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 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.​

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Performances will be located at The Gin in Nesbit, MS. 

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AUDITION BREAKDOWN

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WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 6:00-8:00 pm.

 Click here to reserve your appointment slot. 

Callbacks will be held on Monday, May 4 by invitation only.

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WHERE: Northwest Mississippi Community College **DESOTO CENTER**

1210 Church Road W, Southaven, MS 38671

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WHO: Open to actors ages 15+.

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WHAT TO PREPARE:

Please prepare 32 bars (approximately 30–60 seconds) of a song in the style of the show. Bring your accompaniment track on a personal device. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided.

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WHAT TO BRING:

• 8x10 headshot and résumé (stapled). If you do not have a headshot, bring a current photo.

• Completed audition form (available at the bottom of this page).

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VIDEO AUDITIONS:

If you are unable to attend in-person auditions, you may submit a video audition. All submissions must be received by Friday, May 2 at 5:00 pm CST. Include a 30–60 second vocal selection in the style of the show. Email the following materials to artisticdirectordft@gmail.com:

• Vocal Selection

• Headshot

• Résumé

• Completed audition form

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Rehearsals begin July 20. Please see the tentative rehearsal schedule below.

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CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:​

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John Adams

Delegate from Massachusetts. John is a dutiful husband. Opinionated, passionate, and a bit boisterous, he wears his age with pride. Starving for independence from England.

(The role of John Adams has been precast.)

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Stephen Hopkins

Delegate from Rhode Island. Hopkins' drinking has led to an appearance befitting of the 2nd oldest in the Continental Congress. He has a dirty old man playfulness about him.

Gender: male

Age: 60-70

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Roger Sherman

Delegate from Connecticut. A coffee drinker with a penchant for hyperactivity, Sherman is a simple and balding cobbler.

Gender: male

Age:50-55

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Robert Livingston

Delegate from New York. Recently a father, Livingston's disposition has become one of humility and graciousness. He has changed considerably over the years.

Gender: male

Age: 25-35

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Benjamin Franklin

Delegate from Pennsylvania. Franklin is intelligent, well-traveled, and pleasantly cunning. A jolly and admirable fellow with whom one would desire to have a friendship.

Gender: male

Age: 60-70

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John Dickinson

Delegate from Pennsylvania. A thin, hawkish gentleman. He is sharp-tongued and a touch detestable.

He is not a villian, but a misguided, principled man. He is the antithesis of John Adams. Must be a solid actor with gravitas.

Gender: male

Age:40-50

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Col. Thomas Mckean

Delegate from Delaware. McKean is florid and likable with a charming, yet commanding, Scottish Brogue.

Gender: male

Age: 40-50

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Richard Henry Lee

Delegate from Virginia, Lee is a willowy aristocrat. His flamboyancy is intoxicating and borderline infuriating.

Gender: male

Age: 40-50

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Hancock 

Weary, diplomatic. Since Hancock is the President of Congress he rides the fence and tries to keep the peace between all members without abusing his power. But Hancock is secretly for independence and tries to find ways to help Adams achieve his goal. Must be an actor with gravitas.

Genger: male

Age: 40-45

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Thomas Jefferson

Delegate from Virginia. Though noticeably tall, Jefferson is mild-mannered and sweet. Along with being a well read man, he is very much in love with his wife.

Gender: male

Age: 30-35

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Edward Rutledge

Delegate from South Carolina. Despite his good looks, Rutledge is haunting and somewhat ominous as the youngest member of the Continental Congress. There is a serpent-like quality to him. He is the antagonist. He is duplicitous, playing both sides of the aisle to get what best suits his interests. Must be a solid singer and actor with gravitas. 

Gender: male

Age: 20-25

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Abigail Adams

Loving wife to John Adams. Intelligent, quick-witted, and talented with a pen, Abigail is a radiant and shapely beauty. Every bit as bright as her husband.

Gender: female

Age: 30-35

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Martha Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson's very-much-in-love wife. Her looks are striking, her dancing delightful, and her humor appealing. She doesn't shy away from a good time. Joy radiates from her.

Gender: female

Age: 25-35

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Courier

The message runner between General Washington's army and the Continental Congress. He has witnessed the hardships of war firsthand, although his innocent disposition and appearance may imply otherwise.

Gender: male

Age: 15 to 20