1776 The Musical Understudies

Walnut Street Theatre is currently seeking local non-union actors to understudy ALL roles in our upcoming spring musical production of 1776 in celebration of the nation’s semi-quincentennial.  Below, please find the information as it pertains to the production. 

1776 THE MUSICAL
Director: Glenn Casale
1st Rehearsal – March 24, 2026
Performances – April 14 – May 31, 2026

Seeking: (roles listed with the age each historical figure was during the signing of the Declaration)

Large leading roles with vocal solos

John Adams - 41
Benjamin Franklin- 70
Thomas Jefferson - 33
John Dickinson - 44
Edward Rutledge - 27
Richard Henry Lee - 44
Abigail Adams - 32
John Hancock - 39
Robert Livingston - 30
Roger Sherman - 55
Martha Jefferson - 27

Supporting and bit parts.  Some are nonsinging/nonspeaking

Charles Thompson47
Courier - 20
James Wilson - 33
Lewis Moris - 50
Samuel Chase - 35
Thomas McKean - 42
George Read - 43
Joseph Hewes - 46
Dr. Lyman Hall - 52
Dr. Josiah Bartlett - 46
Stephen Hopkins - 70
Rev. John Witherspoon - 53
Caesar Rodney - 48
Andrew McNair - 50+
Leather Apron - 20
A Painter - 20

 
Artists who are unfamiliar with Non-Union Understudies from within the Walnut Street Theatre School’s education performance program, details are provided below.

UNDERSTUDIES:

• Are “On Call” for a specific role in the cast and must be in town for the duration of the Rehearsal through Performance run. 3/24/26 – 5/31/26
• Learn/observe as much of the rehearsal process as you’d like on your own. 
• Attend Final Dress Rehearsal. 4/12/26
• 6 required daytime understudy rehearsals during the show’s run 1-6PM – on weekdays. 4/16, 4/17, 4/21, 4/23, 4/28, & 4/29.
• Receive an expense stipend of $350 to cover any expenses in participating (parking for a day, etc.)
  • Additional Rate: $70 a show if you perform as an understudy.
  • Scholarship for a free class at the Walnut Street Theatre School.

Auditions will be held in person in January by appointment only.  For consideration, please email a headshot and current resume to [email protected] 
(Subject Line : 1776 u/s - Last Name)

Walnut Street Theatre is committed to diversity and engages in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of ALL ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to submit.