Come From Away
Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein

Badanai Theatre is proud to announce OPEN AUDITIONS for this powerful, true story of kindness in the face of crisis.

📅 AUDITION DATES
Saturday, March 21 | 1:30–3:30 PM
Wednesday, March 25 | 6:00–8:00 PM

🎟 Book your audition time here: https://signup.com/go/ZrRwroR

🎭 Performance Dates:
Sept. 17-19, 24-26, Oct. 1-3, 2026
(with possible extension)

Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. In the days following September 11, 2001, the town of Gander opened its homes — and hearts — to the world.

This ensemble-driven musical celebrates humanity, generosity, resilience, and connection. All performers will portray multiple roles and dialect work (Newfoundland, American, British, etc.) will be required.

Badanai Theatre seeks performers of all races, ethnicities, body types, gender identities, actors with disabilities, and actors of all ages (18+) for roles in this production. While character descriptions reference gendered pronouns as written, we strongly encourage gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary performers to audition for the roles they most identify with.

(All roles portray multiple characters.)

Female-identifying, 50s–60s
Contemporary soprano or mezzo with strong mix to D
A traditional Texas divorcee traveling to see her son during 9/11. Initially anxious and tightly wound, Diane experiences a renewed sense of freedom and joy after learning her son is safe. Warm, open, and unexpectedly adventurous.

Female-identifying, 30s–50s
Contemporary soprano with strong high mix to E
Mother of a New York firefighter missing after the attacks. Poised and compassionate, Hannah carries deep strength beneath her fear. Forms a powerful emotional bond with Beulah.

Female-identifying, 20s
Contemporary soprano with strong belt and mix to E
An eager young local TV reporter on her first day covering the crisis. Initially naive and enthusiastic, Janice matures quickly as she witnesses the emotional impact of events.

Female-identifying, 40s–60s
Mezzo with strong belt to B
Head of the Gander Legion. Quick-witted, warm, and deeply compassionate. Anchors the community response and provides comfort to Hannah.

Female-identifying, 30s–50s
Mezzo with strong belt to B
Head of the local SPCA and a mother of three. Practical, determined, and unwavering when she discovers animals are trapped on grounded planes.

Female-identifying, 40s–50s
Soprano belter with strong high mix to C#
An American Airlines pilot who loves flying. Struggles with grief and the fear of returning to the skies after losing colleagues in the attacks.

Male-identifying, 30s–50s
High Tenor to G
The quirky constable of the small Gander police force. Good-humored and practical, Oz helps maintain calm as the town’s population doubles overnight.

Male-identifying, 30s–40s
High Tenor to G
An environmental energy executive from Los Angeles traveling with his boyfriend. Transformed by the generosity of Gander, he later founds the Pay It Forward Foundation.

Male-identifying, 30s–40s
Tenor or Baritone
Kevin T.’s boyfriend and assistant. Initially impatient and cynical, Kevin J. gradually softens through his experience in Gander.

Male-identifying, 20s–40s
Baritone
A tough New Yorker who arrives suspicious and guarded, fearing the worst. His worldview shifts as he experiences unexpected kindness.

Male-identifying, 40s–60s
Baritenor/Tenor to G
The beloved Mayor of Gander. Steady, generous, and quietly heroic. Leads the town through crisis with humility and resolve.

Male-identifying, 50s–60s
Baritone or Baritenor to E
A British oil engineer focused on work and routine. Finds unexpected love with Diane during their time stranded in Gander.

• Prepare 16–32 bars of a contemporary musical theatre song (folk/rock storytelling style encouraged).
• Please sing a cappella.
• You will be asked to cold read from the script.

This is an ensemble-driven production. Collaboration, versatility, and strong storytelling are essential.

At its heart, Come From Away is about community — and that begins in the audition room.

We can’t wait to welcome you.