Now Scheduling Auditions for “The Highest Tide”
Bainbridge Performing Arts is holding auditions for our March 2026 production of The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch and adapted for the stage by Jane Jones. Directed by Kate Meyers.
March 6–22, 2026
Pay-What-You-Can Preview Night: March 5
The Highest Tide was first commissioned, produced and developed in the “Book-It Style” by Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle WA.
DETAILS
Audition slots available by appointment; Monday, November 10th 6:30-9:30pm or Tuesday, November 11th 6:30-9:30pm, at Bainbridge Performing Arts
Callbacks will be held in person by invitation on Wednesday, November 19th 6:30-9:30pm at Bainbridge Performing Arts
Rehearsals Rehearsals will be January 12th - March 3rd and will be four days a week (Mon, Tues & Thurs evenings, and Sat days). A more complete rehearsal schedule will be provided at callbacks. All rehearsals and performances will take place at Bainbridge Performing Arts on Bainbridge Island
Performances will be March 5th - 22nd; Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 3:00 at Bainbridge Performing Arts on Bainbridge Island.
VENUE
Bainbridge Performing Arts is located at 200 Madison Ave. N on Bainbridge Island, a short walk from the ferry terminal. The 35-minute ferry leaves from Coleman dock on the Seattle waterfront and walk-on ferry passes will be provided for our Seattle-area cast members for rehearsals and performances. Mileage reimbursements will be provided to our non-ferry riding cast members.
STIPENDS
Starting from the 25-26 season, Bainbridge Performing Arts is pleased to offer a $400 stipend to all performers cast in our Mainstage productions, in recognition of the time and energy required to participate. While this stipend is intended to help offset the cost of participation, it is not a wage or salary and does not constitute employment. Participation remains a volunteer engagement, and the stipend is provided as a token of appreciation for your contribution to the artistic life of our community.
EQUITY
BPA is committed to access, opportunity, and representation in all its projects, and we greatly look forward to performers of any and all genders, races, abilities, and body types at auditions.
Roles available for actors ages 12 and up. Please see the character list below- all gender identities will be considered for all roles. For our younger actors, please note that the two pre-teen characters discuss themes related to puberty and bodily functions. The two male pre-teen roles will be masc presenting. Most of the adult cast will play multiple characters
REQUIREMENTS
Please see synopsis and character list below.
Fill out the audition form below, then submit your headshot, & resume using the form below.
For your audition, please prepare a 1-2 minute monologue
If you have questions, please contact Deirdre Hadlock dhadlock@bainbridgeperformingarts.org
SYNOPSIS
Adapted from Jim Lynch’s beloved novel, The Highest Tide is a poetic, funny, and deeply personal coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Puget Sound. When 13-year-old Miles O’Malley discovers a gigantic squid washed up on shore during a midnight low tide, his small coastal town is thrown into the national spotlight. Through his growing fascination with marine biology and his search for understanding in a world of chaos, Miles’ journey becomes one of connection—to the sea, to science, his friends and to his own emerging self. Presented with Book-It’s signature style of storytelling through narrative and action, this production invites us to rediscover the importance of caring for our natural world.
CHARACTERS
Miles O’Malley- 13 yo boy, large role
Kenny Phelps- 13 yo boy, Miles’ friend- plays air guitar
Helen O’Malley- Miles’ mother
Sean O’Malley- Miles’ father-big Mariners’ fan
Professor Kramer- marine biologist
Judge Norman Stegner (retired)
Angie Stegner- H.S Senior, Miles’ former babysitter
Florence- Miles’ frail elderly friend, been on the bay since 1938
Frankie: 21 yo male. Angie’s boyfriend
Ensemble- will play multiple characters; Rescuers, News Crew, Biologists, Cult Leader and Members, Scientists, Townspeople
