Audition Information / Announcements
Auditions: 1776
Raleigh Little Theatre is seeking performers for its upcoming production of 1776, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone. This show will be presented in the Cantey V. Sutton Theatre.
This production of 1776 will reexamine one of the most significant moments in our nation’s history through a contemporary lens. As we approach 250 years since the founding of the United States, this production is an opportunity to look back at the creation of the Declaration of Independence and its ideals of freedom, equality, and justice to ask what those ideas mean for us today.
1776 reminds us that the American story is still being written. We invite you to join us in telling it with the energy, perspective, and diversity that define who we are now.
About the show
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.
The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. Celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States at 1776!
Directed by Patrick Torres
Music Directed by Katherine Anderson
Choreographed by Aya Wallace
Scenic Design by Shannon Clark
Costume Design by Denise Schumaker
Stage Managed by Cynita Lew
Important dates
Audition Information Session: December 8 (Monday) 7-8pm [Register on Zoom here]
- This optional information session will include an overview of the audition process, forms, and guidance on how to prepare. This is a great session to attend if you have never auditioned for a show before, never volunteered at RLT, or if you would like to hear more from the creative team about the process and show.
General Auditions: December 15, 2025 (Monday) and December 16, 2025 (Tuesday) 7-10pm
Callback List: posted on RLT’s website by December 17, 2025 (Wednesday) 12pm
Callbacks: December 17, 2025 (Wednesday) 7-10pm
Cast List: December 22, 2025 (Monday) by 5pm
Rehearsals: February 9 – March 19, 2026; Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Fridays 7-10pm, with some flexibility on Wednesdays and weekends.
Tech rehearsals: March 21 (Saturday) and March 22 (Sunday), typically 10:00am-6:00pm, exact times TBD
Tech dress rehearsals: March 23-25, 2026 (Monday through Wednesday)
Preview: March 26 2026 (Thursday) 8:00pm
Performances: 8:00pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00pm Sundays; March 27-29, April 3-5, April 10-12, and April 17-19, 2026, as well as Thursday, April 2, 2026
School matinees: April 14, 2026 (Tuesday) and April 15, 2026 (Wednesday) at 10:00am. These are performances for students local to us to enjoy the show and learn together with their class.
Strike: Immediately following the last performance on April 19. All cast members are expected to stay for strike.
About the roles
We are building a cast that reflects the full diversity of America. Every role is open to anyone: any age (18 and up), any gender identity, and any ethnicity (unless specifically noted below). The only requirements are the capacity to sing the role and a commitment to collaboration. You are encouraged to audition for any role that speaks to you, regardless of how that role has traditionally been cast.
All vocal ranges listed are from the original score, as heard on the original Broadway cast recording. No transpositions will be done, but other adjustments will be made as necessary for actors with higher voices, including potentially singing up the octave. Please audition for all roles that interest you regardless of your vocal range and gender.
John Adams (Massachusetts delegate) Vocal range: C3- F#4 (Leading role. Sings in most of the show.)
A driving force behind independence, persistently urging Congress to adopt and sign the Declaration. Challenges others to act and keeps the cause moving forward despite resistance. Solo songs and duets: Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve, Til Then, Yours, Is Anybody There?
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, setting the process in motion and inspiring 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 participates actively in the 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.
About the auditions
Click here to sign up for an audition day!
Please prepare 16-32 bars (about 90 seconds) of a song in the style of the show and of the character you are interested in. You may sing from the show if you wish. Please bring your sheet music with you (preferably in a binder) for the accompanist, and make sure it is in the correct key. Please no pre-recorded music or a capella singing.
All auditionees should arrive ten minutes before the time they are signed up to help with check in. There are TWO general audition days. You need only attend ONE.
A callback list will be posted by 12pm on December 17. All auditionees that are called back will be asked to read and sing from provided selections of the script and to dance a piece of choreography that will be taught at the callbacks.
Please fill out the following paperwork to bring with you to the auditions:
In addition to the paperwork, please email Cari@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org with a recent picture of yourself with head and shoulders by 4pm on Monday, December 15. The purpose of the picture is to help the director remember your amazing performance during auditions, so an informal picture is ideal, as long as it shows who you are and is recent.
Questions about auditions? Contact Info@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org
If you need any specific accommodations to audition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Info@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org to make your request. Examples of accommodations made in the past are: wheelchair accessible audition space, large print materials, prompters in the audition room, and volunteers to help fill out forms.
Volunteer Access Fund
If you face financial barriers related to transportation to the theatre, please check out our Volunteer Access Fund program!