The Best Audition Songs for 1776 – By Character

If you’re looking for audition songs for 1776, it’s best to choose a historical or country-tinged song from classic musical theatre repertoire that matches the show’s tone, and suits your vocal type. Be sure to check your audition notice for any specific song guidelines.

Because 1776 is a musical that premiered in 1969, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1950s and 1970s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed by a musical theatre professional to ensure fit and audition readiness.

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Step 1: Review Audition Info

Please read your audition details carefully, as they sometimes specify the type of song they’d like to hear (a ballad, something uptempo, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call.

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Step 2: Study the Show

Before auditioning, you should get familiar with the show, and listening to the cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn about 1776.

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Step 3: Pick an Audition Song

Next, based on your personality and vocal type, decide whether you’d like to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Just keep in mind that if you audition for a specific character, you still might not be chosen for that particular role.

There’s usually a spot on the audition form asking if you are open to being in the ensemble or accepting a different role. I would suggest ticking that box and taking whatever you are offered. Every role is important, and you will earn valuable experience in a show.

And on that same note, even if you audition for the ensemble (rather than a specific character), there’s always a chance of being cast in a leading or supporting role!

To summarize, keep an open mind and try not to take the process too seriously. And when you’re ready, choose the song that you feel most comfortable with from the list below.

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Abigail Adams

“Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” – Miss Liberty

“Is It Really Me?” – 110 in the Shade

“Mira” – Carnival!

“Something You Never Had Before” – The Gay Life

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John Adams

“I Promise You a Happy Ending” – Mack & Mabel

“In My Own Lifetime” – The Rothschilds

“Let’s Not Waste a Moment” – Milk and Honey

“This Is a Great Country” – Mr. President

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Ensemble (Altos)

“Being Good Isn’t Good Enough” – Hallelujah, Baby!

“Lay Down Your Head” – Violet

“What Is a Woman?” – I Do! I Do!

“You Oughta Be Here With Me” – Big River

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Ensemble (Baritones)

“Come Back to Me” – On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

“Dulcinea” – Man of La Mancha

“Marianne” – The Grand Tour

“Words He Doesn’t Say” – Romance/Romance

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Ensemble (Basses)

“Big Fish, Little Fish” – Purlie

“I Love My Wife” – I Do! I Do!

“If I Have to Live Alone” – The Baker’s Wife

“The Sidestep” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

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Ensemble (Contras)

“Before I Kiss the World Goodbye” – Jennie

“Doatsy Mae” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

“I Don’t Want to Know” – Dear World

“Kiss Her Now” – Dear World

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Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!

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Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)

“I Belong Here” – The Grand Tour

“Measure the Valleys” – Raisin

“The Night It Had to End” – Romance/Romance

“What Makes Me Love Him?” – The Apple Tree

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Ensemble (Sopranos)

“Love, Don’t Turn Away” – 110 in the Shade

“Repent” – On the Twentieth Century

“Simple Little Things” – 110 in the Shade

“Yes, My Heart” – Carnival!

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Ensemble (Tenors)

“I Will Follow You” – Milk and Honey

“The Only Home I Know” – Shenandoah

“Too Many Tomorrows” – Sweet Charity

“Wondrin’” – Anne of Green Gables

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Step 4: Select a Monologue

If requested, here are a few audition monologues for 1776:

• “Goin’ North” in Audition Arsenal for Men in Their 20s➝

• “Little Victories” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝

• “Nasty Scoundrels” from The Fourteenth of July➝

• “Something Like This” from Call of the Revolution➝

• “Wilderness of Mirrors” in Audition Arsenal for Men in Their 20s➝

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Final Step: Audition Prep

Once you’ve chosen your song, it’s time to start preparing! Grab your FREE Audition Prep Checklist and Stamp Cards to stay organized and motivated for your upcoming auditions!

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1776 Song List

Here’s a list of the musical numbers in 1776, along with which characters sing in each of them. Unless you have been asked to, do not choose from the below songs for your audition! The following is more intended to be used for character research purposes.

* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.

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Act 1:

“Sit Down, John” – Adams, Ensemble

“Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve” – Adams

“Till Then” – Adams, Abigail

“The Lees of Old Virginia” – Lee, Franklin, Adams

“But, Mr. Adams” – Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Ensemble

“Yours, Yours, Yours” – Adams, Abigail

“He Plays the Violin” – Martha, Franklin, Adams

“Cool, Cool, Considerate Men” – Dickinson, Ensemble

“Mama, Look Sharp” – Courier, Ensemble

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Act 2:

“The Egg” – Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Ensemble

“Molasses to Rum” – Rutledge

“Compliments” – Abigail

“Is Anybody There?” – Adams, Thomson

“Finale” – Company

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Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

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Which of these audition songs for 1776 did you choose?

And what role are you auditioning for? We would love to hear all about it in the comments! And in the meantime, you can check out our database of best audition songs for other musicals.

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