts quickly as the town’s population suddenly doubles overnight.
Also plays Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 30–50
Vocal Range Top: G4
JANICE & OTHERS
An eager young local television reporter covering the biggest story of her life on her first day on the job.
Also plays Britney and Flight Attendant.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 20–30
Vocal Range Top: E5
BEVERLEY / ANNETTE & OTHERS
BEVERLEY: American Airlines Captain Beverley Bass, the first female captain in company history, whose identity and sense of purpose are shaken by the events of September 11.
ANNETTE: A schoolteacher at Gander Academy with an active imagination and generous spirit.
Also plays Reporter.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 50–60
Vocal Range Top: C#5
DIANE & OTHERS
A traditional Texas divorcee whose fear for her son’s safety transforms into a renewed openness to life and connection.
Also plays Crystal and Brenda.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 50–60
Vocal Range: A3 – C#5
NICK / DOUG & OTHERS
NICK: An English oil engineer whose unexpected connection with Diane changes the course of his life.
DOUG: Bonnie’s husband and an Air Traffic Controller helping manage the crisis.
Also plays Officer Stephenson and Male Townsperson.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 50–60
Vocal Range Top: E4
KEVIN T / GARTH & OTHERS
KEVIN T: The head of an environmental energy company traveling with his boyfriend, Kevin J. Deeply moved by the generosity of Gander, he later founds the Pay It Forward Foundation.
GARTH: Head of the local bus drivers’ union.
Also plays President Bush.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 30–50
Vocal Range Top: G4
KEVIN J / ALI & OTHERS
KEVIN J: Kevin T’s boyfriend and company secretary. Intelligent, sharp, and deeply uncomfortable being stranded in Gander.
ALI: An Egyptian passenger traveling to America who experiences suspicion and isolation following the attacks.
Also plays Dwight.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 30–50
HANNAH & OTHERS
The mother of a Manhattan firefighter waiting desperately for news about her son. Hannah forms a profound connection with Beulah during her time in Gander.
Also plays Margie and Mickey.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 40–60
Vocal Range Top: E5
BOB & OTHERS
A hardened New Yorker convinced the world is collapsing around him, whose assumptions are gradually transformed by the kindness of strangers.
Also plays Muhumuza and Captain Bristol.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 20–40
QUESTIONS / SUBMISSIONS
For audition questions or electronic submissions, please contact:
info@ojaitheater.org
With thanks,
OPAT / Ojai Performing Arts Theater