FRANKLIN’S KEY is a family-friendly adventure that celebrates young, ingenious outsiders who must save Philadelphia from shadowy forces. In an alternate universe where Benjamin Franklin’s undiscovered technology has been hidden for centuries underneath Philadelphia’s landmarks, a mystery is unfolding. Two high school prodigies—Temple, a self-taught scientist, and her brother Arturo, a brilliant musician—find themselves caught in a struggle between secret societies dedicated to safeguarding Franklin’s most dangerous discoveries. Familiar and more esoteric pieces of Philadelphia’s history—including the Museum of Art, City Hall, and the Wanamaker Organ—become a series of puzzles to be unlocked as the duo embarks on a Goonies-style journey to unravel the truth. With twists reminiscent of Stranger Things and The Da Vinci Code, FRANKLIN’S KEY is Pig Iron’s sci-fi love letter to Philadelphia.
THE STYLE: This production aims to translate the panoramic, fast-paced energy of a graphic novel or a Marvel movie to the theater, using stage magic and other practical effects. Actors will play larger-than-life characters who have bold outlines, but are grounded in an emotional reality. Sound and musical cues linked to carefully choreographed movement will be a key feature of the production.
FRANKLIN’S KEY Creative Team:
Pig Iron Theatre Company is looking to cast one performer for our 2026 remount of FRANKLIN’S KEY. We are considering both Equity and Non-Equity Actors for this role.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Richard / Goggler - he/him, Temple’s ex-boyfriend, 19 (Actor can be 20-30, playing 19), open to all ethnicities. The security guard at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A good-hearted guy, he is sweet and optimistic, but a bit hapless. Other than Temple breaking up with him, not too many bad things have happened to him. Richard is consistently trying to do the right thing, but not always sure what that is. He has a sweet bond with Arturo and a prickly dynamic with Temple—he plays by the rules while she takes big swings. We can tell why they broke up, but also sense the lingering feelings. Sensitive and reasonable with some puppy dog energy. (This actor will also be in the movement ensemble of Gogglers in selected scenes – the Gogglers manipulate objects and scenic pieces, representing the magical forces at the heart of the story).
AUDITIONS:
Auditions and callbacks will be held at Pig Iron Studios, 1417 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia PA 19122.
AUDITION SCHEDULE:
Audition slots
Tuesday, February 17, 5:30pm-8:30pm
These sessions will be 10-15 minutes.
Callbacks
Saturday February 21, 12pm-4pm
These sessions will be 20-30 minutes.
REHEARSAL/CREATION PERIODS: (All in Philadelphia)
Rehearsal Process: May 20 - June 1, 2026
Technical Rehearsals: June 2-10, 2026
Previews and Performances: June 11- June 28, 2026
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION:
If you would like to be considered for an audition, please complete this google form.
Short reels of performance work are fine to submit too, but not required. When applying for consideration, please also send any existing conflicts or time preferences during the audition and callback times. Questions? Email [email protected].
