Come From Away Auditions
Casting Mission Statement
Suzart Productions values diversity and strives to always be an inclusive space. We welcome everyone and especially encourage individuals from equity-deserving communities to audition for our show.
About the Show
Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of what happened when 38 planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. Nearly 7,000 stranded passengers were welcomed by the people of Gander with extraordinary kindness, generosity, and humour. This fast‑paced, ensemble-driven musical celebrates community, resilience, and the power of human connection in the face of crisis. Cast members must be comfortable with dialects, fast transitions, and collaborative ensemble work. At its core, the show celebrates compassion, humour, and the strength of community.
Performance and Rehearsal Details
Come From Away will run September 10–19 on the Meridian Centrepointe Theatre – Main Stage. Cast members must be fully available for all performances and technical rehearsals during this period.
Rehearsals will begin in late May and continue through to opening night. Because this is a fast‑paced, ensemble-driven show, we will rehearse throughout the summer to ensure the cast is confident with music, movement, and character work ahead of our September opening.
A detailed rehearsal schedule, including summer commitments, will be provided at auditions.
Show Details
Please take note of the following elements included in this production:
Strong language — The script contains profanity and strong language as written. These elements are part of the authentic storytelling and will remain unchanged.
Intimacy and physical contact —
Nick & Diane: scenes include closeness, choreographed touching, holding, and kissing.
Full cast: moments of physical proximity, choreographed touching, holding, and potential lifts as part of ensemble movement and storytelling.
These components will be approached with care, professionalism, and respect, following established intimacy and safety practices.
Audition Requirements and Information
We aim to see everyone who wishes to audition. If all time slots fill, additional sessions may be added.
Auditions will be held on:
Saturday, April 25 at the Tony Graham Recreation Centre
Sunday, April 26 at the Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse – BGC Ottawa
When booking, you will select a 90‑minute audition block, and you are required to remain for the full duration. The Booking button is located at the end of the page.
Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for check‑in at the registration desk.
During your session, you will work in a group to:
Learn and perform a short choreography sequence
Review and sing vocal harmonies
Participate in ensemble‑based activities
At points throughout the 90 minutes, you may be divided into smaller groups and rotated between activities. The process is designed to be collaborative, supportive, and interactive, giving us a chance to see how you work within an ensemble.
Detailed preparation instructions will be emailed once your audition spot is confirmed.
Most importantly, come ready to have fun, take risks, and enjoy creating with others.
Casting Requirements
Cast ages will be 19+
There will be no ensemble
There will be no pit chorus
Character Breakdown
The directing team is open to casting this production using either the 18‑person ensemble structure or the original 12‑person cast breakdown, depending on the needs of the show and the strengths of the auditioning performers.
The 12‑person breakdown is as follows:
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.
Gender: male
Age: 40 to 60
Vocal range top: G4
Bonnie & others
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.
Also plays Martha.
Gender: female
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: B4
Beulah & others
The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her.
Also plays Delores.
Gender: female
Age: 40 to 60
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.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 50
Vocal range top: G4
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.
Gender: female
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: E5
Beverley/Annette & others
Beverely: The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes.
Annette: A schoolteacher at Gander Academy with an active fantasy life.
Also plays Reporter.
Gender: female
Age: 50 to 60
Vocal range top: C#5
Diane & others
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.
Also plays Crystal and Brenda.
Gender: female
Age: 50 to 60
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: A3
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.
Gender: male
Age: 50 to 60
Vocal 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.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 50
Vocal range top: G4
Kevin J/Ali & others
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.
Also plays Dwight.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 50
Hannah & others
The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah.
Also plays Margie and Mickey.
Gender: female
Age: 40 to 60
Vocal range top: E5
Bob & others
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.
Also plays Muhumuza and Captain Bristol.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 40