Come
From Away
Auditions will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
The theatre is especially seeking many different types of actors who sing and dance with ease and can play a wide age-range. The open call will be held at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 3rd Ave. Rock Island, IL., at 10 a.m. on Saturday January 18, 2025. Please bring 2 contrasting contemporary musical pieces, a monologue, a headshot / resume, clothes to dance in and a list of possible conflicts for the run. An accompanist will be provided and dance sequence will be taught throughout the day. Candidates are encouraged to sing a selection from the show if they wish to do so.
This beautiful musical tells a true story that has become something of a legend: on Sept. 11, 2001, the residents of the isolated, small town of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day turned into a legend of Canadian hospitality when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on a moment’s notice, doubling the island’s tiny population. In the week after 9/11, residents banded together to house, clothe, and feed nearly 7,000 plane passengers, cheering the stranded travelers and building lasting connections with them through empathy, music & an open bar. Nominated for 7 Tony awards, Come From Away has itself become a symbol of generosity and connection, and the show is known for offering one of the most heartwarming evenings available at a theatre.
This phenomenal musical will be directed by Corinne Johnson, who has also directed Murder on the Orient Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and Disenchanted here at Circa '21.
We will accept video submissions if you are unable to make the auditions. Submissions should include a resume and photo, a vocal reel, a one minute contemporary dramatic monologue and a one minute contemporary comic monologue.
Submissions should be sent to production manager Jeremy Littlejohn at jeremylittlejohn1977@gmail.com.
Production dates, including 2 weeks of rehearsals, are Aug. 28 – Nov. 1, 2025. All roles in this professional production are paid.
Available Roles & descriptions:
DIANE & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 50 - 69
Vocal range Mezzo Soprano Female, 50s–60s; Diane is 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 he is safe, she’s given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder more carefree side of herself. Also plays Newfoundland local, CRYSTAL. Contemporary soprano or mezzo with strong mix.
HANNAH & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 30 - 59
Vocal range Soprano Female, 30s–50s, African American, Latina, Asian, or any ethnicity; the mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, HANNAH waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Also plays Newfoundland local, MARGIE. Contemporary soprano with strong high mix.
JANICE & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 20 - 29
Vocal range Mezzo Soprano Female, 20s; 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. Plays another Newfoundland local by the name of JENNY. Mezzo w\ strong belt
BEULAH & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 40 - 69
Vocal range Mezzo Soprano Female, 40s–60s; Head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, she befriends Hannah and walks to church and prays with her. Quick-witted and open hearted, Beulah loves to share a joke. Mezzo w\ strong belt
BONNIE & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 30 - 59
Vocal range Mezzo Soprano Female, 30s–50s; 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 a Newfoundland local by the name of MARTHA. Mezzo
BEVERLY & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 50 - 69
Vocal range Soprano with Belt Female, 50s–60s; An American Airlines pilot, Beverly has always loved flying, but her world is changed when she hears about coworkers who were killed in the attacks, and when she is confronted by passengers who refuse to fly again. Also plays Newfoundland local, ANNETTE. Soprano belter with strong high mix
OZ & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 30 - 59
Vocal range High Tenor Male, 30s–50s; The quirky constable in the two–person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps in unexpected ways. Also plays the role of JOEY, a rambunctious passenger on one of the planes who enjoys a good drink, MR. MICHAELS, a local gym teacher who speaks Spanish and MATTY, the owner of the Trailways Bar, which is full of passengers 24/7. High Tenor
KEVIN T & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 30 - 49
Vocal range High Tenor Male, 30s–40s; 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.’ Also plays the role of GARTH, head of the local union representing the bus drivers. High Tenor
KEVIN J & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 30 - 49
Vocal range Baritone Male, 30s–40s, Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern, or any ethnicity; Kevin’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave and get back to the U.S. as soon as possible. Also plays the role of DOUG, a local air traffic controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals. Baritone
BOB & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 30 - 49
Vocal range Baritone Male, 30s–40s, African–American or any ethnicity. 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, an African passenger who, despite a language barrier, finds common ground with a local bus driver. Baritone.
CLAUDE & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 40 - 59
Vocal range Tenor Male, 40s–50s; 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. Also plays DERM, mayor of the nearby town of Appleton. Tenor.
NICK & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 50 - 69
Vocal range Baritone Male, 50s–60s, Middle Eastern or any ethnicity; An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for another passenger, Diane. Also plays ALI, an Iranian passenger. Baritone.
Heartbreak Hotel
Accepting Submissions
His singular name still evokes immediate recognition from people all over the world. This official Elvis Presley bio-musical takes a closer look at the rock star and incomparable icon whose impact shaped the history of music and culture. Trapped in a moment of crisis, his younger self guides him through pivotal moments of his life that led him to become “The King of Rock and Roll.” Heartbreak Hotel features over 40 Elvis hits and iconic songs including, “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Are You Lonesome,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.”
