KELSEY THEATRE OPEN AUDITIONS

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AUDITIONS:  1776

• THEATER TO GO
• DIRECTOR -- RUTH MARKOE
• MUSICAL DIRECTOR -- SUE DEN OUTER

 

Theater To Go and Kelsey Theatre are committed to advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.

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.

 

AUDITION DATES & TIMES: 

SIGN UP at https://tinyurl.com/AUDITIONS-1776

• Saturday, Feb. 22 (1pm-5-pm) 
• Sunday, Feb. 23 (1pm-5pm)
• Callbacks by invitation if needed. Tuesday, Feb. 25 (7pm-10pm)

Auditions will be held on the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus. Check the Kelsey Theatre signboard for a room location on the day of your audition. 

MCCC is located at 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor NJ 08550

PREPARE:

Please prepare the following

• 2-minute monologue
• Please prepare to sing 32 measures of a Broadway song in the style of the show. Bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.
• Photo
• Resume
• A list of all current conflict dates.

PHOTO, RESUME, AND ATTACHED AUDITION FORM MAY BE EMAILED IN ADVANCE TO mailto:info@theatertogo.com

REHEARSALS: 

Rehearsal times will be determined by cast conflicts, however, expect one weekend day and 2-3 weekday evenings (TBD) Everyone must be at nightly rehearsals during tech week June 1-6           

CHARACTERS:

Below is a break-down of characters appearing in 1776. The number listed in parentheses next to the character's name is the approximate age of the character.

The genders in the character descriptions refer to the gender of the character, not the actor, however, they will be portraying the gender of the character in appropriate costumes

This show will be inclusive and cast non-traditionally. We would like to see all Americans represented in this show: auditions are open to all races/ethnicities, genders/gender identities, disabilities, and sexual orientations who or 18 years and older.

All roles are Non-Equity, unpaid.

• JOHN ADAMS:  (Male, 35-50). LEAD. Our protagonist and leader of the fight for independence. 'Obnoxious and disliked'.
• JOHN DICKINSON:  (Male, 35-55). LEAD. A delegate from Pennsylvania. Staunchly against independence for America. He is highly intelligent, passionate and articulate. A steely man with no interest in compromise.
• BENJAMIN FRANKLIN:  (Male, Late 50+). LEAD. From Pennsylvania. Well regarded and well known. Urbane and cool headed. Highly intelligent with a wry, dry sense of humor.
• THOMAS JEFFERSON:  (Male, 30’s-Mid 40’s). LEAD. From Virginia. A skilled writer. Quiet and intellectual, but steadfast. Reluctant author of the Declaration.
• ABIGAIL ADAMS:  (Female, 30's-40's). John’s wife. Passionate, capable, funny & smart.
• REV. JONATHAN WITHERSPOON:  (Male, 40+). From New Jersey. Argues for the inclusion of Supreme Being in the declaration.
• MARTHA JEFFERSON:  (Female, 20's-30's). Jefferson’s wife. Beautiful, charming and a bit quirky. 
• CAESAR RODNEY:  (Male, 40's up). From Delaware. Steadfast, but ailing from skin cancer.
• RICHARD HENRY:  (Male, 30s-40s). From Virginia. A bombastic, confident, larger than life man. Makes the argument for independence to the Congress.
• COL. THOMAS MCKEAN:  (Male, 40s-50s). From Delaware. Scottish accent. A big, commanding presence, but likeable.
• COURIER:  (Male, 16-21). A message runner in the throes of battle. Has seen more than someone his age should. 
• CHARLES THOMSON:  (Male, 30s-40s). Congressional Secretary. Responsible for all the announcements and votes in congress. Has a strong speaking voice. Good with language.
• EDWARD RUTLEDGE:  (Male, 30's). From South Carolina. Calculating. 
• ANDREW MCNAIR:  (Male, Late 20’s-40’s). Congressional custodian. Beleaguered and put upon. Low status.
• STEPHEN HOPKINS:  (Male, Late 50s+). From Rhode Island. 2nd oldest member of congress. A perpetual drinker.
• ROBERT LIVINGSTON:  (Male, 30s-40s). From New York. Very much a diplomat.
• JOHN HANCOCK:  (Male, 40's-50's). President of the second continental congress.
• SAMUEL CHASE:  (Male, Late 30s-40s). From Maryland. Always eating. Initially sides with Dickinson.
• DR. JOSIAH BARTLETT:  (Male, Late 30’s-50s). From New Hampshire. Well spoken, moral & in favor of independence.
• DR LYMAN HALL:  (Male, 40’s). From Georgia. Initially sides with Dickinson. A considered, intelligent, moral man.
• JOSEPH HEWES:  (Male, 30's-40's). From New Jersey. A staunch defender of American rights.
• JUDGE JAMES WILSON:  (Male, 30s-40s). From Pennsylvania. Under Dickinson’s thumb and easily influenced. Ultimately casts deciding vote for independence.
• ROGER SHERMAN:  (Male, 30s-40s). From Connecticut. A simple cobbler. 
• GEORGE READ:  (Male, 30s-40s). From Delaware. Opposed to independence and sides with Dickins

For More information: info@TheaterToGo.com 

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AUDITIONS: MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

• Yardley Players Theatre Company
• DIRECTOR:  Kristy Davis
• MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Lee Milhous
• CHOREOGRAPHER:  Kristy Davis

Yardley Players and Kelsey Theatre are committed to advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.  We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.

