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Countdown To Opening Night!

COME FROM AWAY ~ A critically acclaimed musical featuring a culturally relevant script accompanied by a deeply moving score by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The show has earned global success with 37 award nominations, 13 of which resulted in wins, most notably Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards and Outstanding Musical at the 2017 Drama Desk Awards. The show’s global presence resonates across all audiences as an uplifting reminder of humanity’s ability to come together, no matter what the circumstances.


Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip 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.


Come From Away gives theatres the opportunity to contribute to its worldwide impact by spreading the show's message of kindness, unity, and resilience with their communities. With a flexible cast size and possibilities for technical creativity, Come From Away is guaranteed to be a show for audiences to remember.


Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes without an intermission

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Contains adult humor and language. Audience discretion is advised.

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Lap sitting is not permitted as every person must have their own ticket. No children under 3 will be permitted. No refunds or exchanges. All sales are final.​​​​

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SHOWTIMES @ LCC

Friday, April 16 ~ 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 17 ~ 2:00 PM

Sunday, April 18 ~ 2:00 PM

Friday, April 23 ~ 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 24 ~ 2:00 PM

Sunday, April 25 ~ 2:00 PM

COME FROM AWAY INFORMATION

All those cast in COME FROM AWAY are required to become a KVTA general member ($30) for the 2026-2027 Season by the initial cast meeting/read-thru. One parent/guardian being a member of KVTA does cover the membership requirement for all family members 17 and under. Memberships previously paid from July 1, 2026, to today's date also fulfill this requirement. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the cast member being removed from the production.

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Director: Paula Sutter

Assistant Directors: Kimberly Hall & Beth Sutter

Co-Vocal Directors: Abby & Cassidy Altenberger

Choreographer/Staging Director: Deena Cassady

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AUDITION AND CALLBACK DATES/LOCATION:

AUDITIONS: Friday, January 8, time slots beginning at 5:30 pm & Saturday January 9, time slots beginning at 9:30 am

CALLBACKS: Sunday, January 10, starting at 2:00 pm

KVTA Studios 1 Stuart Dr. Kankakee, IL 60901

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​​​​PERFORMANCE DATES / LOCATION:

April 16-18 & 23-25, 2027

Lincoln Cultural Center  240 Warren Ave  Kankakee, IL 60901​​​

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Questions may be emailed to the Director, Paula Sutter, at: comefromaway@kvta.org

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IN-PERSON AUDITIONS PREFERRED: Because of the nature of this production, we strongly encourage anyone wishing to audition to attend auditions and callbacks in-person. If you cannot attend the initial audition, please email the Director at comefromaway@kvta.org and we will try to come up with a suitable option for everyone involved.

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All auditioners must be at least 20 years of age by April 16, 2027; and actors of any ethnicity/race are encouraged to audition for any part.

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All auditioners must complete an audition form, a conflict calendar, and sign KVTA's policy acknowledgement form. Cast members are required to provide the following personal items: shoes, socks, and stage makeup. In addition, cast members may be asked to supply other items such as: leotards, tights, etc. Optional expenses include: a digital download from the production, a picture CD, apparel items, production party attendance, cast/staff chill times, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Child care is not available during rehearsals and performances. Cast and staff members are not permitted to bring their children, or any additional family members, to rehearsals, unless prior permission has been given by the KVTA Board of Directors. ​All rehearsals are closed to the public unless otherwise stated. All KVTA facilities are smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free. Anyone found to be in violation of these policies may be removed from the production.​​​​​​​​

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If you have already signed a policy acknowledgement form during our 2026-2027 Season, you do not need to sign this form again.

KVTA Policies: PDF

KVTA Policy Acknowledgement Form to be signed: PDF

All participants, on-stage or off-stage, will be required to sign KVTA's Social Media, Sexual Harassment, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies. If said participant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will sign for the participant. Any parent or guardian signing for their auditioner agrees to instruct and provide information to their auditioner regarding KVTA's policies. An Emergency Card and Waiver of Liability must also be completed and signed in order to participate. These forms will be distributed when you first volunteer with KVTA. If you have any questions please email: kvta@kvta.org

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AUDITION INFORMATION:

Please sign up for an audition time HERE.

-  Time slots are currently limited to 8 auditioners per time slot. 

-  Additional time slots may be added and/or the number of auditioners per time slot may be increased, if needed.

-  If you cannot attend any of these audition time slots, please email the Director at comefromaway@kvta.org and we will come up with a suitable option for everyone involved.
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Audition Form can be downloaded here: MICROSOFT WORD   PDF

Conflict Calendar can be downloaded HERE.

Save time and reduce stress by preparing your forms before auditions. Download and print the forms above. Complete them at home (where you can easily check your calendar) and bring the completed forms to auditions.

