Auditions

Auditions for AN AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, NY will be holding auditions for its upcoming production of an Award-Winning Musical. Because of rights restrictions, we are unable to reveal the title until 10/5.

Directed by Claudia Stefany with Music Direction by Nicole D’Angelo, this show is a heartfelt musical in celebration of human connection, kindness and community in the face of impossible circumstances.

AUDITIONS: Tuesday September 29th and Wednesday September 30th from 7-10pm

Please sign-up for one audition slot:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4DACAA2DAAFDC70-65004462-awardwinning#/

Audition Details: Please bring a resume/headshot and prepare a 32-bar cut from any genre of song (musical theater, pop, etc.) with a narrative that you relate to. Bring sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided.

Questions: Claudiastefany1957@gmail.com

CALLBACKS (by invitation only): Tuesday October 6th from 7-10pm

PERFORMANCES:
1st Performance: January 8
Closing February 6, 2027
Friday/Saturdays at 8PM Sundays at2pm

**Additional performances may be added

This award-winning musical shares an incredible real-life story that celebrates human connection, kindness and community in the face of impossible circumstances.

SEEKING: 6M/6W
CLAUDE & Others– Male-Presenting, 40-60s, Any Ethnicity. 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. Baritone vocal range top: G

BONNIE & Others– Female-Presenting, 30-40s, Any Ethnicity. 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. Mezzo vocal range top: B

BEULAH & Others-Female-Presenting, 40-60s, Any Ethnicity. The head of the Gander Legion with a firefighter son who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. Mezzo vocal range top: B

OZ & Others Male-Presenting, 30-50s, Any Ethnicity. The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps in unexpected ways. Tenor vocal range top: G

JANICE & Others-Female-Presenting, 20-30s, Any Ethnicity. 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. Soprano vocal range top: E

BEVERLEY/ANNETTE & Others– Female-Presenting, 40-50s, Any Ethnicity.
*Beverley- The first female captain for American Airlines, Pilot Beverley Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes.
*Annette- A local teacher and librarian at the Gander Academy and a mother. A practical woman who, on occasion, has been known to drift off into a daydream.
Mezzo: vocal range top: C#

HANNAH & Others– Female-Presenting, 40-60s, Black. The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah awaits news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Soprano vocal range top: E

DIANE & Others– Female-Presenting, 50-60, Any Ethnicity. A traditional divorcee from Texas, who is terrified that her son may have been flying at the time of the attacks. When she learns he is safe, she’s given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder more carefree side of herself. Soprano vocal range top: D

NICK/DOUG & Others– Male-Presenting, 50-60s, Any Ethnicity.
*Nick- An English oil engineer who is focused on his work. Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane.
*Doug- An Air Traffic Controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals.
Baritone vocal range top: E

KEVIN J/ALI & Others– Male-Presenting, 30-40s, Middle Eastern.
*Kevin J- Kevin’s T’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he is eager to leave as soon as possible. The events of September 11 make him reassess his life and his future.
*Ali- A Middle Eastern chef who works for an international hotel chain. He is misunderstood at times and the subject of discrimination, but despite adversity, he shows resilience and kindness.
Tenor/Baritenor

KEVIN T/GARTH & Others– Male-Presenting, 30-40s, Any Ethnicity.
*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 creates the Pay It Forward Foundation.
*Garth- The head of the local union, representing the Bus Drivers.
Tenor vocal range top: G

BOB/MUHUMUZA & Others– Male-Presenting, 20-40s, Black.
*Bob- 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.
*Muhumuza- A husband and a father. He is a protective man who, like his family, is rattled by the events of September 11 and is frightened that they are all being taken to a military compound.
Baritone

All roles are available. Casting is open to all ethnicities and races. Newcomers are especially welcome. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for the event. For more information or directions, call 845-353-1313 or visit ElmwoodPlayhouse.com/Auditions.

Elmwood Casting Policy

Elmwood Community Playhouse is committed to providing equal opportunity to all and we strive for nondiscrimination in all areas of our organization. We are a non-Equity playhouse and therefore cannot cast members of the Actors Equity Association.

Elmwood Playhouse has an open auditions policy for every role in every show. Any member of the community is invited to audition, regardless of race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or identity, age, or special need. In accordance with our Code of Conduct policy, Elmwood Community Playhouse is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our functions.

Actors do not need previous experience on the Elmwood stage to be offered a role. Many actors have been offered a role after the first time they audition. Further, Elmwood maintains a no pre-casting policy. All roles are available during the initial audition.

Dates for upcoming auditions are listed on our website, on social media, and announced in the members’ newsletter. If, in the opinion of the director, a suitable role cannot be cast from those who have auditioned, auditions may be extended beyond the original schedule, or specific individuals may be invited to audition to meet the needs of the production.

Upon arriving at the audition space, all actors will be asked to fill out an audition form. While not required, actors are encouraged to bring a headshot and/or suitable resumé. If there is a specific role in a show that is of interest, please identify it on the audition form so the director is aware. Please be prepared to list all schedule conflicts from the day of audition through the closing performance of the show.

All casting decisions are made on the basis of the actor’s skill and ability demonstrated during the audition(s), as well as upon the actor’s appropriateness and suitability (physical, vocal, mental, and/or emotional) for the available roles. Certain circumstances, such as in plays where race, gender, or age are core to the show, may influence casting choices, however, casting is solely decided based on skill and ability.

Acting Opportunities

Elmwood Playhouse produces five “main stage” shows a year. Involvement in these generally requires an average of 2-3 nights a week rehearsal for approx 8 weeks, and 12 to 20 performances over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Actual schedules will vary by show. A variety of “one performance” workshops for the monthly membership meetings, generally the first Monday of the month and open to the public. Special event performances throughout the year. This gives a broad range of opportunities for actors of varied skills and backgrounds to get on stage, whether you’re looking for a leading role or a small part to “get your feet wet”. Our shows run four to five weekends, occasionally with benefit performances during the week.

If you are cast…

All cast and crew personnel are encouraged to become members of Elmwood Community Playhouse and are required to attend strike, which is held the Sunday after the final performance. By taking part in a production, you also allow that images of yourself captured by Elmwood Community Playhouse during their activities (including but not limited to rehearsals, productions and special events) through video, photo and/or digital camera, to be used solely for the purposes of Elmwood Community Playhouse promotional materials/publications and web site, and waive any right of compensation or ownership thereto. As is true in the professional world of theatre and dance, if the director or choreographer believes that a cast member’s participation in a production is unsatisfactory, it is his/her right to replace the person. A professional attitude and commitment to productions are expected at all times.