Come from Away Auditions coming up in June!
Theatre Kent’s COME FROM AWAY Audition Information
Time: June 14 2026 @ 1pm-4pm then @ 6pm-9pm
June 15 2026 @ 6pm – 9pm
Ages: 14+
Location: St. Andrew’s Hall , 85 WIlliam Street South, Chatham
Callbacks: June 22, 2026
Synopsis: Come From Away is a critically acclaimed musical featuring a culturally relevant script accompanied by a deeply moving score by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The show has earned global success with 37 award nominations, 13 of which resulted in wins, most notably Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards and Outstanding Musical at the 2017 Drama Desk Awards. The show’s global presence resonates across all audiences as an uplifting reminder of humanity’s ability to come together, no matter what the circumstances.
Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, 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 recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
Come From Away gives theatres the opportunity to contribute to its worldwide impact by spreading the show’s message of kindness, unity, and resilience with their communities. With a flexible cast size and possibilities for technical creativity, Come From Away is guaranteed to be a show for audiences to remember.
Casting: Theatre Kent is committed to equitable and diverse casting.
The original show had a cast size of 12 performers who would interchange between many different roles. In our production we plan to expand the cast beyond 12 performers. We will have a group of characters who will be our main cast and the rest of the characters will be portrayed by our chorus. Please reference the character breakdown.
LOCALS
Claude: Male 40-60. 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. He is a very charismatic character.
Bonnie: Female. 30-40. 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.
Beulah: Female. 40-60. The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. She also interacts with many other characters (especially Ali) and has many heart to heart moments with them. She is the glue that holds the town together. Her sole mission is to make sure the “come from aways” are taken care of. She also works at Gander Academy.
Oz : Male. 30-50. The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways.
Janice: Female. 20-30. 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. She questions her choice to work in the news but ends up growing stronger as the play progresses.
Doug: Male. 30-40. He works at the Gander Airport and is married to Bonnie. He is continuously (and humorously) trying to get her to leave the planes and stop taking care of the animals.
Annette: Female. 20-30. Works at Gander Academy with Beulah. She is sweet and a hopeless romantic. She makes up many stories about the new men who are visiting Gander.
Garth: Male. 30-50. He is a school bus driver and head of his union. He is at odds with the mayor at the beginning of the play. He eventually agrees to help with the buses and has a heart warming interaction with the “Come From Aways” on his bus.
COME FROM AWAYS
Beverley:. Female. 50-60. Beverely: The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. She is kind, tough, and sincere.
Diane: Female. 50-60. 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.
Nick: Male. 50-60. An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane.
Kevin T: Male. 30-50. 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.
Kevin J: Male. 30-50. Kevin’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible. Being stranded has put stress on his relationship with Kevin T.
Hannah: Female. 40-60. The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah.
Bob: Male. 20-40. 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.
Ali: Male. 30-50. An Egyptian master chef traveling to America who experiences isolation and Islamophobia but who finds a connection to Beulah.
Audition Preparations:
We ask that you come prepared with a musical theatre song that showcases your voice and helps you tell a story. Please bring a copy of your song to be played on our bluetooth speaker. An accompanist will NOT be provided.
Show up between the above times. You will be asked to fill out some information before auditioning.
Callbacks:
Should you be contacted for a callback then you will be asked to sing a song related to the character we wish to see you for. We will also be asking you to do a reading. The songs and sides will be sent to you in advance. You will participate in a movement/dance audition. Don’t worry! We just want to see how you move.
Download the Audition info PDF
