Open Forum

I am looking at musicals for next year for the high school theatre program I advise. I have LOVED "1776" for years and it has always been a dream of mine to do it, but the male cast requirements have simply made it not realistic. So I am really toying with a gender neutral casting in the style of what a number of other groups have done. 

My question - the script is licensed through MTI, but says nothing about a female version. So I'm wondering if musically it would be difficult to sing parts written for men by a bunch of girls. Is that a major obstacle? Anyone have any experience with this title in a gender neutral production? What obstacles were there? 

Thanks :)

Steve Couch

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Steven Couch
Madison High School
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Hi Steven,

I say think of Hamilton, those parts could easily be any vocal range, and any gender. I say go for it! I think its. a great idea.

Sincerely,

Laura

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Laura Rizzo
Theatre Teacher/Director
Miami Country Day School
Miami FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 16:44
From: Steven Couch
Subject: All Female 1776 cast

I am looking at musicals for next year for the high school theatre program I advise. I have LOVED "1776" for years and it has always been a dream of mine to do it, but the male cast requirements have simply made it not realistic. So I am really toying with a gender neutral casting in the style of what a number of other groups have done.

My question - the script is licensed through MTI, but says nothing about a female version. So I'm wondering if musically it would be difficult to sing parts written for men by a bunch of girls. Is that a major obstacle? Anyone have any experience with this title in a gender neutral production? What obstacles were there?

Thanks :)

Steve Couch

------------------------------
Steven Couch
Madison High School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 4/13/2021 10:43:00 PM
From: Laura Rizzo
Subject: RE: All Female 1776 cast

Hi Steven,

I say think of Hamilton, those parts could easily be any vocal range, and any gender. I say go for it! I think its. a great idea.

Sincerely,

Laura

------------------------------
Laura Rizzo
Theatre Teacher/Director
Miami Country Day School
Miami FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 16:44
From: Steven Couch
Subject: All Female 1776 cast

I am looking at musicals for next year for the high school theatre program I advise. I have LOVED "1776" for years and it has always been a dream of mine to do it, but the male cast requirements have simply made it not realistic. So I am really toying with a gender neutral casting in the style of what a number of other groups have done.

My question - the script is licensed through MTI, but says nothing about a female version. So I'm wondering if musically it would be difficult to sing parts written for men by a bunch of girls. Is that a major obstacle? Anyone have any experience with this title in a gender neutral production? What obstacles were there?

Thanks :)

Steve Couch

------------------------------
Steven Couch
Madison High School
------------------------------

I had students who were cast in an all female version of 1776  last year at Shenandoah University in their BFA MT program. I am sure if you reached out to them they could let you know how they handled licensing and logistics.

------------------------------
Michelle Evans
Professional Acting & College Audition Coach
Owner:MJE Acting Studio
Co-Owner: College Audition Project
www.mjeactingstudio.com
www.collegeauditionproject.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 16:44
From: Steven Couch
Subject: All Female 1776 cast

I am looking at musicals for next year for the high school theatre program I advise. I have LOVED "1776" for years and it has always been a dream of mine to do it, but the male cast requirements have simply made it not realistic. So I am really toying with a gender neutral casting in the style of what a number of other groups have done.

My question - the script is licensed through MTI, but says nothing about a female version. So I'm wondering if musically it would be difficult to sing parts written for men by a bunch of girls. Is that a major obstacle? Anyone have any experience with this title in a gender neutral production? What obstacles were there?

Thanks :)

Steve Couch

------------------------------
Steven Couch
Madison High School
------------------------------

Hi Steve,

A friend of mine here in SE Pennsylvania staged an all female cast of "1776" about 3 years ago. It was at the community theater level, but it was so well done and really fun to see it performed in this way. I think it would work well in your situation, it's my favorite show and one I've wanted to do, too! You raise a fair point about vocals and females being able to sing parts that were written for male voices. For this, you may want to consult with a choral teacher who can advise further. When John did the production here, I don't think he changed the music much, and it sounded lovely vocally.

------------------------------
Nicole Weaver
Faculty, Club Advisor
Twin Valley High School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 16:44
From: Steven Couch
Subject: All Female 1776 cast

I am looking at musicals for next year for the high school theatre program I advise. I have LOVED "1776" for years and it has always been a dream of mine to do it, but the male cast requirements have simply made it not realistic. So I am really toying with a gender neutral casting in the style of what a number of other groups have done.

My question - the script is licensed through MTI, but says nothing about a female version. So I'm wondering if musically it would be difficult to sing parts written for men by a bunch of girls. Is that a major obstacle? Anyone have any experience with this title in a gender neutral production? What obstacles were there?

Thanks :)

Steve Couch

------------------------------
Steven Couch
Madison High School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 4/13/2021 4:44:00 PM
From: Steven Couch
Subject: All Female 1776 cast

I am looking at musicals for next year for the high school theatre program I advise. I have LOVED "1776" for years and it has always been a dream of mine to do it, but the male cast requirements have simply made it not realistic. So I am really toying with a gender neutral casting in the style of what a number of other groups have done. 

My question - the script is licensed through MTI, but says nothing about a female version. So I'm wondering if musically it would be difficult to sing parts written for men by a bunch of girls. Is that a major obstacle? Anyone have any experience with this title in a gender neutral production? What obstacles were there? 

Thanks :)

Steve Couch

------------------------------
Steven Couch
Madison High School
------------------------------

Our gender netural production of 1776 was COVID canceled last March on opening night. We had men as Adams, Jefferson, Dickinson, RH Lee, and a couple of the minor characters, but women in all other roles. The kids loved it!  There was a need to rearrange some of the vocals, but it was pretty easy to balance, and since it is not a choral-heavy show, it was not a big burden.

Some footage, if you are interested: Pascack Valley HS-1776

Best of luck, if you take it on.

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Tom Lupfer
Director/Producer
Pascack Valley HS
Hillsdale, NJ
www.pvhstheatre.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 16:44
From: Steven Couch
Subject: All Female 1776 cast

I am looking at musicals for next year for the high school theatre program I advise. I have LOVED "1776" for years and it has always been a dream of mine to do it, but the male cast requirements have simply made it not realistic. So I am really toying with a gender neutral casting in the style of what a number of other groups have done.

My question - the script is licensed through MTI, but says nothing about a female version. So I'm wondering if musically it would be difficult to sing parts written for men by a bunch of girls. Is that a major obstacle? Anyone have any experience with this title in a gender neutral production? What obstacles were there?

Thanks :)

Steve Couch

------------------------------
Steven Couch
Madison High School
------------------------------