SETTING

Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Summer 1776, leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

CAST SIZE

• We hope to cast approximately 25 performers.
• Depending on audition turnout and production needs, some roles may be doubled. We strongly
  encourage anyone interested in participating to audition.
• No prior theatre experience is necessary.  We welcome first-time performers, experienced actors, singers, musicians, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in becoming involved with community theatre.
• This production offers opportunities for performers of many experience levels, including:
  •  Non-speaking and limited-speaking ensemble roles for those new to the stage or looking for a lower pressure introduction to theatre.
  •  Character and supporting roles that emphasize acting and stage presence, with limited vocal
    requirements.
  •  Chorus and ensemble opportunities for singers who enjoy performing as part of a group.
  •  Featured supporting and principal roles requiring stronger acting, vocal ability, memorization, and rehearsal commitment.

Whether this is your first audition or your fiftieth, we encourage you to come and find the place where
you can best contribute to the production.

CASTING

Men ages 15 and over.
Women able to play a men’s role.
This production primarily features male roles, reflecting the historical makeup of the Continental
Congress. However, performers of all genders are welcome to audition.
Our goal is to cast men in as many of the historical male roles as possible. However, women may be
considered for a variety of traditionally male roles as part of the production’s artistic vision.
The two principal female roles, Abigail Adams and Martha Jefferson, are also open for auditions.
Not every role in 1776 carries the same demands. Some parts require extensive dialogue, solo singing,
and significant stage experience, while others focus primarily on acting, ensemble singing, or simply
helping bring the world of the play to life. Principal roles will generally require the strongest
combination of acting ability, vocal skill, preparation, and rehearsal commitment.
We encourage everyone to bring their talent, enthusiasm, and creativity to the audition process.

HAIR, FACIAL HAIR, AND COSTUMING

1776 is a period production and requires a period appearance.
Many performers will wear wigs as part of the costume design. In some cases, performers may be
asked to modify hairstyles or facial hair to fit the production’s design requirements.

WHAT TO PREPARE

Everything needed for auditions can be found through the links provided at the end of this packet.

SINGING ROLES

Most characters sing as part of the ensemble. Several characters also have featured solos.
All auditioners will sing “Sit Down, John” together as a group.
Auditioners for singing roles should additionally prepare ONE selection from the following list:
• Cool Considerate Men (Dickinson)
• The Lees of Old Virginia (Lee)
• Momma, Look Sharp (Courier)
• Yours, Yours, Yours (Abigail)
• He Plays the Violin (Martha)
• Piddle,Twiddle (Adams)
• Molasses to Rum (Rutledge)
• Is Anybody There? (Adams)
• But, Mr. Adams (Sherman, Jefferson, Livingston, Franklin)
Auditioners will sing with accompaniment tracks.

ALL ROLES

Please select two or three characters that interest you and prepare the audition sides listed for those
characters.
Memorization is not required, but preparation is encouraged.
Auditioners may also be asked to participate in cold readings from the script.

BEFORE AUDITIONS

We strongly encourage all auditioners to watch the film version of 1776 before attending auditions.
Links to reference materials, audition music, and audition sides are provided below.

PLEASE BRING

• Completed audition form
• A calendar containing all known conflicts
• Optional acting résumé and headshot

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Rehearsals for Principals will begin Monday, July 13 at 6:00 PM @ The John St. Methodist Church in Camden. Not everybody will be called for every rehearsal. We respect your time.
Tentatively, Regular rehearsals will be held:
Mondays  6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fridays 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed following casting and the first read-through.
Additional rehearsals may occasionally be scheduled due to production needs, cancellations, or
unforeseen circumstances.
Weekend rehearsals may be called when necessary according to availability.
Every scheduling effort will be made to accommodate those driving distances, and those with
extenuating circumstances.
Not all performers will be required at every rehearsal.
Community theatre is a team effort. By accepting a role, performers agree to make rehearsals and
performances a priority throughout the production process.
If you know you will miss more than three rehearsals, or a significant portion of technical week, please talk with us.