1776 The Musical

For the vocal audition, please bring your own piano-track recording or karaoke version to sing along with. (No accompanist provided.)

Please bring a current headshot and resume.

Bring all possible conflicts between January 25 and April 12.

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, sets the process in motion, and inspires 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 actively participates in 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.