UPCOMING AUDITIONS
Virginia Stage Company follows Actor's Equity policy regarding casting for both Equity and non-Equity contracts with regards to diversity: Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to submit.
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Virginia Stage Company strives for an inclusive creative work environment and actively embraces a diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We highly encourage people of color, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups to audition.
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Norfolk Local Auditions: Come From Away
Thursday, May 28, 2026 5:00PM - 9:00PM (EST) -
(Equity and Non-Equity appointments accepted)
Callbacks: Friday, May 29, 2026 5:00PM - 9:00PM (EST)
at Virginia Stage Company (108 E. Tazewell Street)
The Virginia Stage Company is holding in-person
Local Auditions for Come From Away
with Resident Casting Director, Emel Ertugrul
Request an audition appointment completing this form
VSC Come From Away Audition Request Form
OR
by emailing auditions@vastage.org with the subject
“ Come From Away NORFOLK LOCAL Audition ” please include
1) roles for which you are auditioning
2) headshot/resume if you have it (not required to make appointment)
You will receive a return email confirming your assigned time slot.
Video Audition Submissions will also be accepted for Season 48. Use this form VIDEO Audition or Email video viewing link (NO FILES) to auditions@vastage.org Subject: “ CFA VIDEO Audition ” Please include what production(s)/Role(s) you are auditioning for.
Come From Away
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein
Produced in partnership with Christopher Newport University
Directed by Tom Quaintance
September 2- September 20, 2026
1st Rehearsal: August 11, 2026 . Opening: September 6, 2026. Closing: September 20, 2026
In a small town in Newfoundland, an ordinary morning becomes extraordinary when the world suddenly changes. On September 11th, 2001, thirty-eight planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers are diverted to the tiny town of Gander. As cultures collide and uncertainty fills the air, strangers open their homes, their kitchens, and their hearts.
This acclaimed Broadway hit tells the remarkable true story of kindness in the face of crisis. With a soaring score and an ensemble cast playing dozens of characters, Come From Away celebrates the generosity that can appear when we need it most. And reminds us how deeply connected we really are.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Rehearsals: Tuesday, August 11 - Wednesday, August 26
Tech: Thursday, August 27 - Sunday, August 30
Previews: Wednesday, September 2 - Friday, September 5
Performances: Saturday, September 6 - Sunday, September 20
2 Student Matinees will occur weekday mornings - 10:30AM
1 Theater for Everyone performance weekday - 2:00PM
Full Performance Schedule (subject to change)
For the audition:
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Please refer to character accent requirements.
Some characters have more text with regional Newfoundland dialect than others, but all have some.
MONOLOGUE:
Be prepared to perform the following text in the Gander Accent.
“On the northeast tip of North America, on an island called Newfoundland, there’s an airport – it used to be one of the biggest airports in the world. And next to it, is a town called Gander. There’s a two-person police department, an elementary school, an SPCA, a local tv station and a hockey rink. It’s a small place – on a giant rock in the ocean. Everybody knows everybody else. And everybody in this room has a story about how they started that day.”
ACCENT:
>> Hear the text spoken with a Gander accent <<
SONGS:
Be prepared to perform 2 songs as defined below.
PART 1: (1.5 – 2 min max) of a contemporary music theatre or pop/rock song of your choice in the style of Come From Away which showcases your acting and singing skills as well as your vocal range. Bring your own sheet music for this. Piano accompanist will be provided.
PART 2: One of the following 4 short cuts from “Welcome to the Rock”.
Pick either Claude, Beulah, Oz, or Bonnie.
Welcome to the Rock - CFA - (4 part edit)
General note: All actors must be able to sing and perform heightened forms of movement. Should be able to lift, move and/or reposition furniture, blocks, etc. as well as climb/stand on set pieces. This is an ensemble piece that will have constantly changing scenic locations all executed by the ensemble. Everyone plays multiple characters. Looking for game actors who are great in the room more than specific character types. Some characters have more text with regional Newfoundland dialect than others, but all have some.
Vocal range note: Vocal range based on original score. All vocal ranges are subject to alteration. Use them as a guide for the audition, however, changes may be made during the rehearsal process and might be mixed up depending on who all is cast.
Come From Away - Role Descriptions
Diane: 50s. Any Race or Ethnicity, Female-presenting.
Vocal range: Warm, natural contemporary Soprano with strong mix up to D.
A traditional divorcee from Texas (w/Texas dialect), who is terrified that her son may have been flying at the time of the attacks. When she finds out that he is safe, she is given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder, more carefree side of herself.
Intimacy needs: New romantic partner - kissing, hugging, touching. Physical touch with friends in celebration and/or grief.
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect & a Texas dialect.
Doubles as Crystal and Brenda.
Hannah & Others: 40-60s Any Race or Ethnicity, Female-presenting.
Vocal range: 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. Intimacy needs: Physical touch between friends (in celebration and grief). Doubles as Margie, Mickey.
Has New York accent.
Janice & Others: 20s, Any Race or Ethnicity, Female-presenting.
Vocal range: Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and a mix up to E.
One of the locals. An eager new local TV reporter who is thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naive about the world, she must face the pain and confusion around her.
Intimacy needs: Physical touch between friends (in celebration and grief).
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect.
Doubles as Britney; Flight Attendant.
Beulah: 40s-60s, Any Race or Ethnicity, Female-presenting.
Vocal range: Mezzo with belt up to B.
One of the locals. The head of the Gander Legion with a firefighter son who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her.
Intimacy needs: Physical touch between friends (in celebration and grief).
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect.
Doubles as Delores.
Bonnie: 30s-40s, Any Race or Ethnicity, Female-presenting.
Vocal range: Mezzo with belt up to B.
