AUDITIONS

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For more information about auditions, Contact (808) 733-0277 (ext. 302).

Come From Away: Auditions on June 21 & June 22

About the Show. COME FROM AWAY is a rock-infused world-premiere musical based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, where 38 planes were unexpectedly diverted on September 11, 2001. As thousands of stranded passengers arrived, the town welcomed them with music, generosity, and a powerful sense of shared humanity.

Important Info. This is a physically and mentally demanding ensemble show with no intermission. Most actors are on stage throughout and must be comfortable with athletic movement, light choreography, and singing without vibrato. Expect to stand on and move chairs and tables as part of cinematic-style transitions.

We’ll work with a range of dialects, with a focus on Newfoundland. Age range is “read as.” Open, inclusive casting—actors of all genders, abilities, and backgrounds are encouraged to submit. Bring you to the role.

Director & Choreographer: Chelsea LeValley
Musical Director: Jenny Shiroma
A Musical Play by Irene Sankoff & David Hein
Music & Lyrics: Irene Sankoff & David Hein

Show Dates: September 12 – September 28 with the possibility of an extension to Sunday, October 12.

Audition Dates. Saturday, June 21 from 6 to10 pm & Sunday, June 22 from 6 to 10 pm (additional slots can be available Sunday, June 22 12 to 2pm). Callbacks will be on Monday, June 23 from 6 to 10 pm or Tuesday, June 24, 7 to 10 pm if needed. An initial rehearsal will be on June 25, from 7 to 10 pm.

Callbacks. By invitation only on Monday, June 23 from 6 to 10 pm with possible further callbacks on Tuesday, June 24 from 7 to 10 pm if needed. Not being called back in no way infers final casting decisions. **Learn character-specific music and sides for which you’re called back and come prepared to sing and read with a reader as well as potentially with other actors. We may ask you to do the movement call again, so make sure to bring shoes you can move in and remember to use the provided video to prepare to succeed at the movement call.**

NOTE on the COVERS/ENSEMBLE. Being a swing/cover/standby for Come From Away have been named one of the hardest roles in showbiz. Covers in this production are being considered ensemble members as we are looking to add them to the Opening, Screech, Finale and possible other moments, TBD. This is a great challenge for the actor requiring self-determination and solo work as well as group-work with your fellow covers/ensemble members. We will schedule rehearsal time for you and are planning an invited on stage rehearsal for you to perform one or two of your chosen tracks. The breakdown of covers may shift depending on the artists who are cast so please choose the tracks you think you best fit as you prepare in auditions. Thank you for your time!

Audition Sign Up. Auditions by appointment are preferred. Unscheduled auditions are permitted as time allows but may require a wait. Auditions will be held in the Diamond Head Theatre Rehearsal Hall at 520 Makapuu Avenue (rear parking lot/costume shop entrance).

About Auditions. Prepare a cut from the show for a character you feel you fit or bring a 32-bar selection featuring Musical Theatre, Pop or Rock piece that features your voice and acting skills. Prepare a short, 90-seconds or less monologue for the audition. An accompanist will be provided. Tracks are not permitted. Come in comfortable clothes you can move in if you are asked to stay for a movement call at the end of your audition night. A link to the movement call will be provided by June 4th- please prepare for it in advance. Sneakers are fine- wear what you’re comfortable moving in.

If you are out of town/unavailable for auditions and callbacks but available for the production you may submit a tape using the instructions at this link.

Dialects are not expected for auditions/callbacks. Click here for Newfoundlander dialect if you so choose.

Submit all materials to: Productions@diamondheadtheatre.org

There are no children’s roles under the age of 15.

What to Bring. Come prepared with comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in if you are asked to stay for the movement call- sneakers are good. Please bring a complete list of any conflicts or possible conflicts you may have with rehearsals and performances between Wednesday, June 25 and Sunday, October 12 to the audition. If you are cast in COME FROM AWAY, no additional conflicts except those presented at your audition will be accepted. Headshots and resumes preferred, but not required.

Rehearsal Dates. All rehearsals are held at Diamond Head Theatre. While always subject to change, the first two weeks will be music rehearsals on Sunday – Tuesday until July 15 where the first two weeks of rehearsals will be Mondays – Thursday (7 to 10 pm), Fridays off, Saturdays (5:30 – 9:30 pm) and Sundays (10 am to 1 pm). Following that, Tuesdays – Fridays (7 to 10 pm), Saturdays (5:30 to 9:30 pm and Sundays (2 to 6 pm). The finalized rehearsal schedule will be determined by the director and dates will be available soon. Days off are subject to changed c based on the needs of the group and the theatre.

Contact for Inquiries. Artistic Director John Rampage at (808) 733-0277 (ext. 302)

COME FROM AWAY CHARACTERS

30s-50s, any ethnicity. Character is female (cis, trans, or non- binary). An American Airlines pilot, Beverley has always loved flying, but her world is changed when she hears about coworkers who were killed in the attacks, and when she is confronted by passengers who refuse to fly again. Also plays ANNETTE, a local teacher at the Gander Academy who assists Beulah and often lapses into fantasies about the newcomers. Excellent singer with a contemporary soprano belter with a strong high mix up to an E.

