Come From Away – Chequamegon Theatre Association

Chequamegon Theatre Association presents COME FROM AWAY

AUDITION NOTICE

Come from Away tells the inspiring true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. As fear and uncertainty gripped the world, the people of Gander responded with open arms. Through music, humor, and heart, this hit Broadway musical celebrates the power of human connection, reminds us that kindness can bring people together in the unlikeliest of times, and affirms that hope can arise in the unlikeliest places. This show is especially relevant this year as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Come From Away is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Performances: November 6-8 and 12-15, 2026

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein

Directed by Deb Ellefson

Music Direction by Jennifer Werner

AUDITIONS:

Dates: Sunday, August 23 & Monday, August 24

Time: 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Location: Rinehart Theatre 210 5th Ave E, Ashland, WI 54806

Auditions will consist of an individual 10-minute audition. Please sign up for a 30-minute time slot. Once your audition is complete, you are free to leave. Callbacks will be Wednesday, August 26.

To audition, click on the buttons to complete both of the following:

PREPARATION:

Prepare a 3-minute monologue (does not need to be memorized) or simply tell a story.
Music will be provided at the audition.
These will be general auditions – not specific to any character.

CHARACTER LIST

CLAUDE & OTHERS – (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. Also plays Derm & Brenda’s Brother, Eddie.

BONNIE & OTHERS – (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. Also plays Martha.

BEULAH & OTHERS – (Female, 40-60) The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. Also plays Delores.

OZ & OTHERS – (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. Also plays Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist.

JANICE & OTHERS – (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. Also plays Britney and Flight Attendant.

BEVERLY/ANNETTE & OTHERS – (Female, 40-60) 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.

DIANE & OTHERS – (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. Also plays Crystal and Brenda.

NICK/DOUG & OTHERS – (Male, 50-60) 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.

KEVIN T/GARTH & OTHERS – (Male, 30-50) 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.

KEVIN J/ALI & OTHERS – (Male, 30-50) 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.

HANNAH & OTHERS – (Female, 40-60) The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Also plays Margie and Mickey.

BOB & OTHERS – (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. Also plays Muhumuza and Captain Bristol.