THE WESTERN RESERVE PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR…
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Book by Alex Timbers | Music and Lyrics by Michael Friedman
Directed by Braelin Andrzejewski
Music Direction by Robert Kowalewski
America’s seventh president gets the emo-rock-star treatment in this irreverent, theatrical satire about populism, power, and the dangerous appeal of a leader who promises to speak for “the people.” This 90-minute rock musical is bold, fast, funny, and intentionally provocative.
Friday, Aug 21, 2026 6:00–9:00 PM & Saturday, Aug 22, 2026 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Callbacks, if needed, will be announced following auditions.
At the Western Reserve Playhouse, 3326 Everett Rd, Richfield, OH 44286
Rehearsals:
There will be 7 weeks of rehearsal + tech week. Actors besides Andrew Jackson will not be called to every rehearsal. Rehearsals will begin the week of November 8th and be Sunday-Thursday based on cast availability. We will not rehearse November 22-28 or December 20th-January 3rd. Please bring all conflicts for the rehearsal and performance process; additional conflicts not noted on your audition form will not be accepted.
Performances:
Jan 22, 2027–Feb 6, 2027. At this time, we are unable to cast actors who have conflicts with scheduled performances or tech week (January 17-21).
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN to all gender identities, races, ethnicities, body types, ages, and abilities. No equity contracts are available at this time. All positions are volunteer. None of these parts are precast. All levels of actors welcome!
Roles Available:
PLEASE NOTE: We encourage performers of all experiences, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and abilities to audition.
WRP is intentionally seeking a racially diverse company, and Indigenous/Native performers are strongly encouraged to audition. BIPOC performers will be considered for all roles and will not be limited to characters who share their racial or cultural identity. Gender labels describe the characters as written and do not limit who may audition.
This show contains an extensive number of ensemble characters, and all performers except Andrew Jackson should expect to play multiple parts. Singing and non-singing features are available – but everyone will be asked to sing in group numbers.
Andrew Jackson — Charismatic, rebellious, sexy, impulsive, and dangerously convinced of his own righteousness. A commanding rock frontman with sharp comic instincts and the ability to hold both Jackson’s populist appeal and brutality at once. Strong rock baritenor (Songs: I’m Not That Guy, I’m So That Guy, Rockstar, Public Life, The Saddest Song).
Bandleader – A deadpan narration stand-in for The Storyteller. Comedic indie-style tenor (Songs: Illness As Metaphor, Second Nature, Hunters of Kentucky).
Rachel Jackson — Jackson’s robotic but increasingly human wife. Mezzo rock belt (Song: The Great Compromise).
The Storyteller — A cheerful, history-loving narrator who attempts to keep the story orderly while the production repeatedly resists her. Excellent comic timing and audience rapport. Non-singing.
Martin Van Buren — Jackson’s devoted right-hand man: well-intentioned, overwhelmed, ridiculous, and deeply lovable. A strong comic character role. Non-singing.
John C. Calhoun — A polished, charming, brilliant Southern senator with a sinister edge. Vain, calculating, and theatrically imposing. Non-singing.
Henry Clay — An extravagant, larger-than-life political rival: vivacious, cadaverous, ridiculous, and villainous. Non-singing.
James Monroe — An old-school president who is foppish, overwhelmed, and increasingly unable to control the political world around him. Non-singing.
John Quincy Adams — Monroe’s spoiled, whiny, ambitious son, desperate to become president and furious when the country fails to cooperate. Non-singing.
Black Fox — An intelligent, somber Native leader and former ally of Jackson whose presence carries dignity, danger, and the human cost of Jackson’s choices. Non-singing.
Lyncoya — Jackson’s young adopted Native son: sweet-natured, spirited, and used by the story to expose the contradictions in Jackson’s public and private mythology. May be doubled with Black Fox.
Rock Soloists – Populism, Crisis Averted, Ten Little Indians, Rockstar — Featured singers with indie/emo-rock voices. Brooding, self-possessed, stylish, and comfortable commanding the room. Will play multiple characters.
Strong character choices, bold instincts, and comfort engaging directly with an audience are especially welcome. Singing and non-singing opportunities are available; no formal dance or music experience is required.
What to prepare:
Everyone will participate in improv exercises and/or cold readings from the script.
You may be asked to sing if you wish to be considered for singing roles; you do not need to have anything prepared.
Please bring all conflicts for the rehearsal and performance process; additional conflicts not noted on your audition form will not be accepted.
How to sign up:
Auditions will be held in one-hour groups of up to 10 people. Choose one group: Friday at 6:00PM, 7:00PM, or 8:00PM; or Saturday at 9:00AM, 10:00AM, or 11:00 AM.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BA5AB2FABF8C52-64947302-auditions
If you have questions about the audition process, please contact director Braelin Andrzejewski at braelin@thewrp.org.
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson contains extreme language, sexual references, violence, and material involving racism, genocide, and the forced removal of Native peoples.