COME FROM AWAY Peninsula Community Theatre Newport News, Virginia

What To Expect At Auditions

Date: December 6, 7, 8, 2026

Time: 7pm

Where: Peninsula Community Theatre, 10251 Warwick Blvd. Newport News, VA

Call Backs: Thursday December 10th at 7pm by invite only and if needed at the theatre.

Conflicts: Please note that the less conflicts you have the better your chance for consideration for this production is. This show requires an entire cast at almost all rehearsals minus the 6 solo/duet musical numbers. Everything else is company based so please only list conflicts that are non-negotiable to assist in your consideration.

What to Prepare:
• Bring a prepared and memorized song not to exceed 1 minute in length.

• Bring sheet music for the pianist in your key.

• or bring a track without vocals and a Bluetooth speaker will be provided.

• Come prepared to move.

• Readings will be from the script.

• You need only attend one night.

Casting: Actors must be able to play the age range of the role not necessarily be the age. Come From Away is a story about connection across differences. In that spirit, we actively seek a diverse and inclusive company. Performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, gender expression, sexual orientation, abilities, and lived experiences are encouraged to audition. We are especially interested in artists who are strong collaborators and storytellers, as this piece relies on a dynamic ensemble where each performer brings multiple characters to life. All identities and backgrounds are welcome in this process.

Rehearsals:
• Sunday either 4pm-9pm or 5pm to 10pm
• Mon-Thurs 7pm-10pm (until final two weeks, then done when we are done.)
• Sunday Feb. 14 (yes Valentine’s Day) We may start as early as 3pm so celebrate the day before.
• Saturday February 20th 10am-6pm (this may be shorter but you should hold it.)

Performance Dates: (This show will perform with out and intermission)
Feb. 26th – March 21st. (4 weekends)
• Fri/Sat at 8pm., 645pm calls
• Sunday at 2:30pm, 1:15pm calls
• HOLD ALL SATURDAYS FOR ADDED MATINEES, at either 2pm or 2:30pm.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Diane and others: (50s-60s) – Warm, natural, contemporary Soprano with a strong mix up to D. 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 is given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder, more carefree side of herself.

Hannah and others: (40s-60s) – Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and mix up to E. The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah.

Janice and other: (20s) – Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and a mix up to E. 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.

Beulah and others: 40s-60s) – Mezzo with belt up to B. The head of the Gander Legion and teacher, with a firefighter son, walks Hannah to her church and prays with her.

Bonnie and others: (30s-40s) – Mezzo with belt up to B. 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.

Beverley and others: (40s-50s) – Strong mezzo with an easy mixed or belted C#. The first female captain for American Airlines, Pilot Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes.

Oz and others: 30s-50s) Strong contemporary Tenor up to G. The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, OZ helps out in unexpected ways.

Kevin T. and others: (30s-40s) Strong contemporary Tenor up to G. 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.

Kevin J. and others: (30s-40s) – Tenor or Baritone. Kevin’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible.

Bob and others: (20s-40s) – 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.

Claude and others: (40s-60s) Gruff, natural sounding Baritone with a strong high G. Baritone. The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland, Claude loves his work, the townspeople, and his daily traditions, be he’s never had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude before.

Nick and others: (50s-60s) Warm, natural Baritone or Baritenor with an easy E and strong pop sensibility. An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane.

Others: the entire cast plays multiple roles of the townspeople and the plane people.

Special Charter Notes:
• Hannah and Janice - flash the audience their bra
• Nick, Diane, Kevin T. – Kiss a real cod
• Kevin T and Kevin J. – Kiss
• Nick and Diane - Kiss

Dialects: All dialects will be taught
• Newfoundland (various)
• New York
• Texas
• East Coast American
• Standard British
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Ugandan
• Egyptian
• Los Angeles / Californian

Show Description
Come From Away is a musical based on the true events following September 11, 2001, when 38 planes were unexpectedly grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. Nearly 7,000 stranded passengers — “come from aways”— were welcomed by the town and surrounding area residents, who opened their homes, schools, and hearts to complete strangers.
As fear, confusion, and grief ripple across the globe, the people of Gander and the displaced travelers form unexpected bonds that transcend nationality, religion, and background. Through acts of generosity, humor, and compassion, both hosts and guests are transformed by their shared experience.
Told through a dynamic ensemble portraying multiple characters, Come From Away highlights the resilience of humanity and the extraordinary kindness that can emerge in moments of crisis.

Audition Times

• Dec 6 Sunday 7:00 PM
• Dec 7 Monday 7:00 PM
• Dec 8 Tuesday 7:00 PM

Audition Form