May 15 - June 7
AUDITION INFORMATION
COME FROM AWAY + SPELLING BEE
ABOUT US: Short North Stage is a professional non-profit regional theater company located in the heart of the Short North Arts District in Columbus, Ohio. As an SPT Tier 5 Equity theater we produce 7 musicals and occasional special performances in our season. We love to feature exciting new takes on classics, edgy and provocative new works, and stories that will truly resonate with our audiences. Our mission to feature creative teams, onstage talent, and offstage talent with diverse, unique voices remains strong as we continuously look for qualified applicants.
Short North Stage is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and invites artists of all gender and non-gender conforming identities, ethnicities, and ages to audition. We are very excited about our upcoming season and are so glad you are too!
To submit your audition please read ALL the instructions below.
We are currently ONLY CASTING for COME FROM AWAY and SPELLING BEE. Auditions for the rest of our season have already been completed.
Union and Non-Union Contracts available.
As the casting is very different for each show we have seperated the submission forms to be show specific. Please READ CAREFULLY and make sure you are submitting your materials for the correct show. Thank you!
LOCAL Actor Forms: COME FROM AWAY Submission - SPELLING BEE Submission
NYC/Out Of Town Actor Forms: COME FROM AWAY Submission - SPELLING BEE Submission.
SNS High School Internship Program Form: SPELLING BEE
ALL SUBMISSIONS DUE SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 by 10pm
COME FROM AWAY AUDITION MATERIALS
SPELLING BEE AUDITION MATERIALS
AEA EPA to be held at Short North Stage on September 18th and 19th from 11am to 6:30pm with 30 minute lunch break at 1:30pm . This audition is only open to local AEA members. All other auditions should be done through the virtual submission portals. To make an appointment please email dionysia@shortnorthstage.org. All appointments must be made by September 16th.
AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS:
INSTRUCTIONS/IMPORTANT DATES:
Fill out the Audition Form that is labeled LOCAL or NYC/OUT OF TOWN. A local is someone who lives in Columbus and has housing here. If you are from out of town but have local housing you can denote that in the out of town form.
The form will include your headshot, resume, links to other reels, and your video submission for the show.
Please send a video of you doing the sides and songs for the character of your choice.
Film yourself horizontally and with as much of your body in the frame as possible without losing your facial features.
Be sure your lighting is in front of you so we can see your face clearly.
If you feel like you are right for more than one character you can do one additional song. No audition should last longer than 3 minutes.
Piano tracks are provided in the folders.
Video audition submissions are due by September 21st no later than 10pm.
LOCAL Callbacks will be held September 30th and October 1st in the evening and will include a movement call.
You will be notified of a LOCAL callback by September 26th.
VIRTUAL Callbacks will begin around September 26th and will be rolling until everything is cast.
Callbacks WILL include a movement call for COME FROM AWAY and MAY include a movemennt call for SPELLING BEE.
A video of the movement call will be available for people submitting their callback virtually.
COME FROM AWAY ACCENTS - Feel free to try out an accent if you feel comfortable doing so. We will have a dialect coach for the show. If you know that you and accents don’t get along, please take that into consideration before auditioning.
COME FROM AWAY NOTE: We are looking for EXCELLENT movers who are comfortable learning a lot of tricky blocking and movement quickly. This is a deceivingly large show where the cast plays a multitude of characters that all have a different way of moving, talking, and acting. Our rehearsal process is very short (approximately 9 rehearsals or less to put the show together) and we need performers able to confidently handle learning all the material in such a short amount of time.
SPELLING BEE NOTE: The final 2 Saturday matinees of the run will be performed by the SNS Intern Youth cast. Our current SNS Interns that were admitted into the program for this season are those allowed to audition.
SNS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM SPELLING BEE FORM *For Current Members of the SNS HS Internship Program
Our casting process is a rolling process. If you hear someone has been given an offer it does not mean that all roles for that show have been cast or offered yet. Please email casting@shortnorthstage.org with any questions. Thank you!
IMPORTANT DATES/SHOW INFO
ALL Submissions due by September 21st, 2025 by 10pm (this includes Locals and NYC/Out Of Towners) There are 4 separate forms. PLEASE fill out the correct form!
LOCAL Callback Dates: September 30 and October 1
VIRUTAL Callbacks will be rolling, mostly after local callbacks.
Equity Principal In Person Local Auditions for this production are on September 19th. Email dionysia@shortnorthstage.org for an appointment. Seeing AEA ONLY.
Rehearsals run Tuesdays - Fridays typically 6-11:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am/11am-6pm/7pm. Tech days are 8 hours out of 10. All rehearsal times are subject to change.
Shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm. If you are unable to perform on all show dates please do not audition for that show.
SNS Internship students may audition for the Youth Cast of SPELLING BEE that will perform on the final 2 Saturday matinees of the run.