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CASTING INFORMATION:

  • Come From Away was originally written for 12 actors, each playing multiple roles. The licensing agreement permits a larger cast by dividing some minor roles or adding ensemble characters such as townspeople, passengers, and air traffic controllers. We may choose to expand the cast, but additional roles are not guaranteed.

  • Roles are open to anyone 20 years old or older.

  • We have no preconceived ideas as to the ethnicity of any role unless specified in the script.

  • The ability to harmonize and collaborate effectively as part of an ensemble is essential.

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SPECIAL CASTING NOTES:

  • The actors portraying Nick and Diane must be comfortable performing a staged kiss.

  • The actors portraying either of the Kevins must be comfortable authentically portraying a gay character.

  • Some roles involve briefly flashing the audience.

  • The script includes occasional strong language, including use of the F-word.

  • If you are not comfortable with any of these requirements, please indicate that on your audition form.

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INITIAL AUDITION INFORMATION:

To obtain the initial audition material, please click on the audition material link. You will find the initial sides, the music, character descriptions, accent info, etc. AUDITION MATERIAL

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CONFLICTS:

Conflicts will not preclude you from being cast; they are needed for us to develop a comprehensive schedule. We understand that adults will have conflicts and we will take them all into consideration. However, due to the nature of this show, conflicts may weigh heavily on our decisions. Please list ALL conflicts, including all Saturdays and Sundays, from January 24-April 25, 2027. This production requires a true team effort and a strong commitment from every cast member. Ongoing attendance issues may result in recasting. 

Attendance for the Sitzprobe (to be determined) and during Tech Week (April 12-15) is mandatory.

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ANTICIPATED REHEARSAL TIMES:​​

  • Rehearsals begin: Monday, February 1, 2027.

  • Expanded rehearsal schedule: Beginning March 22, rehearsals will be held every weeknight.

Rehearsals are tentatively planned for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Some weekend rehearsals may be scheduled, and Tuesdays or Thursdays will be added as needed. A detailed schedule identifying which cast members are needed at each rehearsal will be provided after casting is complete. There will be no  rehearsal on Super Bowl Sunday (2/14) or Easter weekend (March 26-28).  There will be rehearsal during all spring breaks.
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Rehearsal dates are subject to change. We want to have all of the cast at ALL of our final tech rehearsals, so please be open and honest when completing your conflict calendar. If you have any questions about the information provided here, please email the Director, Paula Sutter, at comefromaway@kvta.org.

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DANCE AUDITION:

A group movement and dance audition will take place before your singing and acting audition. You should wear comfortable clothing and secure footwear that allow you to move safely. Please do not wear short skirts, tight jeans, or sandals. No advanced preparation is required. The Choreographer will teach the movement combination on the day of your audition.

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CALLBACK INFORMATION:
Callbacks will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2027. Receiving a callback does not guarantee anyone a role in this production.

  • For anyone new to the audition process, callbacks are only for select auditioners that the show staff members (i.e. Director or Assistant Director) would like to see again.  If you are not called back, this does not mean that you will not be cast in the show.

  • We will use your audition number when we post the callbacks. Please take note of what number you are given at the initial audition. 

  • If for any reason you cannot make this callback date, PLEASE email the Director before your audition, or tell the board member working the check-in table at auditions. 

  • If you are called back, it is highly encouraged that you make every effort to attend the callbacks.

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After all initial auditions are complete, we will post the audition numbers of those invited to callbacks on the KVTA website. At callbacks, singers will be taught an excerpt of harmonies from the show to ensure the ability to hold a part. Some may be asked to sing solos/duets from the show. Callback materials will be available on the KVTA website after December 8th. Please check back in December. 

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Please note that auditions will be recorded solely for the creative team’s deliberations.

All casting decisions are at the discretion of the Director and the creative team.

 

We are extremely excited to welcome everyone to the audition process and wish you the best of luck!

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CALLBACK LIST:
The callback list will be posted on the KVTA website at http://www.kvta.org and on the KVTA Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kankakeetheatre on Saturday, January 9, after all auditions have been completed.

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CAST LIST: 
The cast list will be posted on the KVTA website at http://www.kvta.org and on the KVTA Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kankakeetheatre on Sunday, January 10, after all callbacks have been completed, so it could be very late in the day. Thank you in advance for your patience as we will have many difficult decisions to make!
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For those cast in the show, our CAST MEETING and READ THRU will be held on Sunday, January 24, at the KVTA Studios at 2 pm.

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Further questions regarding auditions, callbacks, or casting may be emailed to the Director, Paula Sutter, at: comefromaway@kvta.org  Please include Come From Away in the subject line.

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Break a leg!

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Sincerely,

The Staff of Come From Away​

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© 2026 by Kankakee Valley Theatre Association

KVTA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation

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Email: kvta@kvta.org

Phone: 815-935-8510

Copyright © 2026 Kankakee Valley Theatre Association. All Rights Reserved.
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