Open auditions for 1776

Directed by Casey Burden

The Players is seeking performers for our upcoming production of 1776, the Tony Award–winning musical that brings the founding of a nation to vivid, human life.

This powerful, character-driven musical explores the debates, tensions, and compromises behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Strong actors who can sing and embody historical figures with intelligence, wit, and conviction are encouraged to audition.

Audition Dates:
March 15, 2026: 6:00 pm
March 16, 2026: 6:30 pm

Callbacks (If needed):

March 17, 2026: 6:30 pm

👉 Please sign up using the Audition Signup Form at the end of this page.

Audition Requirements:
• Prepare a song from 1776 or in the style of the show
• Sing with a track. You may use YouTube or bring your own accompaniment track
• Be prepared for cold readings from the script

Please bring a device capable of playing your track. We will provide a Bluetooth speaker.

Rehearsals Begin:
May 3, 2026

Opening Night:
June 26, 2026

All roles are open. The Players is committed to inclusive casting and encourages performers of all backgrounds to audition.

Join the debate. Make history. Sign your name.

Character Breakdown

John Adams

Passionate, stubborn, brilliant. The engine of the revolution. Tenor. Requires stamina, sharp comedic timing, and emotional depth.

Benjamin Franklin

Wry, charming, politically savvy. A master strategist with warmth and humor. Baritone.

Thomas Jefferson

Intellectual, idealistic, quietly intense. Strong singer.

Edward Rutledge

Young, aristocratic, dangerous edge. Sings “Molasses to Rum.” Baritone with power and authority.

Richard Henry Lee

Flamboyant, charismatic, scene-stealing. Strong singer. “The Lees of Old Virginia.”

Abigail Adams

Intelligent, grounded, warm. Strong soprano. Duets with John.

Martha Jefferson

Gentle, romantic, musically gifted. Soprano. Sings “He Plays the Violin.”

Courier

Young, earnest. Sings “Mama, Look Sharp.” Strong lyric tenor required.

Andrew McNair

Congress custodian. Comedic moments. Small singing moments.

Leather Apron

Working-class citizen. Observant, silent witness to history. SIngs in “Mama, Look Sharp.”

Robert Livingston

Reserved, dry humor. Often the voice of reason within the committee.

Roger Sherman

Practical and plainspoken. Grounded presence.

John Dickinson

Elegant, articulate, conservative voice of caution. Baritone. Intellectual and formidable.

Dr. Lyman Hall

Measured, thoughtful. Torn between loyalties.

John Hancock

President of Congress. Grand, theatrical, image-conscious. A commanding presence.

Charles Thomson

Secretary of Congress. Formal, procedural, steady.

Joseph Hewes

Sensitive, conflicted. Strong actor. Baritone.

Lewis Morris

Blunt, honorable, conflicted over personal cost.

George Read

Sharp, politically calculating. Speaks with a high voice.

James Wilson

Thoughtful, analytical. A bespectacled, cautious sycophant.

Samuel Chase

Booming voice, bold personality. Big character presence.

Josiah Bartlett

Early supporter of independence. Clear and decisive. Non-featured vocal.

Stephen Hopkins

Elderly delegate with tremor. Comic timing required. Non-featured vocal.

Thomas McKean

Practical, business-minded. Scottish brogue. Non-featured vocal.

Caesar Rodney

Determined, weathered. Wears a green scarf covering an infirmity. Non-featured vocal.

Reverend John Witherspoon

Moral authority. Calm, measured. Non-featured vocal.