This brand-new musical will be directed by Scott Moreau, who was an original cast member of the Million Dollar Quartet 1st National Broadway Tour and Regional Premiere and is making his Circa ’21 directorial debut. Choreography will be provided by Andrea Moore, who recently directed last season’s Church Basement Ladies and choreographed Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Music Direction will be provided by Circa ’21 resident music director, Ron May.
Circa ’21 is currently seeking submissions for multiple characters and encourages performers of all ages and ethnicities to submit. Rehearsals begin February 27, 2025, with opening March 14 and closing May 3, 2025. All performances take place at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, Illinois. Weekly salary, housing and travel included. Please see the character breakdown for a complete list of roles we are casting. For consideration, please send a cover letter, headshot/resume and reel to Production Manager, Jeremy Littlejohn at jeremylittlejohn1977@gmail.com. Candidates interested in playing one of the musician roles should include video of them playing the appropriate instrument.
Seeking Submissions for the following roles:
Available Roles & descriptions:
Young Elvis – Male. Elvis at 10 years old; seeking an actor of a similar age. Strong actor and singer. Vocal Range: Gb3-C6
Vernon Presley (and others) – Male. 30-50
Elvis’ father. Shy and often introverted man, always defers to Gladys. Gets arrested for forging a check early in Elvis’ life and was always a cause for embarrassment. A hanger-on. Strong actor.
Scotty Moore/Glen/Electric Guitarist (and others) – Male. 22-35
Elvis’ first lead guitarist. One of the Blue Moon Boys, who were the main creators of what became known as Rockabilly music. Should be a strong comedic actor. Must play electric guitar in the style of 50’s rockabilly/rock.
Bill Black/Jerry/Bass (and others) – Male. 18-31
Elvis’ first bass player. One of the Blue Moon Boys, who were the main creators of what became known as Rockabilly music. A real goofball. The yin to Scotty’s yang. Must play upright bass/electric bass in the style of 50’s rockabilly/rock.
DJ Fontana/Ronnie – Male. 18-31
Elvis’ first drummer. One of the Blue Moon Boys, who were the main creators of what became known as Rockabilly music. Must play drums in the style of 50’s rockabilly/rock.
Dewey Phillips/Frank Sinatra (and others) – Male. 35-50
Larger than life, humorous, and extreme Radio personality. Must be an incredible actor. Can croon in the style of ‘Ol Blue Eyes.
Johnny Bragg / Roy Brown (and others) – African American Male. 20-40
Plays a variety of roles including Johnny Bragg of the Prisonaires, Roy Brown and others. Extreme personality and strong stage presence. Must have a feel for Blues, R&B, and Rock and Roll. Strong actor and singer.
Jackie Brenston / Reverend Brewster (and others) – African American Male. 20-40
Plays a variety of roles including Jackie Brenston (singer of Rocket 88), Reverend Brewster and others. Extreme personality and strong stage presence. Must have a feel for Blues, R&B, and Rock and Roll. Strong actor and singer.
Ensemble – All ages, genders and ethnicities welcome.
Actors in the ensemble will play a multitude of roles in the show.
Mary Poppins
Accepting Submissions
Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. Based on the similarly titled series of children’s books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, Mary Poppins delighted audiences for over 2,500 performances on Broadway and received nine Olivier nominations and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of memorable adventures, magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Filled with timeless classics such as “Feed the Birds,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Step in Time,” and the Academy Award winning “Chim-Chim Cher-ee,” this show can only be described as “Practically Perfect!”
This beloved children’s story will be directed and choreographed by Christie Kerr, who most recently choreographed our 2020 production of Kinky Boots at Circa ’21.
Circa ’21 is currently seeking submissions for all characters and encourages performers of all ages and ethnicities to submit. Rehearsals begin June 26, 2025, with opening July 11 and closing September 6, 2025. All performances take place at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, Illinois. Weekly salary, housing and travel included. Please see the character breakdown for a complete list of characters we are casting.
For consideration, please send a cover letter, headshot/resume and reel to Production Manager, Jeremy Littlejohn at jeremylittlejohn1977@gmail.com. Video submissions should also have a dance reel that includes a tap portion that we can hear the sounds clearly.
