Seeking Actor-Musicians for New Rock Musical
CATEGORY: Performer
The Sound of America
Philadelphia, PA
US
Job Details
DESCRIPTION
The Sound of America is seeking non-union performers for its world premiere production in Philadelphia summer 2026. Written by Randall Lane and Todd Schwartz, directed by Kyle Metzger and music directed by Luke McGinnis, The Sound of America follows Benjamin Franklin’s extraordinary life — fugitive runaway, band-of-brothers innovator, scandalous lover, global celebrity — and explodes into a high-voltage rock musical that parallels his rise with America’s most rebellious art form: Rock n’ Roll. Packed with wit, romance, and drama, The Sound of America does justice to Philadelphia’s favorite son — and the New World’s first superstar.
The team is seeking submissions from non-union actor-musicians who play guitar (electric or acoustic). Performers must have access to local housing in Philadelphia or the surrounding area; travel and housing is not provided.
Rehearsals run May 26th to June 30th. Performances run July 1st to Aug 2nd at FringeArts in Center City, Philadelphia as a part of the Philly 250 celebration.
The pay for this production is $750 per week for a 10 week contract.
For consideration, submit a headshot, resume, and 2 videos:
Video of a pop/rock song, 30-60 seconds long (showcasing vocals, optionally self-accompanied)
Video showcasing guitar playing ability in a rock and roll style (no vocals)
Submit your materials using this form. All roles are open to performers of all ethnicities and gender expressions. The submission deadline is 11:59pm Monday, April 20th. In person callbacks by invitation will follow at a later date.
Roles:
Benjamin Franklin - tenor, 20’s to 30’s. The frontman. Charismatic heartthrob, a born leader with an easy swagger. His ego can get in his way. Think Harry Styles, Steve Lacy, Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder
Hugh Meredith - tenor, 20’s to 30’s. Ben’s earnest, thoughtful best friend and voice of reason. An underdog too shy for the spotlight at first but finds his voice. A musician’s musician and the best guitarist in the band. Think Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, Kevin Parker, Chris Martin, Eddie Van Halen, Frank Ocean
Deborah Read - mezzo/alto, 20’s to 30’s. Ben’s lover, the moral compass of the band and a master storyteller. Her tumultuous on-again off-again romance fuels her music. Think Stevie Nicks, Phoebe Bridgers, Rachel Chinouriri, Alanis Morrisette, Taylor Swift, Sarah McLachlan, Tracy Chapman
Alexander Wedderburn - baritone, 30’s-40’s. The British villain comic relief with bad guy swagger. Scheming to take Ben and the colonies down. Think Joe Strummer, Simon Le Bon, Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Halford, Robert Plant, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper
WTF (William Temple Franklin) - tenor/baritone - early 20’s. Ben’s estranged son, an immature punk who causes trouble and shifts allegiances. Think Billy Idol, Johnny Rotten, David Lee Roth, Dominic Fike, Tyler the Creator, Billy Joe Armstrong
DURATION
May 26, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
SALARY
$750.00 – $750.00 per week
- NON-UNION