One of the locals. A no-nonsense mother of three, she is the head of the Gander SPCA. When she discovers animals are trapped on the planes, she stops at nothing to ensure their safety - she often lashes out at those around her. Married to Doug, the Air Traffic Controller.
Intimacy needs: Physical touch between friends (in celebration and grief).
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect.
Doubles as Martha.
Beverley/Annette & Others: 40s-60s. Any Race or Ethnicity, Female-presenting.
Vocal range: Strong mezzo with an easy mixed or belted C#
Beverly: The first female captain for American Airlines. Beverley Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes.
Annette: A local teacher with an active imagination.
Intimacy needs: Physical touch between friends (in celebration and grief).
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect as Annette. Beverley, southern light accent.
Oz & Others: 30-40s, Any Race or Ethnicity, Male-presenting.
Vocal range: Strong contemporary Tenor up to G.
One of the locals. The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town's population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways.
Intimacy needs: Physical touch between friends (in celebration and grief).
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect and other dialects as well be able to speak in Hebrew.
Doubles as Joey; Customs Officer; Mr. Michaels; Terry; Matty; Rabbi; Head Cardiologist.
Kevin T./Garth & Others: 30-50s. Any Race or Ethnicity, Male-presenting.
Vocal range: Strong contemporary Tenor up to G.
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 T. creates the Pay It Forward Foundation.
Garth: The head of the local Gander union representing bus drivers.
Intimacy needs: Physical touch with friends in celebration and/or grief. Possible physically aggressive moments.
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect as Garth. Also does an impersonation of George Bush.
Kevin J./Ali & Others: 30-50s. Muslim or Middle Eastern. Male-presenting.
Vocal range: Tenor or Baritenor.
Kevin J: Kevin T’s boyfriend and secretary. A native New Yorker. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave Gander as soon as possible.
Ali: a chef for an international restaurant chain who faces fear and discrimination in the wake of the attacks, but finds connection with Beulah
Intimacy needs: Physical touch with friends in celebration and/or grief. Possible physically aggressive moments.
Has Arabic as well as New York accent.
Bob/Muhumuza & Others: 20s-40s. Black or East African. Male-presenting.
Vocal range: Baritone.
Bob: A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where he has landed, fearing that it’s World War III, but instead he ends up losing his New York jadedness.
Muhumuza: An African Passenger who, despite a language barrier, finds common ground with a local bus driver; Captain Bristol.
Intimacy needs: Physical touch between friends (in celebration and grief). Possible physically aggressive moments.
Has African as well as New York accent.
Claude & Others: 40s-60s, Any Race or Ethnicity, Male-presenting.
Vocal range: Gruff, natural sounding Baritone with a strong high G.
One of the locals. The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland; he loves his work, the townspeople and daily traditions. Has never had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude.
Intimacy needs: Physical touch between friends (in celebration and grief).
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect.
Doubles as Derm (Brenda's Brother) and Eddie.
Nick/Doug & Others: 40-60s. Any Race or Ethnicity, Male-presenting.
Vocal range: Warm, natural Baritone or Baritenor with an easy E and strong pop sensibility.Nick: An English oil engineer who is focused on his work. His life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane.
Doug: A local Air Traffic Controller who is married to Bonnie and tries to help his wife and the animals
Intimacy needs: New romantic partner - kissing, hugging, touching. Physical touch with friends in celebration and/or grief. Possible physically aggressive moments.
Has a regional Newfoundland dialect & a British dialect.
Doubles as Officer Stephenson; Male Townsperson.
Virginia Stage Company strives for an inclusive creative work environment and actively embraces a diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We highly encourage people of color, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups to audition.
To request an in-person audition appointment:
complete the VSC CFA Audition Request Form
OR
by email auditions@vastage.org with the subject
“ Come From Away NORFOLK LOCAL Audition ” with the following
1) Full Name
2) productions/roles for which you are auditioning
3) headshot/resume if you have it (not required)
You will receive a return email confirming your assigned time slot.
Video Audition Submissions will also be accepted for Season 48.
Use this form VIDEO Audition or Email video viewing link (NO FILES) to auditions@vastage.org Subject: “ CFA VIDEO Audition ” Please include what production(s)/Role(s) you are auditioning for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I audition for a Virginia Stage Company production?
Virginia Stage Company employs both Equity (LOA referencing LORT) and Non Equity Performers. All positions are paid. Non Equity pay ranges depending on the role.
Q. How often are auditions held?
Auditions are held throughout our season, typically beginning in August. The best way to know when auditions happen is to sign up for email notifications, see below. (You will only receive emails about upcoming auditions.)
Q: What do I prepare for the audition?
For individual show auditions, please prepare the side that is appropriate for your character. We will provide a reader to interact with you when presenting your audition. While you are not required to have the lines memorized, we recommend that you at least be highly familiar with them. Make sure to check individual audition listings for recommended sides and show-specific requirements.
Q: What if I can’t make it to the audition?
If you absolutely cannot make it to the audition, video submissions will be accepted. E-Mail auditions@vastage.org for more information.
Q: Can I send you my headshot/resume?
Yes please! E-mail it to auditions@vastage.org with the title of the show you are interested in as the subject line – or mail it to the theatre: Virginia Stage Company, PO Box 3770, Norfolk, VA 23514.
Q: What if I do not have a headshot/resume?
We will be taking a photo of you with your audition number at the auditions, but we’d always appreciate a good quality & recent shot of you in lieu of a professional headshot. If you do not have a resume, there will be a space on our audition form for you to fill out any theatre experience you may have.
For specific inquiries, please contact auditions@vastage.org.
Audition Email List
We hold a few show-specific auditions throughout each season. Sign up below to get an email when we've got one coming up! (You will only be emailed about auditions.)