Available Roles & descriptions:
Mary Poppins – Female. 25-40
Practically perfect in every way, Mary Poppins is the lovable, firm, and unflappable nanny that mysteriously appears to help the Banks family learn to befriend one another. Extraordinary and strange, kind but vain, Mary Poppins is a set of walking contradictions. Some dance and possibly tap required. Vocal Range: Gb3-C6
Bert – Male. 25-40
The narrator and gentle chimneysweep, artist, and musician that frequents Cherry Tree Lane. He possesses the wisdom of a much older man but the imagination of a much younger one. Bert is an energetic and dazzling showman with a perpetual wink and grin. Strong dance and tap skills required. Vocal Range: B2-F#4
George Banks – Male. 30-40
The Banks patriarch who has rather lost his way in pursuit of societal norms and conventional success. George’s traumatic childhood informs his icy connection to his current children, but he learns to confide in his family. Vocal Range: Bb2-Eb4
Winifred Banks – Female. 30-40
Unprepared for motherhood, Winifred struggles with feeling like an imposter. She is torn between her past as an actress, her goals of a model family, and the demands of her unsympathetic husband. Eventually, she learns how to support her family and also be their leader. Vocal Range: A3-D5
Jane Banks – Female. Jane is 11 years old; seeking an actor of similar age. The high-spirited Banks daughter and oldest child, Jane learns to grow from a selfish and chaotic child to an empathetic young woman. She can be impulsive and impatient but is also intelligent and imaginative. Vocal Range: A3-F#5
Michael Banks – Male. Michael is 9 years old; seeking an actor of a similar age.
Easily the most observant occupant of Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane, Michael is the youngest Banks child. He begins as a mischievous but meticulous boy with a big mouth, and he grows to express his feelings and show compassion. Vocal Range: A3-E5
Mrs. Brill – Female. 25-40
The Banks’ housekeeper and cook. Mrs. Brill is easily flustered and high-strung, but with a warm heart and good humor. Vocal Range: F#3-D#5
Robertson Ay – Male. 25-40
The Banks’ clumsy houseboy. Robertson Ay possesses a pleasant, if somewhat dry, demeanor and occasionally surprises himself with his talents. Vocal Range: F3-G#4
Ensemble – All ages welcome.
The Ensemble serves as Londoners, Statues, Penguins, Bankers, Customers, Toys, Park-Goers, and/or Chimneysweeps. Actors in the ensemble will also play the following roles:
NELEUS – A teenage statue who misses his father and is a graceful dancer.
BANK CHAIRMAN – The crabby and hot-tempered boss of the bank. Vocal Range: C3-D4
BIRD WOMAN – The impoverished and haunting figure who spends her days outside St. Paul’s Cathedral, imploring passersby to feed the birds. Vocal Range: Gb3-C5
MRS. CORRY – An exotic and colorful confectioner who delights in made-up words.
VALENTINE THE DOLL – A doll who comes to life to teach the Banks children an important lesson. Strong dancer.
MISS ANDREW – The austere and terrifying nanny that briefly replaces Mary Poppins. Ever the psychotic diva, Miss Andrew is an entirely humorless character, so naturally, we’re seeking an actor of considerable comedic skill. Vocal Range: Gb3-F5
FEATURED CHIMNEYSWEEP – The strongest tapper of the chimneysweeps.
ADDITIONAL ROLES: Katie Nanna, Miss Lark, Police Officer, Admiral Boom, Park Keeper, Von Hussler, Northbrook, Annie & Fannie, Teddy Bear, Doll, Mr. Punch, Poseidon
Chicago
AccepTING SUBMISSIONS
After 27 years, CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with showstopping songs and choreography. No wonder CHICAGO has been honored with 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and thousands of standing ovations.
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorus girl Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess,” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream”: fame, fortune, and acquittal. This sharp-edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse.
This phenomenal musical will be directed & choreographed by Ashley Becher, who has also directed The Addams Family, A Christmas Story, White Christmas, and many others here at Circa '21.
Production dates, including 2 weeks of rehearsals, are April 24 – July 5, 2025. All roles in this professional production are paid.
Video submissions should include a resume and photo, a vocal reel and dance reel.
Available Roles & descriptions:
VELMA KELLY: Female, (Range: Alto, E3-D5) Vaudeville performer who is accused of murdering her sister and husband. Hardened by fame, she cares for no one but herself and her attempt to get away with murder.
ROXIE HART: Female, (Range: Mezzo-Soprano, F3-B4) Reads and keeps up with murder trials in Chicago, and follows suit by murdering her lover, Fred Casely. She stops at nothing to render a media storm with one goal: to get away with it. Longs to be a star.
AMOS HART: Male, (Range: Baritone, C3-F#4) Roxie’s faithful husband. Lies for her and tries to take the blame until he realizes that he has been two-timed by Roxie. Still in love with her, or misguided, he believes anything she says in her pursuit to get out of jail.
MARY SUNSHINE: Male presenting actor, (Range: Soprano, Bb3-Bb5) Sob sister reporter from the Evening Star. Believes there is a little bit of good in everyone and will believe anything she is fed that matches her beliefs. Must have extremely strong falsetto.
ENSEMBLE: Will feature heavily as dance ensemble, but also need to sing. Will play Cell Block girls, Fred Casely, Judge, Roxie's boys, etc.
Please note the roles of BILLY FLYNN and MATRON "MAMA" MORTON are already cast.