AUDITIONS FOR: 1776 The Musical

Audition dates: Feb. 11 or 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Performance dates: May 7 – 17, 2026

Directed by Will Knappen

Abrams Spotlight Productions is gearing up for auditions for 1776 the Musical, a bold, witty, and powerful musical that brings the signing of the Declaration of Independence to life. With sharp dialogue, rousing music, and moments of humor and heart, 1776 follows the debates, compromises, and larger-than-life personalities of America’s founding fathers as they struggle to unite thirteen colonies into one nation.

Auditions

• We are seeking a cast of male and female actors ages 16 years and older.
• Auditions will be held February 11 and 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • You only need to attend one evening
• Location: The Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St, Abrams WI
• Pre-registration is appreciated.
• Those auditioning should prepare 24–32 bars of a song from a musical (not from 1776)
• You may be asked to read from the script.
• The show will be presented as written, however all genders and races will be considered for every role.

Rehearsals

• Rehearsals will begin the first week of January (date to come)
• Rehearsal dates and times will be scheduled around availability, however typical rehearsals will be: Sundays 5pm-8pm, Tuesdays 6pm-8pm and Thursdays 6pm-8pm
• There will be a Tech Week of rehearsals May 3-6. These rehearsals will be mandatory.

Performances

• There will be eight (8) performances of 1776:
  • May 7, 7pm
  • May 8, 7pm
  • May 9, 7pm
  • May 10, 1pm
  • May 14, 7pm
  • May 15, 7pm
  • May 16, 7pm
  • May 17, 1pm
• All performances are mandatory

If you have questions, contact us via email (theater.aspi@gmail.com) or call the box office at 920-826-5852.

Character Descriptions

1776 the Musical – Character Breakdown

• John Adams: Passionate, stubborn, and principled. A relentless advocate for independence who is often frustrated by the slow pace of Congress. Requires a strong actor and singer with excellent comedic timing.
• Benjamin Franklin: Witty, wise, and charming. Provides humor and perspective throughout the show. Requires a strong character actor with warmth and presence.
• Thomas Jefferson: Quiet, thoughtful, and poetic. Tasked with writing the Declaration of Independence while struggling with self-doubt and homesickness. Requires a strong singer and emotional subtlety.
• Abigail Adams: John Adams’ wife. Intelligent, compassionate, and strong-willed. Appears in letters and moments of reflection. Strong singer with emotional depth.
• Martha Jefferson: Thomas Jefferson’s wife. Warm, grounding, and supportive. Appears as a vision/idealized presence. Strong singer with grace and warmth.
• Richard Henry Lee: Confident and outspoken leader of the independence movement. Commands attention and momentum. Strong singer and actor.
• Edward Rutledge: Young, aristocratic delegate from South Carolina. Charismatic, sharp, and politically savvy. Requires a strong singer and commanding stage presence.
• John Dickinson: Leader of the opposition to independence. Polite, principled, and cautious. Strong actor with excellent vocal control.
• Samuel Chase: Boisterous and opinionated delegate from Maryland. Larger-than-life personality. Strong comedic actor.
• Roger Sherman: Plainspoken, practical delegate from Connecticut. Dry humor and grounded presence.
• Robert Livingston: Conservative delegate from New York. Reserved, conflicted, and serious.
• James Wilson: Intellectual delegate from Pennsylvania. Thoughtful and measured.
• George Read: Polished, cautious, and articulate delegate from Delaware.
• Caesar Rodney: Delegate from Delaware who arrives ill but determined. A powerful dramatic moment. Requires strong actor.
• Dr. Josiah Bartlett: Kind, elderly delegate from New Hampshire. Gentle presence with quiet authority.
• Stephen Hopkins: Delegate from Rhode Island. Sharp-witted and wise despite physical limitations.
• Andrew McNair (The Custodian): Caretaker of Congress. Observant, warm, and symbolic. Appears throughout the show and sings a featured solo.
• Courier: Youthful, energetic role. Strong singer with clarity and presence.