Additional Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson Auditions

Book by Alex Timbers | Music and Lyrics by Michael Friedman
Directed by Braelin Andrzejewski
Music Direction by Robert Kowalewski

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson gives America’s seventh president the emo-rock-star treatment in an irreverent, theatrical satire about populism, power, American mythology, and the dangerous appeal of a leader who promises to speak for “the people.” This 90-minute rock musical is bold, fast, funny, intentionally provocative, and deeply concerned with the contradictions and consequences of the history it depicts.

Following our first round of auditions, Western Reserve Playhouse is accepting additional video submissions through Friday, August 28 as we continue building a company that reflects the specific cultural context of this story. All positions are volunteer. No Equity contracts are available. All experience levels are welcome.

We are especially interested in hearing from BIPOC performers, particularly Indigenous/Native performers, who remain underrepresented in our current audition pool.

We are grateful to everyone who has already shared their work with us. No casting decisions have been made at this time.

CASTING

ALL ROLES ARE OPEN to performers of all gender identities, races, ethnicities, body types, ages, and abilities.

WRP is intentionally seeking a racially diverse company, and Indigenous/Native performers are strongly encouraged to submit.

BIPOC performers will be considered for all roles and will not be limited to characters who share their racial or cultural identity. Gender labels below describe the characters as written and do not limit who may audition.

While several characters in the piece are historically or traditionally cast as people of color, we believe it is essential that BIPOC artists be present throughout the company—not simply in those roles. The perspectives of those performers are vital to how this production examines American history, racism, removal, genocide, populism, and the mythology surrounding Andrew Jackson.

This production contains an extensive number of ensemble characters, and all performers except Andrew Jackson should expect to play multiple roles. Singing and non-singing features are available, although everyone will participate in group musical numbers.

Strong character choices, bold instincts, and comfort engaging directly with an audience are especially welcome. No formal dance or music experience is required.

All positions are volunteer. No Equity contracts are available. All experience levels are welcome.

PERFORMANCE & REHEARSAL INFORMATION

Performances: January 22–February 6, 2027
Tech Week: January 17–21, 2027

At this time, we are unable to cast performers with conflicts during scheduled performances or tech week.

Rehearsals begin the week of November 8 and will generally be held Sunday–Thursday based on cast availability. There will be approximately seven weeks of rehearsal plus tech week. Performers other than Andrew Jackson will not be called to every rehearsal.

No rehearsals will be held November 22–28 or December 20–January 3.

Please include all known rehearsal and performance conflicts with your submission. Additional conflicts not disclosed during the audition process may not be accepted.

Performances and rehearsals take place at:

Western Reserve Playhouse
3326 Everett Rd.
Richfield, OH 44286

ROLES AVAILABLE

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 include: “I’m Not That Guy,” “I’m So That Guy,” “Rock Star,” “Public Life,” and “The Saddest Song.”

Bandleader — A deadpan narration stand-in for the Storyteller. Comedic indie-style tenor.
Songs include: “Illness as Metaphor,” “Second Nature,” and “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. 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.

Rock Soloists / Ensemble — Featured singers in numbers including “Populism Yea Yea,” “Crisis Averted,” “Ten Little Indians,” and “Rock Star.” Indie/emo-rock voices with strong presence, individuality, and the ability to command the room. These performers will also play multiple characters throughout the production.

VIDEO SUBMISSION

To audition, please submit using the form below, no later than Friday, August 28.

Please include:

• Your name, pronouns, and contact information

• The role or roles you are most interested in, if applicable

• Your rehearsal and performance conflicts

• A video performing either the Jackson monologue or the Storyteller monologue below. The monologue does not need to be memorized.

• If you would like to be considered for a vocal feature: include your best karaoke-style performance of a rock song. We are much more interested in hearing your personality, storytelling, and rock instincts than in receiving a polished musical-theatre audition cut. A phone video with a karaoke/backing track is completely welcome.

You do not need to submit a song if you are not interested in being considered for a featured singing role.

CONTENT

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson contains extreme language, sexual references, violence, racism, genocide, and material concerning the forced removal and killing of Native peoples.

Questions about the audition process or production may be directed to Braelin Andrzejewski at braelin@thewrp.org.

Video submissions must be received by Friday, August 28.