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*** AUDITIONS ***“1776”
Book by Peter Stone
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Based on a Concept by Sherman Edwards
Directed by Ryan Murray
Contact: [email protected]
The seminal event in American History blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures, determined to do the right thing for a fledging nation.
Auditions will take place on April 12 at 2:00 PM, and April 13 and 14 at 7:00 PM, at the James Snow Community Room, 310 S Front Street in Dowagiac. Newcomers are welcome and no experience is necessary. No roles are being precast. All roles are open and available. There are several non-speaking roles that don’t require singing talent. Due to the numerous male characters and only two female characters, it is anticipated that actors of all genders will be offered to play male characters. The genders of the characters will not be modified or changed. Non-male actors will simply need to “act” like the historical male character if they accept that role. Much leeway will be given on the ages of the actors compared to the age of the characters.
Actors need only attend one of the auditions. There is no plan to have callbacks. All auditions will consist of reading from the 1776 script. Optionally, actors may also deliver a memorized monologue from any work they choose. Those who are singing should bring accompanying music in digital format they can play from their device, or can be played from the internet. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided. A piano player will not be present. See below.
Singing Roles, Character preference: Actors who wish to be cast in a certain role must sing a song from 1776 that their desired character sings. It’s really that simple.
Singing roles, no character preference. Actors will need to sing a song that demonstrates their singing ability. It does not need to be from “1776.” It can be any song, including “Row Row Row Your Boat,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” or “Freebird.” (Hopefully it won’t be a Taylor Swift song, unless you can really nail it.)
Non-singing roles, certain role(s) desired: Actors should be familiar with the script beforehand, (https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=1776+musical) will read part of a scene that showcases that particular role or roles.
Non-singing roles, no role preference: Actors who have lots of flexibility and don’t want to be featured singing need do nothing else at auditions.
This is not anticipated to be a dance-heavy show. Therefore actors with moderate physical abilities should be able to perform. Those with limitations should not hesitate to ask questions about making arrangements for physical accommodations.
Auditions Dates:
Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm
Monday, April 13, 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 7pm to 9pm
Location:
**Note: Auditions are NOT at the theatre. They Will take place at:
James Snow Community Room
310 S Front St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Performance Dates:
June 26 - June 28, 2026
July 3 - 5, 2026
The Following rolls (all roles) are available. There are no precast roles:
LEADS:
John Adams (Baritone) - Delegate from Massachusetts. John is a dutiful husband. Opinionated, passionate, and a bit boisterous, he wears his age with pride. Starving for independence from England. Gender: male. Age: 41 to 41. Vocal range top: F#4. Vocal range bottom: C3. Note: This is the biggest role with many lines of dialogue to memorize as well as songs.
Benjamin Franklin (Baritone/Bass) - Delegate from Pennsylvania. Franklin is intelligent, well-traveled, and pleasantly cunning. A jolly and admirable fellow with whom one would desire to have a friendship. Gender: male. Age: 60 to 70. Vocal range top: Eb4. Vocal range bottom: Ab2.
Thomas Jefferson (Tenor) - Delegate from Virginia. Though noticeably tall, Jefferson is mild-mannered and sweet. Along with being a well-read man, he is very much in love with his wife. Gender: male. Age: 33 to 33. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: C3.
SUPPORTING:
John Hancock (Spoken) - President of the Continental Congress. He is the steady hand that guides the often emotional delegates through the negotiations and proceedings. Male age 59.
Caesar Rodney (Spoken) - Member of the delegation from Delaware. Suffers from cancer and is frail. Gender: male. Age 47.
Col. Thomas Mckean (Baritone) - Delegate from Delaware. McKean is florid and likable with a charming, yet commanding, Scottish Brogue. Gender: male. Age: 42 to 42. Vocal range top: Eb4. Vocal range bottom: C3.
Charles Thomson (Spoken) - Secretary of the Continental Congress. Call’s role call and votes, Etc. Gender: male. Age: mid 40’s.
