The Empress Theatre is thrilled to announce auditions for ‘1776’!
Auditions will be held on Tues. May 5th and Thurs. May 7th from 7pm-9pm. Callbacks will be held on Sat. May 9th by invitation only.
Auditioners should come prepared with a minus track and one minute of a song in the style of the show.
We prefer no A’Capella singing & no accompanist is provided.
Auditions are open to those 15 and older.
Performances run July 3, 2015 – July 25, 2015, on Monday, Friday and Saturday nights, with a Saturday afternoon matinee on July 11, 2015.* Performance on Saturday July 4, 2015 to be an afternoon performance. Performance on Friday July 24, 2015 subject to change.
Directed by: Michelle Groves
Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence.
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 fledgling nation.
It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence…if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.
1776 is a funny, insightful, and compelling drama with a striking score and legendary book.
Looking to cast approximately 15 to 25 men& 2 women.
Character Descriptions: (Ages are those of the character, not necessarily of the actor)
John Adams: (baritone to tenor) lead role of the show. Must be able to play early to mid 40’s age and smaller stature is desired. Solo singing throughout the entire production.
Thomas Jefferson: (baritone) Six feet or taller, soft spoken author of the declaration. Can play the violin a plus.
Benjamin Franklin: (baritone) Must be able to play witty 70+ aged character. Sings small solo lines throughout.
Edward Rutledge: (high baritone-tenor) Must speak with elegant southern accent, he is the delegate from South Carolina. Sings solo “Molasses, to Rum, to Slaves”.
John Dickinson: (baritone to tenor) Strong dramatic role ranging from cool to antagonistic. Sings solo “Cool Conservative Men”
Abigail Adams: (soprano) the wife of John Adams. Ages 30-50 years, must be able to play late 30’s. Solo work throughout.
Martha Jefferson: (mezzo-soprano) The wife of Thomas Jefferson. Ages 18-35, to play late 20’s. A strong knowledge of ballet required. Sings solo “He Plays the Violin”.
The Courier: (tenor) Ages 15-30 to play a teenager. Sings solo “Mama Look Sharp”.
John Hancock: (baritone) strong, statesman or leader appearance. Sings a solo part in “Cool Conservative Men”.
Charles Thompson: (high baritone to tenor) the very business-like secretary. Sings solo in “Is Anybody There?”.
Col. Thomas McKean: (bass to tenor) delegate from Delaware, speaks with a Scottish accent.
Stephen Hopkins: (any range) to play crusty, out-spoken, 70+ aged delegate from Rhode Island.
Andrew McNair: (baritone to tenor) is the custodian for the building. Actor must be able to play 55+ or older seasoned character. Strong comedic skills and abilities to improvise is a plus. He sings in trio for “Momma Look Sharp”.
A Leather Apron: (High baritone to tenor) must play late-teen to early 20’s aged apprentice to custodian. He sings in trio for “Momma Look Sharp”.
Congressional Ensemble: All remaining Congressional member roles are open to any age to play 25+ to 70+. Characters’ ages, vocal range and stature are to be determined by director at the time of the audition. All efforts to keep this historically accurate will be considered.
Post expires at 12:00am on Friday May 8th, 2015