Next time you’re heading to your gate at Logan Airport, you may hear a new voice making announcements.
MassPort is looking for the new voice of Logan Airport, and held an open casting call Thursday at Terminal A in hopes of finding it. Hundreds of people waited in line for their shot to read from a prepared script extolling the city’s virtues to visitors from around the world.
“Welcome to Boston Logan International Airport, front door to the capital of heart, hustle, and hometown pride,” the script read. “This city runs on iced coffee, raw ambition, and unbeatable team spirit. So let’s go! Whether you’re grabbing a lobster roll by the harbor, waiting in line for a cannoli in the North End, or paying your respects to the Green Monster like it’s a sacred landmark — because it is — we’re wicked glad you’re here!”
Usually when you’re making your way through Logan, you hear the mayor or the governor. But MassPort Executive Director Richard Davey says airport leaders wanted something new and authentic.
“We have announcements here at the airport — liquids and where to catch your Uber and whatnot,” Davey said. “And we decided that we should have a more distinctive Boston voice that is welcoming people here at Boston Logan and also giving them instructions about how to get around.”
In addition to this launch event, people can upload audio submissions at voiceoflogan.com.
Hopefuls who attended the audition had a variety of thoughts about what it takes to be the 'Voice of Logan.’
“You got to have the Boston accent,” said Scott Grimes of Beverly. “If you have too many Rs in there, it’s a no-go. It’s a no-go. I mean, a genuine accent, not some of the bad ones that you hear on TV.”
But there’s more here than just that.
“There’s a lot of different voices, there’s a lot of different cultures,” said Anthony Smith of Mattapan. “You know, Boston is — it’s like new now. It’s like the new Boston.”
One thing people had in common? A lot of enthusiasm.
“I’m about to audition to be the voice of Logan! I’m so excited!” said Elizabeth Thomas of Milton, sporting a Red Sox hat and t-shirt and gripping a Dunkin’ iced coffee cup.
“I have all the props!” she said, laughing.
Benjamin Rabinovitz of Hingham had just heard about the contest and says he was inspired to come because his mother passed away two months ago to the day.
“She always encouraged me to do the scary things in life, and make sure to take that leap of faith every time the opportunity presents itself,” he said. “So when I saw that this morning, and being the day that it is, I said, ‘Well, that’s a sign! I got to go.’”
Charldyn Valcin of Dedham was feeling pretty confident he’d get the gig.
“I’m going to be the next one for sure, because my voice brings joy and happiness to the world,” he said. “And it’s going to start here at Logan Airport.”
For others, like singer-songwriter Justin Nee of South Boston, the motivation was more practical.
“I don’t know, I just pretty much — I’m just trying to use my voice to get paid a little bit,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be here, maybe not. But I’m just trying to get something on my resume. That’s really it,” he added, with a laugh.
Cammy Jackson was about to start a shift as a ramp agent at Logan.
“I’m the one helping load up the bags and stuff,” she said.
Working at Logan and hearing her own voice over the speakers would feel good, Jackson said.
“Honestly, it would almost kind of be like second nature because whenever I do project my voice and I do talk, people listen,” she said. “It turns heads.”
And that’s what they’re looking for at Logan — a voice that turns heads.
