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Please Note: We are building a cast that reflects the full diversity of America. Every role is open to anyone: any age (15 and up), any gender identity, and any ethnicity (unless specifically noted below). The only requirements are the capacity to sing the role and a commitment to collaboration. You are encouraged to audition for any role that speaks to you, regardless of how that role has traditionally been cast.Audition applications - Due by 4/18 at 12 PM
Fill out at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/Q5eZ03LueU
Audition Invitation: 1776
Music & Lyrics by Sherman Edwards | Book by Peter Stone
Richey Suncoast Theatre is pleased to invite performers to audition for our upcoming community theatre production of 1776, a powerful and timeless American musical.
Audition Dates
April 19–21
Auditions will be held by assigned time slots.
Time slots will be assigned on a first‑come, first‑served basis based on each auditioner’s selected available night. Please arrive prepared and on time for your assigned slot.
Audition Requirements
Prepare a 16–32 bar cut (approximately 90 seconds)
Song should be from a classic musical theatre piece, in the style of the show
Please bring a device to play your backing track from, there will be a speaker provided.
We are building a cast that reflects the full diversity of America. Every role is open to anyone: any age (15 and up), any gender identity, and any ethnicity (unless specifically noted below). The only requirements are the capacity to sing the role and a commitment to collaboration. You are encouraged to audition for any role that speaks to you, regardless of how that role has traditionally been cast.
All vocal ranges listed are from the original score, as heard on the original Broadway cast recording. No transpositions will be done, but other adjustments will be made as necessary for actors with higher voices, including potentially singing up the octave. Please audition for all roles that interest you regardless of your vocal range and gender.
John Adams (Massachusetts delegate) Vocal range: C3- F#4 (Leading role. Sings in most of the show.)
A driving force behind independence, persistently urging Congress to adopt and sign the Declaration. Challenges others to act and keeps the cause moving forward despite resistance. Solo songs and duets: Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve, Til Then, Yours, Is Anybody There?
Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania delegate) Vocal range: Ab2- Eb4
A pragmatic voice of reason who mediates conflict, offers humor and diplomacy, and helps unify delegates through compromise and logic. Songs include: The Egg, But Mr. Adams
Thomas Jefferson (Virginia delegate) Vocal range: C3- G4
Chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence. Initially reluctant but becomes central in shaping the document’s language and purpose. Songs include: The Egg, But Mr. Adams
Abigail Adams (Female, possible double casting with Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon) Vocal range: Db4- F5
Appears through letters exchanged with John Adams, offering perspective, encouragement, and insight from outside the political chamber. Songs include: Til Then, Yours
Martha Jefferson (Female, possible double casting with Dr. Lyman Hall) Vocal range: Bb3- D5
Appears briefly to support and inspire Thomas Jefferson during the writing of the Declaration. Solo Song: He Plays the Violin
Edward Rutledge (South Carolina) Vocal range: C3- A5
An eloquent delegate who challenges hypocrisy within the independence movement. Plays a pivotal role in the debate over slavery and the moral compromises of the new nation. Solo Song: Molasses and Rum
Richard Henry Lee (Virginia delegate) Vocal range: C3- G4
Introduces the motion for independence, setting the process in motion and inspiring others to take up the cause. Song: The Lees of Old Virginia
Courier Vocal range: C3- Db4
Delivers dispatches from the battlefield, offering sobering reminders of the war’s cost and urgency. Solo Song: Mama Look Sharp
John Dickinson (Pennsylvania delegate) Vocal range: A2- E4
Leads opposition to immediate independence, arguing for reconciliation and careful diplomacy, providing a counterbalance to more radical voices. Song: Cool Cool Considerate Men
Robert Livingston (New York delegate) Vocal range: Bb2- F4
Member of the drafting committee who collaborates on early versions of the Declaration before departing prior to the final signing. Song: But, Mr. Adams
Roger Sherman (Connecticut delegate) Vocal range: C3- Bb4
Serves on the committee to draft the Declaration, contributing to the articulation of shared values and collective purpose. Song: But, Mr. Adams
John Hancock (President of Congress/Massachusetts delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
Presides over the Continental Congress, maintains order during debate, and helps guide delegates toward decision and consensus.
Dr. Josiah Bartlett (New Hampshire delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
Supports the movement for independence and participates actively in the debates and votes shaping the final resolution.
Stephen Hopkins (Rhode Island delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
Adds perspective and experience to the debates, emphasizing independence and practical governance.
Lewis Morris (New York delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
Represents a divided colony, reflecting hesitation and political caution during the debates and votes for independence.
Reverend John Witherspoon (New Jersey delegate, possible double casting with Abigail Adams) Sings with the ensemble.
Advocates for moral grounding and integrity in the nation’s founding principles, influencing the tone of debate.
James Wilson (Pennsylvania delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
Acts as a swing vote within the Pennsylvania delegation; ultimately supports independence, ensuring the measure passes.
Caesar Rodney (Delaware delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
Travels urgently to Philadelphia to cast a decisive vote for independence, demonstrating commitment and sacrifice.
Colonel Thomas McKean (Delaware delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
An outspoken figure pushing for swift and decisive action on independence within the Delaware delegation.
George Read (Delaware delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
Voices opposition to independence, representing cautious and loyalist sentiment within the Congress.
Samuel Chase (Maryland delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
Initially resistant to independence but becomes persuaded through debate, shifting allegiance and influencing others to act.
Joseph Hewes (North Carolina delegate) Sings with the ensemble.
A delegate balancing personal uncertainty with civic duty. Participates in discussions around the practical implications of independence and contributes to achieving consensus for unity.
Dr. Lyman Hall (Georgia delegate, possible double casting with Martha Jefferson) Sings with the ensemble.
Balances personal conviction and state loyalty, ultimately choosing to support the independence resolution.
Charles Thomson (Secretary of Congress) Sings with the ensemble.
Records proceedings, reads correspondence and motions, and ensures the formal and procedural accuracy of the Congress.
Andrew McNair (Custodian/Bell Ringer) Sings with the ensemble.
Maintains the Congressional chamber, rings the Liberty Bell, and represents everyday citizens within the political setting.
Leather Apron (Apprentice/Worker) Sings with the ensemble.
Represents the working class during ensemble scenes, providing contrast between the leaders’ debates and the lives of ordinary people.
Painter Sings with the ensemble.
Paints Franklin’s portrait, symbolizing how the actions and debates of the Congress are already becoming part of history.
Rehearsal & Performance Commitments
Mandatory Tech Week: July 12–15, 2026
Performance Dates: July 16–19, 2026
All performers must be available for tech week and all performances.
Audition applications - Due by 4/18 at 12 PM
Fill out at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/Q5eZ03LueU
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Event Venue
Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652-2603, United States
Tickets
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