Richard Henry Lee (Baritone) - Delegate from Virginia, Lee is a willowy aristocrat. His flamboyancy is intoxicating and borderline infuriating. Gender: male. Age: 45 to 45. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: C3.
John Dickinson (Baritone, Bass) - Delegate from Pennsylvania. A thin, hawkish gentleman. He is sharp-tongued and a touch detestable. Gender: male. Age: 44 to 44. Vocal range top: E4. Vocal range bottom: A2.
Abigail Adams (Mezzo-Soprano) - Loving wife to John Adams. Intelligent, quick-witted, and talented with a pen, Abigail is a radiant and shapely beauty. Every bit as bright as her husband. Gender: female. Age: 32 to 32. Vocal range top: F5. Vocal range bottom: Db4. Can be doubled with Rev Jonathan Witherspoon.
Martha Jefferson (Mezzo-Sporano) - Thomas Jefferson's very-much-in-love wife. Her looks are striking, her dancing delightful, and her humor appealing. She doesn't shy away from a good time. Joy radiates from her. Gender: female. Age: 27 to 27. Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: Bb3. Can be doubled with Dr Lymon Hall.
Edward Rutledge (Tenor) - Delegate from South Carolina. Despite his good looks, Rutledge is haunting and somewhat ominous as the youngest member of the Continental Congress. There is a serpent-like quality to him. Gender: male. Age: 26 to 26. Vocal range top: A4. Vocal range bottom: C3
Stephen Hopkins (Tenor) - Delegate from Rhode Island. Hopkins' drinking has led to an appearance befitting of the 2nd oldest in the Continental Congress. He has a dirty old man playfulness about him. Gender: male. Age: 70 to 70. Vocal range top: Eb4. Vocal range bottom: C3.
FEATURED:
Roger Sherman (Tenor) - Delegate from Connecticut. A coffee drinker with a penchant for hyperactivity, Sherman is a simple and balding cobbler. Gender: male. Age: 55 to 55. Vocal range top: Bb4. Vocal range bottom: C3.
Robert Livingston (Tenor) - Delegate from New York. Recently a father, Livingston's disposition has become one of humility and graciousness. He has changed considerably over the years. Gender: male. Age: 30 to 30. Vocal range top: F4. Vocal range bottom: Bb2.
Courier (Tenor) - The message runner between General Washington's army and the Continental Congress. He has witnessed the hardships of war firsthand, although his innocent disposition and appearance may imply otherwise. Gender: male. Age: 15 to 20. Vocal range top: Db4. Vocal range bottom: C3. Can also play A Leather Apron / Apprentice, and A Painter.
Reverend John Livingston (Spoken) - Delegate from New Jersey. Gener: male. Age 50’s.
Joseph Hewes (Spoken) - Delegate from North Carolina. Gender: male. Age: 40’s.
Dr Joseph Bartlett (Spoken) - Delegate from New Hampshire. Gender: male. Age 40’s.
Lewis Morris (Spoken) - Delegate from New York. Gender: male. Age: 50’s.
James Wilson (Spoken) - Delegate from Pennsylvania. Gender: male. Age: 30’s to 40’s.
George Read (Spoken) - Delegate from Delaware. Gender: male. Age: 40’s.
Samuel Chase (Spoken) - Delegate from Maryland. Gender: male. Age 30’s.
Dr Lymon Hall (Spoken) - Newly appointed delegate from Georgia. Gender: male. Age: 50’s.
Andre McNair (Spoken) - Congressional custodian. Gender: male. Age: 30’s to 60’s.
A Leather Apron / Apprentice (Spoken) - Apprentice to custodian Andrew McNair. Gender: male. Age: teenager. Can be doubled with A Painter.
A Painter (No lines) - Commissioned by Ben Franklin to paint his portrait. Gender: male. Age: any. Can be doubled with A Leather Apron / Apprentice.
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Event Venue
310 S Front St, Dowagiac, MI 49047-1740, United States
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