Auditions

AUDITION DETAILS

 

ROLES TO BE CAST:  

The pronouns and ages listed are descriptions of the characters. Actors are welcome to express 

interest for any roles, regardless of gender or age.  Expect that some parts will be doubled - common doubling is as listed. 

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CLAUDE: He/Him |  40 - 60’s | Gruff, natural sounding 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. 

 

BONNIE: She/Her |  30 - 40’s | Mezzo with belt up to B. 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.   

 

BEULAH: She/Her |  40 - 60’s | Mezzo with belt up to B. The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. 

 

OZ: He/Him | 30 - 50’s | 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. 

 

DOUG/NICK: He/Him | 40 – 50’s | Vocal range top: E5 (Doug). Warm natural Baritone or Baritenor with an easy E and strong pop sensibility (Nick).  

    ● Doug: An Air Traffic Controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals. 

    ● Nick: An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick's life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane. 

 

JANICE: She/Her |  20’s | Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and mix up to E. 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.   

 

ANNETTE/BEVERLY: She/Her |  40 - 50’s | Vocal range top: D4 (Annette). Strong mezzo with an easy mixed or belted C# (Beverly).  

   ● Annette: A local teacher at the Gander Academy and mother to a lot of children.  

   ● Beverly: The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. 

 

KEVIN T/GARTH: He/Him |  30 - 40’s | Vocal range top: G4 (Garth). Strong contemporary Tenor up to G (Kevin T).  

   ● Garth: The head of the local union, representing the Bus Drivers.   

   ● 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 were stranded in Gander. Inspired by the town's generosity, Kevin creates the Pay It Forward Foundation.  

 

DIANE: She/Her | 50 - 60’s | Warm natural contemporary Soprano with 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's given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder, more carefree side of herself.  

 

KEVIN J/ALI: He/Him | 30 - 40’s | Tenor or Baritone.  

   ● Kevin J: Kevin's boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon 

as possible.   

   ● Ali: A Muslim man who experiences prejudice during the events surrounding the September 

11th attacks. 

 

BOB: He/Him | 20 - 40’s | 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.   

 

HANNAH: She/Her | 40 - 60’s | Contemporary Soprano with strong pop belt and mix up to E. The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hanna waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. 

 

AUDITION DETAILS

Initial auditions will consist of three parts: a vocal (musical) audition, a dance/movement audition, and acting audition with selections chosen from the script.

VOCAL AUDITIONS: Please prepare a cut of a song of your choice that fits the style of the show and showcases your vocal ability. Your selection must be no longer than one minute. Auditioners must provide their own instrumental accompaniment track. No live accompanist will be provided. Bluetooth speakers will be available for audio playback. A capella auditions will not be accepted.

 

DANCE AUDITIONS: For the dance/movement audition: Please wear clothing and footwear that allows full movement, and be prepared to learn and perform a short choreographed piece. 

 

ACTING AUDITIONS: Actors perform cold readings of selections from the musical. These “cold readings” are expected to be acted out but do not have to be memorized. 

 

WCP/BHCT is committed to a policy of open auditions. Our success depends on the full participation of talented people, regardless of their race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Scripts will be available for a week-long perusal with a $10 deposit. Please stop by the WCP/BHCT Walker Building during normal business hours (Tuesday-Thursday, Noon-5:00pm; Friday, Noon-4:00pm) to pick up a script.  Questions? Call 319-235-0367 or email anita.ross@wcpbhct.org.

 

OTHER DETAILS

We will ask you to complete a conflict calendar prior to making casting decisions. It is helpful to know your conflicts from Sunday, December 6- Sunday, March 7 so you can clearly complete a conflict calendar. Getting involved in a production is no small commitment and while we encourage and welcome one and all, it’s best to fully understand the time commitment and the challenges you may meet if you or a family member gets involved. 

 

We will start our rehearsal period around December 12. Once rehearsals start, we will meet roughly 3-5 times per week; we will meet more often the closer we get to production. Understandably a busy holiday season is in the midst of our rehearsal schedule; we will plan accordingly. Each rehearsal is about 2-3 hours. Occasionally we meet for a longer time, but we always strive to use the time wisely and efficiently. 

 

The final technical and dress rehearsals are considered mandatory since we need to make sure one and all are fully prepared for our audiences. In order to meet that need, everyone involved needs to be present and doing their job/role. Please contact Anita at anita.ross@wcpbhct.org if you have any questions or concerns.