AUDITION FOR THE FIRST SHOW

OF THE CENTENNIAL SEASON:

 

COME FROM AWAY

 

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is holding auditions for the opening show of the Centennial Season, Come From Away on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 11am-4pm.  Auditions are open to the public. Civic is seeking 12 volunteer actors, ages 18+ to build a company of performers who are strong storytellers, thoughtful collaborators, joyful artists, and dependable community builders.

Auditions will take place on June 20, 2026 from 11am-4pm.

Callbacks are by invitation only and scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026 from 6-10pm.

Performance dates are September 11-27, 2026; Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm.

Rehearsals begin July 13, 2026.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.

“…the physiological confirmation that this effervescent musical, enveloped in Canadian good will, is an antidote for what ails the American soul…” – Washington Post

Rated: PG-13 for mature thematic elements surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including intense emotional scenes, discussions of fear, grief, and loss, along with mild profanity and alcohol consumption

Come From Away is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Co-Directors: Allyson Paris and Erin Kacos Pott; Music Director: Josh Keller; Choreographer: Erin Kacos Pott; Stage Manager: Shanell Haigh; Dialect Coach: Amy McFadden; Intimacy Director: Allyson Paris

HOW TO AUDITION: Click on the buttons below to get started. Note: If you are a returning auditoner to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre you may notice some differences to the process and grct.org/audition. All pertinent forms, links, and documents can now be found on this page of our website. Refer to this page at grct.org/audition for all questions and resources to prepare for your audition.

READ THE CENTENNIAL AUDITION GUIDE
REGISTER FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT/ COMPLETE FORM
READ THE CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
SEE THE REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
READ THE AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT

JOIN US FOR CENTENNIAL SEASON auditions

Audition dates for the Centennial Season are here!

A few important things to note related to this once in a lifetime season that will feature different elements than previous seasons and audition practices:

  • The auditions dates below are tentative and may shift slightly; be sure to confirm audition dates and times in the official audition notices that will be posted here approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the audition dates.  
  • Initial auditions for Annie, A Chorus Line, and Dear Evan Hansen will take place at the same time, together, in front of all three production teams. Callbacks will be on the same day, but separate for each show.
  • Finding Nemo, JR. is a collaborative production between our School of Theatre Arts programs. Prerequisites can be found below.

Come From Away
MUSICAL

Performances: September 11 -27

Auditions: Saturday, June 20; 11am

Callbacks: Monday, June 22; 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: Monday, July 13

Dragons Love Tacos
MUSICAL

Performances: October 8 – 18 (Note: This production includes daytime weekday school matinees)

Auditions: Saturday, July 25; 12pm

Callbacks: Tuesday, July 28; 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: Monday, August 17

Annie
HOLIDAY MUSICAL

Performances: November 20 – December 20

Auditions: Friday, August 14; 4pm (Youth) | Friday, August 14; 7pm (Ages 16+) | Saturday, August 15; 10am (Mix) | Sunday, August 16; 2pm (Ages 16+)

Callbacks: Saturday, August 22; 12pm

Rehearsals Begin: Monday, September 21

A Chorus Line
MUSICAL

Performances: January 15 – 24

Auditions: Friday, August 14; 7pm | Saturday, August 15; 10am | Sunday, August 16; 2pm

Callbacks: Saturday, August 22; 2pm

Rehearsals Begin: Monday, November 2 (Note: No rehearsals over holiday break from December 19 – January 3)

Dear Evan Hansen
MUSICAL

Performances: February 19 – March 7 (Note: This production includes a daytime weekday school matinee on March 2)

Auditions: Friday, August 14; 7pm | Saturday, August 15; 10am | Sunday, August 16; 2pm

Callbacks: Saturday, August 22; 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: Monday, December 7 (Note: No rehearsals over holiday break from December 19 – January 3)

Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.
MUSICAL

Performances: March 25 – 28 (Note: This production includes  daytime weekday school matinees)

Auditions*: Sunday, December 6; 5pm (Please read below for audition prerequisites related to this School of Theatre Arts collaboration)

Callbacks: Monday, December 7; 6pm Tuesday, December 8; 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: Monday, February 1 

Our Town
PLAY

Performances: April 23 – May 2

Auditions: Friday, January 29; 6pm | Saturday, January 30; 6pm

Callbacks: Monday, Feb 1; 7pm

Rehearsals Begin: Monday, February 22

Les Misérables
MUSICAL

Performances: June 4 – 20 (Possible extension through June 27)

Auditions: Wednesday, February 17; 5pm (Youth) | Saturday, February 20; 10am (Adult) | Sunday, February 21; 6pm (Adult)

Callbacks: Saturday, Feb 27; 12pm

Rehearsals Begin: Monday, April 5

*Auditions will ONLY be open to Students in Grades 2-12, who are actively enrolled in the Young Artist Studio cohort, enrolled in the City Wide Drama Club Program, OR who have independently completed the required Prerequisites in the School of Theatre Arts:

Any CORE Acting OR CORE Musical Theatre course in the 25/26 or 26/27 School Year, PLUS one additional choice between:

One week of Summer Camp (2026) OR any other GRCT School of Theatre Arts class (25/26 or 26/27).

Learn more about the Centennial Season at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre:

Auditioning for a Show…

Is there a place for me?

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is a community theatre, which means that all the actors who perform on our stage are a collection of individuals from West Michigan who have a talent and interest in theatre arts and volunteer their time. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned actor, you are welcome to audition at Civic! It’s not uncommon for newcomers to be the star of the show, or a part of the ensemble! On average, approximately 30%-40% of Civic’s volunteer performers are new, either to our community or our theatre. GRCT welcomes all genders and non-conforming individuals, all races and ethnicities, and artists of all ages and body types. With each season offering a variety of musicals and plays, we are excited to offer a little something for everyone.

Audition Notices

This page is your best resource for updated information regarding audition dates and times, casting needs, and rehearsal schedules. You’ll find audition notices posted on this page approximately 4-6 weeks in advance; in addition, all notices are posted on Civic’s Facebook and Instagram. Follow us on social to stay informed! 

What to expect at an audition

Those planning to audition for a Play will be asked to read from the script. For Musical auditions, prepare 16-32 measures of a memorized song and bring sheet music that includes a piano accompaniment line. Musical auditions will also include a dance audition.  

What to expect at a callback

Those that are asked to return for Play Callbacks will read from the script. Musical Callbacks consist of reading from the script, singing songs from the show, and learning additional dance choreography.

Audition Workshops AND CLASSES

Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts offers workshops and classes designed to help you prepare specifically for an audition. Please check our current Education page for information and availability on upcoming classes.