30s – 60s, any ethnicity. Character is female (cis, trans, or non- binary). Head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, she befriends Hannah, walking to church and praying with her, while overcoming her suspicions of Ali. Quick- witted and open hearted, Beulah loves to share a joke. Excellent singer with an alto/belt to a B.

Female presenting ensemble/cover 1: 30s, any ethnicity.

20s–50s, any ethnicity. Character is female (cis, trans, or non- binary). 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 sometimes lashes out at her husband, Doug. Singer with a strong alto/2nd soprano voice.

40s-60s, any ethnicity. Character is female (cis, trans, or non- binary). 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. Alto belt and mix/soprano voice, strong belt to a C# and ability to mix up to an E.

30s–50s, Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx/Hispanic, MENASA. Character is female (cis, trans, or non-binary). The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Contemporary soprano with a strong belt up to a C# and mix up to an E.

20s, any ethnicity. Character is Female (cis, trans, or non-binary). 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. Comedy skills are a plus. Excellent characterful belt voice up to a B comfortable with mix/soprano.

ACTOR – 30s, Any Ethnicity. To cover [BONNIE] 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. Vocal range top: B4. [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. Vocal range top: E5.

ACTOR – 40s, Black. Or any ethnicity. [HANNAH] The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Mix-belt & Contemporary Soprano with vocal range top: E5. To cover [BEULAH] The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. Vocal range: Mezzo with belt up to D.

ACTOR- 30’s-50’s. [BEVERLY/ANNETTE]. [BEVERLY] The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. [ANNETTE] A local teacher and librarian at the Gander Academy and a mother. A practical woman who, on occasion, has been known to drift off into a daydream. Vocal range top: C#5. [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. Vocal range top: D5.

Late 20s – 30s, Black. Character is male (cis, trans, or non-binary). A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where he’s landed, fearing that someone will take advantage of him – but instead he ends up losing his New York jadedness. A deft actor able to handle multiple highly comedic moments of the show as well as some of the heaviest. Contemporary baritone with a rich, dynamic sound that easily sings up to an E.

30s–60s, any ethnicity. Character is male (cis, trans, or non- binary). 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. Also plays DERM, mayor of the nearby town of Appleton. Rich, characterful baritone voice with a very strong G.

20s-40s, MENASA, Asian, Latinx/Hispanic, Black, Indigenous or any ethnicity. Character is male (cis, trans, or non-binary). Kevin T’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave and get back to the U.S. as soon as possible. Also plays ALI, an Egyptian passenger. Excellent rich baritenor/tenor 2 voice that sings easily to an F#.

20s – mid 50s, any ethnicity. Character is male (cis, trans, or non- binary). 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 searches for greater meaning and ways to give back. Also plays the role of GARTH, head of the local union representing the bus drivers. Excellent contemporary high tenor voice to an A.

40s–60s, any ethnicity. Character is male (cis, trans, or non-binary). An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for another passenger, Diane. Also plays DOUG, an air traffic controller and husband to Bonnie. Characterful baritenor or tenor voice that sings up to an F#.

20s–50s, any ethnicity. Character is male (cis, trans, or non-binary). 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 the role of JOEY, a rambunctious passenger on one of the planes who enjoys a good drink. Excellent contemporary high tenor voice with a strong pop and legit vocal style that sings easily to an A (full voice and falsetto).

30s, Middle Eastern or Black. To cover [KEVIN J/ALI]. [KEVIN J] Kevin’s T’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he is eager to leave as soon as possible. The events of September 11 make him reassess his life and his future. [ALI] A Middle Eastern chef who works for an international hotel chain. He is misunderstood at times and the subject of discrimination, but despite adversity, he shows resilience and kindness. Vocal range: B2-G4. [BOB/MUHUMUZA]. [BOB] 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. [MUHUMUZA] A husband and a father. He is a protective man who, like his family, is rattled by the events of September 11 and is frightened that they are all being taken to a military compound. Vocal Range: B2-F#4.

ACTOR – 30s, [KEVIN T/GARTH]. [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 were 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. Vocal range top: G4. and [OZ] The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways. Vocal range top: G4. [NICK/DOUG].

ACTOR – 40s, Any Ethnicity. To cover [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. Vocal range top: G4. [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. Vocal range top: E4.

ALL ROLES ARE OPEN. We are committed to non-traditional casting, so all appropriate ages, body types, colors, ethnicities, disabilities and gender identities are encouraged to audition. Each cast member will also pledge to uphold our anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies before beginning rehearsals. We are dedicated to an open and inclusive create environment that fosters artistic and personal growth.

Come From Away is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. https://www.mtishows.com/

Cast of volunteers

Oahu’s abundance of talented performers light up our stage show after show. Diamond Head Theatre’s productions also feature guest artists and Broadway performers.