IMPORTANT SHOW DATES:
COME FROM AWAY: Rehearsals = January 6 - 21, Performances = January 22 - February 15, 2026
SPELLING BEE: Rehearsals = April 28 - May 13, Performances = May 14 - June 7, 2026
CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS
In reference to the character descriptions below- most characters we encounter currently are written with man/woman, he/him, or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. However, limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.
COME FROM AWAY
Claude & others: (male identifying, Age 40-60, Vocal range top: G4) 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. Also plays Derm and Brenda’s Brother, Eddie.
Bonnie & others: (female identifying, Age 30-40, Vocal range top B4) 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. Also plays Martha.
Beulah & others: (female identifying, Age 40-60) The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. Also plays Delores.
Oz & others: (male identifying, Age 30-50, vocal range top: G4) The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town's population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways. Also plays Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist.
Janice & others: (female identifying, Age 20-30, vocal range top: E5) 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. Also plays Britney and Flight Attendant.
Beverley & others: (female identifying, Age 35-50, vocal range top: C#5) The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. Also plays Annette and Reporter.
Diane & others: (female identifying, Age 50-60, vocal range top C#5, bottom A3) 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. Also plays Crystal and Brenda.
Nick & others: (male identifying, Age 50-60, vocal range top E4) An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick's life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane. Also plays Doug, Officer Stephenson, and Male Townsperson.
Kevin T & others: (male identifying, Age 30-50, vocal range top G4) 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 Garth and President Bush.
Kevin J & others: (male identifying, Age 30-50, Middle Eastern) Kevin's boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible. Also plays Dwight and Ali.
Bob & others: (male identifying, Age 20-40, Black /African American) 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 and Captain Bristol.
Hannah & others: (female identifying, Age 40-60, vocal range top E5 Black/African American) The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Also plays Margie and Mickey.
SPELLING BEE
The Spellers: All are ADULTS acting as children. We are looking for adults in their 20s or older.
Olive Ostrovsky: (Female presenting, Age: 11, Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt B3-F5) A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts off enormously shy, but slowly blossoms. Olive is generous, optimistic and full of love for everyone she meets.
William Barfée: ( Male presenting, Age: 12, Vocal Range: Tenor E2-B4) A finalist in last year’s Putnam County Spelling Bee, he was eliminated due to an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has propelled him to spelling glory, despite having only one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. Barfée is pompous and determined to win but has a soft heart.
Chip Tolentino: (Male presenting, Age: 13, Vocal Range: Tenor C3-B4) An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title but finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Chip is practical and resourceful but can be easily distracted—often at the worst times.
Logainne “Schwartzy” SchwartzandGrubenniere: (Female presenting, Age: 10, Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt A3-F5) Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, frequently making comments about current political figures. She is driven by both internal and external pressure, but above all, by her desire to win and make her two fathers proud. A bit of a neat freak, she speaks with a lisp and is determined to return next year. Logainne is enthusiastic, hard-working, and prone to overthinking.
Leaf Coneybear: ( Male presenting, Age: 11, Vocal Range: Tenor A2-A4) The second runner-up in his district, Leaf enters the competition on a whim and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. Leaf has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and often spells words correctly while in a trance. He is imaginative, passionate about spelling, and simply happy to be there.
Marcy Park: (Female presenting, Age: 13, Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt C4-E5, AAPI ) The ultimate overachiever, Marcy has never been given another option. Coming from a family where excellence is expected, she produces it effortlessly. A parochial school student, she assumes God also expects perfection. Though she sees herself as a bundle of problems, she keeps them to herself. Having moved frequently due to her parents' work, Marcy knows she can outshine the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts, and baton twirling. Marcy is ambitious, intellectual, and determined to win.
The Adults -
Rona Lisa Peretti: (Female presenting, Age: mid 30s, Vocal Range: Mezzo/Belt B3-F5) The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee champion herself, and the returning moderator, she is a sweet woman who loves children. However, she can be stern when dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her unflagging interest in the competition keeps it moving forward. Rona is a warm and loving presence in an otherwise cold, stiff competition. She will also double as Olive’s mom.
Mitch Mahoney: (Male presenting, Age: late 20s to early 40s, Vocal Range: Tenor E3-A4) The official Comfort Counselor, Mitch is an ex-convict performing his community service with the Bee, handing out juice boxes to losing students. Though he has no idea how to offer comfort, he often wishes he could find a way to make the kids feel better. While Mitch may have a tough exterior, he is soft and kind-hearted underneath. He will also double as Olive’s dad.
Douglas Panch: (Male presenting, Age: mid 30s to early 40s, Non-singing) The vice principal, frustrated with his life, finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After a five-year absence from the Bee, Panch returns as a judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, though she does not return his affections.
If you have issues or questions please contact casting@shortnorthstage.org or dionysia@shortnorthstage.org. Thank you!
Other Items To Note:
Short North Stage creates shows in a historic Vaudeville theater that is over 100 years old. This old building can come with it’s quirks and it should be noted that you do have to use stairs and go outside to reach the backstage area. We are working to continue to make upgrades to this building that we lease when able.