ABOUT THE SHOW: 

It is the summer of 1903, and everyone in the Smith family eagerly anticipates the opening of the 1904 World’s Fair.  Over the course of a year, the family's mutual respect, tempered with good-natured humor, helps them through romance, opportunity, and heartbreaks.  The musical includes seven of the best-loved songs from the film, plus ten additional Martin and Blane songs written specially for the stage.  Memorable musical numbers include "The Boy Next Door," “Banjo,” "The Trolley Song," “Skip to My Lou,” "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "Whenever I’m with You."

AUDITION DATES & TIMES: 

• Friday, February 28, 2025  (6:00 pm – 9:30 pm) 
• Sunday, March 2, 2025  (5:30 pm – 9:00 pm)
• Video submissions will only be accepted from students away at college.  
• Callbacks by invitation, if needed.  

Auditions will be held on the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus.  Check the Kelsey Theatre sign board for a room location on the day of your audition.  MCCC is located at 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor NJ 08550.  

APPOINTMENTS:

Appointments are required.  Please fill out the Google Form here to request an appointment.

QUESTIONS:

Please direct any questions to Kristy Davis via email at DirectorKristyDavis@gmail.com

PREPARE:

• 16 bars of a musical theatre song in the style of the show.  No contemporary musical songs please.  You must bring the sheet music in the correct key.  An accompanist will be provided.  Music from Meet Me In St. Louis is permitted and that sheet music will be available at the audition.
• Cold readings may be given at the time of auditions.  
• Photo / headshot
• Resume
• Yardley Players audition form, which will be emailed to you with an appointment time.

REHEARSALS: 

We will begin with only a couple of rehearsals in March.  Beginning in April, we will rehearse approximately 3 times a week on the campus of Mercer County Community College.  Not everyone will be required for every rehearsal, especially early on.  We will rehearse more frequently during the months of June and July.       

SEEKING:

Roles are open to performers of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, body types, ages (6 years old and up) and abilities.

All roles are Non-Equity, unpaid.  

CHARACTER INFORMATION:

• Rose Smith (F, 18-24):  The eldest daughter.  She is loyal and loving but has a bit of a temper.  Strong singer.  
• Esther Smith (F, 18-20):  A love-sick daughter who seeks the boy next door.  Strong singer.  
• John Truitt (M, 18-23):  A handsome, athletic boy next door.  He is friendly and sincere.  Strong singer.  
• Lon Smith (M, 18-25):  The handsome and athletic eldest child who is a freshman at Princeton.  Enjoys singing and dancing and having a good time with his family and friends.  Strong singer, and dancer is a plus.  
• Mrs. Anna Smith (F, 35-50):  A good and loving, firm but gentle mother who acts at all times with grace and charm.  Strong singer.
• Mr. Alonso Smith (M, 40-50):  A kind and loving father and successful lawyer.  He enjoys his routines and is happiest when his day runs smoothly according to plan.  Strong singer.  
• Tootie Smith (F, 6-8):  Youngest daughter who exudes spunk and spirit.  She has a slightly dark sense of humor and looks up to her older sisters.  Strong singer.
• Agnes Smith (F, 10-14):  Independent daughter who loves to stay active and get dirty.  Strong singer.
• Katie (F, 35+):  Cook and housemaid.  She is good-humored and caring.  Speaks with a slight Irish brogue.  Some singing.    
• Grandpa Prophater (M, 60+):  Mrs. Smith’s father and a civil war veteran.  He loves joining in with the family fun.  Some singing.  
• Warren Sheffield (M, 18-25):  Rose’s suitor, eligible young man from a wealthy family.  Some singing.  
• Lucille Ballard (F, 17-24):  A sophisticated, charming, pretty young lady from the East coast.  Plays coy in front of the boys.
• Postman (M, 30+):  Interacts with Tootie, kind, with lots of personality.   
• Eve (F, 18-24):  Lon’s date at his going away party.  
• Clinton Badger, Peewee Drummond & Sydney Purvis (16-24):  Awkward young men; funny roles.  
• Large Ensemble (teens, adults and children 7+):  Conductor, trolley passengers, party goers, and carollers.  Fun, upbeat chorus musical numbers. 

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PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER FOR MORE AUDITIONS