Audition Information for 1776

The Pickwick Players announce auditions for the humorous, engaging, and captivating portrayal of the Continental Congress as they work toward declaring independence. 1776 was written in 1969 and ran on Broadway for three years, winning three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In 1972, it was made into a movie starring several of the original actors from the stage show. In following years, the movie developed something of a cult following and it is watched religiously every 4th of July in many homes. The Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C., presented a true-to-the-original production in April and May of this year. We couldn't think of a better show to present during our country's 250th! It's the perfect way for us to celebrate the birth of America! 

The show requires at least 18 men but can take more who sing the robust and rousing numbers in the show, but Abigail Adams and Martha Jefferson enter certain scenes to soften the show as they interpret the relationship between themselves and responsibilities with those of their famous husbands of the Founding Fathers. 

There will also be a Chorus created to sing a rousing entr'acte of patriotic music, which will enrich the experience for all who attend the show and give each participant the opportunity to "Sing for their Country!" The Chorus will be open to adults, teens and children 10 and older. If you are interested in participating in this Chorus, please let us know by return email and you will be included in future emails with more details. No audition is required for the Chorus at this time but will be announced at a later date. 

Audition Schedule

Auditions will be held for the named character roles in the show on: 

• Friday, July 31
  6:30-9:00pm
  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15 N Reid St, Hamilton VA (map)
• Saturday, August 1
  2:00-5:00pm
  Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Rd, Ashburn VA (map)

No reserved audition times are required.  You should arrive for your audition sometime during the hours listed.  Please be prepared for the process to take about an hour and 15 minutes.

Please let us know by email to thepickwickplayers@gmail.com if you plan to audition and which day so we can plan on how many to expect.

Can't audition in person on those dates? You may send a video of your two monologues and 16 measures of one song (see details below) to  thepickwickplayers@gmail.com by July 31.

Audition Details

Auditionees should come prepared to present two memorized short monologues from this document as well as 16 measures from a 1776 song to sing. We prefer to hear you sing with background recordings on your device if possible.

Monologues

If you are interested in playing one of the members of the Continental Congress, please select two different character cuts from this document, focusing on roles in which you are interested, and prepare them for your audition. We would prefer that you have them memorized so we can see you play the role with great characterization. These are all iconic, historical figures and we will be interpreting their parts in the traditional way they are usually portrayed. Women/older teens interested in the women’s parts should prepare both monologues (Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Jefferson).

Please select your two monologues from this document.

Songs

• 1776 (movie) in case you want familiarize yourself with the show.
• 1776 (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
• Backing tracks on YouTube. You could use these for your audition. If you prefer to use a simple audio track rather than a YouTube video, search the web for '1776 backing tracks' and you will find tracks available for purchase for only a few dollars each. (The Pickwick Players does not recommend or endorse any particular backing track vendor.)

Production Details

There is a participation fee required from every member of the cast to participate in the show to help cover production costs and costuming.

Performances and most rehearsals take place at various venues in Loudoun County, Virginia. A typical show will have rehearsals as far east as Sterling and as far west as Purcellville. We welcome performers from all over the region who commit to attending rehearsals so that we can present another high quality family-friendly production.

Questions? Please email thepickwickplayers@gmail.com.