RED SKY OVER HALIFAX: A NEW MUSICAL WORKSHOP - The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts Non Equity Auditions

RED SKY OVER HALIFAX
New Musical Workshop Casting Notice

Signal House Productions and the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts are seeking performers for a developmental workshop of Red Sky Over Halifax, a new musical inspired by the true events surrounding the Halifax Explosion of 1917.

The workshop will take place September 8–13, 2026, at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts in Bowie, Maryland, culminating in a public presentation on September 13.

Auditions: Will take place July 19 at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts: 15200 Annapolis Rd

COMPENSATION
All performers will receive a $300 stipend for participation in the workshop process.

ABOUT THE PROJECT
Red Sky Over Halifax is an original new musical set in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the days leading up to the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917. The story follows dockworkers, sailors, families, and members of the Mi'kmaq community as they navigate love, loss, cultural identity, and survival in the shadow of one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.

This workshop is part of the continued development of the musical and will focus on script, music, and character exploration.

SEEKING

ALBERT
Male, 35–45
A dockworker and musician deeply rooted in the Halifax waterfront community. Warm, grounded, charismatic, and emotionally intelligent. Strong singer preferred.

JACOB
Male, 20–30
Albert's younger brother. Romantic, restless, and drawn toward the sea and adventure. Strong emotional vulnerability and vocal ability preferred.

ROSIE LONECLOUD
Female, 20–30
A young Mi'kmaw woman deeply connected to family, land, and tradition while navigating the growing pressures of displacement and assimilation. Strong emotional range and singing ability required.

THOMAS LONECLOUD
Male, 30–45
Rosie's father. Proud, protective, and deeply connected to Mi'kmaq traditions and community identity. Carries the weight of cultural survival and generational memory.

MOTHER McGINNIS
Female, 50–70
A resilient Halifax matriarch. Sharp-witted, compassionate, and deeply connected to her family and community.

CLEMENT LIGOURE
Male, 20–40
A physician and community leader. Intelligent, compassionate, and determined. Based on the historical figure who provided critical medical care following the explosion.

PATRICK COLEMAN
Male, 35–55
Veteran railway dispatcher. Practical, courageous, and committed to protecting others. Based on the historical figure whose warning message saved countless lives.

BERNARD
Male, 35–55
A harbor pilot and seasoned mariner. Experienced, confident, and deeply familiar with the rhythms of the port.

SERGEANT BREMNER
Male, 40–60
A respected military officer whose sense of duty is tested as disaster approaches.

ENSEMBLE
All genders, ages 18+
Seeking strong singers and actor-musicians of all backgrounds to portray dockworkers, sailors, townspeople, railway workers, military personnel, and members of the Halifax and Mi'kmaw communities.

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE CASTING
We strongly encourage performers of Indigenous heritage to submit for the roles of Rosie Lonecloud and Thomas Lonecloud. Performers of all ethnicities, identities, body types, and abilities are encouraged to audition.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Please submit:
• Headshot
• Resume
• Vocal reel or acting reel (if available)

SUBMISSIONS
Please send materials to: christopher@signalhouseproductions.com

Subject Line:
RED SKY OVER HALIFAX Audition

Current schedule: (Subject to minor adjustments and needed.)

Sept. 8: music rehearsal
Sept. 9: music rehearsal (All called)
Sept 10: 7:30pm- 9:30 pm. Full Read/ discussion (Virtual)
Sept. 11 7:30pm- 10:30 pm Full Read / discussion / minor blocking
Sept: 12 11am- 3pm Full sitzprobe, minor blocking/ Full read
Sept. 13 11am Call. Sing through and works. / Break from 1:30-2:15/ Workshop performance 3:00 pm