October 27 – 28, 2026
SIGN UP
Link to sign up will be posted 2 weeks before auditions.
BE PART OF THE STORY
Come From Away is a fast-paced, uplifting musical based on the remarkable true story of a small town that welcomed the world in a moment of crisis on September 11, 2001. Highlights of being part of this opportunity include:
- Be Part of a Powerful New Musical
As one of the first productions of Come From Away in Central Minnesota, performers have the opportunity to help introduce audiences to this moving and widely celebrated contemporary musical. - Dynamic Ensemble Storytelling
Every actor plays multiple roles throughout the show, creating a challenging and rewarding experience that relies on strong acting, collaboration, and transformative storytelling. - An Unforgettable Musical Experience
Featuring a soaring folk-rock score, rich harmonies, and an uplifting message of compassion and community, Come From Away offers performers the chance to be part of a production that leaves both audiences and actors deeply inspired.
KEY DATES
Information Session: Sunday, October 11 from 4pm-5pm via Zoom
Join our optional Zoom info session to meet the creative team! You’ll hear about their vision for the show and what they are looking for in auditions. We will also have a Q&A session where you can ask questions about the process.
Audition Sign Up: Link to sign up for a spot will be posted 2 weeks before auditions
Audition Location: Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre – 710 Sundial Drive, Waite Park
Auditions:
- Tuesday, October 27 from 5:00pm-9:00pm
- Wednesday, October 28 from 5:00pm-9:00pm
Callbacks: Saturday, November 7th from 10:00am-3:00pm
What to Prepare
Information for what to prepare for auditions and the link to sign up will be posted October 11th!
Come From Away Character Information
GREAT is seeking 16-24 actors ages 18+ to bring this moving and widely celebrated contemporary musical to the Paramount Theatre. This is an ensemble-driven show, and we are looking for a company of versatile performers who are strong storytellers, thoughtful collaborators, and reliable community builders committed to collective growth.
At this time, GREAT is intending to double-cast the entire production, offering roles to 24 individuals. At the same time, auditions always bring surprises and new opportunities, so we recognize that double-casting intentions may change based upon who shows up and what is presented at auditions. We are also going into auditions considering casting the twelve roles as scripted with an additional four onstage swings.
Production considerations will be posted to the website soon, providing more information about GREAT’s production of Come From Away.
A Note on Theatrical Intimacy
The definition of theatrical intimacy is any action on stage where the given circumstances of the scene or the overall production calls for physical touch for theatrical purposes, including kissing, embracing, levels of undress, and simulated sexual acts.
Because consent, safety, and clear communication are integral to GREAT’s production processes, information about intimacy expectations for any character who engages in physical contact, stylized movement, or heightened sexual circumstances will be shared in audition materials prior to auditions, and all moments of staged intimacy will follow specific protocols.
Please note that most characters will engage in some level of staged intimacy: partner dance as well as physical moments to establish character relationships.
A Note on Character Descriptions
The ages, gender, and ethnic identities below are that of the characters. Actors who are outside of the character’s age ranges and/or gender identities will still be considered, based on the role preferences communicated on the actor’s audition form. Actors of all races, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to audition for Come From Away.
Please note that each actor plays multiple roles inclusive of varying identities. Each character is based on a real person; there are no caricatures.
CHARACTERS
Diane & Others | Female-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: 50s | Vocal Range: Soprano/mezzo with strong mix.
A 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. Staged Intimacy: Lip to lip kiss with Nick.
Hannah & Others | Female-presenting | Black | Age: 40-60s | Vocal Range: Soprano with strong high mix.
The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Also plays Margie and Mickey.
Janice & Others | Female-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: 20s | Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano with a strong belt.
An eager new local TV reporter, Janice is thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naive about the world, Janice must face the pain and confusion around her. Also plays Britney and Flight Attendant.
Beulah & Others | Female-presenting| Any ethnicity | Age: 40-60s | Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano with strong belt.
The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. Also plays Delores.
Bonnie & Others | Female-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: 30-40s | Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano.
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. Also plays Martha.
Beverly & Others | Female-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: 50s | Vocal Range: Soprano belt with strong high mix.
The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverley Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. Also plays Annette and Reporter.
Oz & Others | Male-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: 30-50s | Vocal Range: Tenor.
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, Cardiologist.
Kevin T & Others | Male-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: 30-50s | Vocal Range: High Tenor.
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 both stranded in Gander. Inspired by the town’s generosity, Kevin creates the Pay It Forward Foundation. Also plays Garth.
Kevin J & Others | Male-presenting | Middle Eastern, Latino, Asian, or any ethnicity | Age: 30-50s | Vocal Range: Baritone.
Kevin’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible. Also plays Dwight and Ali, a Muslim man traveling to America who experiences isolation and Islamophobia but who finds a connection to Beulah.
Bob & Others | Male-presenting | Black | Age: 20-40s | Vocal Range: Baritone.
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.
Claude & Others | Male-presenting | White | Age: 40-60s | Vocal Range: Baritone with a strong high G.
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.
Nick & Others | Male-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: 50s | Vocal Range: Baritone.
A quiet, reserved British oil engineer who steps out of his comfort zone and unexpectedly falls in love while stranded. Also plays Doug and Officer Stephenson. Staged Intimacy: Lip to lip kiss with Diane.
Male Swing | Male-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: Various | Vocal Range: Various
Townspeople, air traffic controllers, passengers, and others, these actors will have onstage tracks as well as serve as internal swings. Swing assignments will be determined once casting is complete.
Female Swing | Female-presenting | Any ethnicity | Age: Various | Vocal Range: Various
Townspeople, air traffic controllers, passengers, and others, these actors will have onstage tracks as well as serve as internal swings. Swing assignments will be determined once casting is complete.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director | Kendra Norton Dando
Choreographer | Haley Jensen
Music Director | Hillary Vermillion
Scenic Designer | Anthony Freitas
Costume Designer | Jessica Mancini
Lighting Designer | Jeff Brown
Sound Designer | Mari Bogucki
Prop Designer | Bonnie Bologna
Stage Manager | Grace Wright