FREDERICK!

The Frederick Douglass Musical

STUDENT AUDITIONS

Auditions: Date & Time — To Be Announced
Location: Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts
Milwaukee, WI

Performances: February 11–12, 2027
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts — Milwaukee, WI

Created and Directed by Ja’Rahn Leveston with Gregory Lathe

Created in Milwaukee, WI, Frederick! The Frederick Douglass Musical is a new musical adapted from the writings of Frederick Douglass, bringing one of America’s most extraordinary stories of freedom, resilience, and courage to the stage through the innovative sounds of Black American music, including rap, hip-hop, soul, and R&B.

A fast-paced, ensemble-driven musical, Frederick! features singing, rap, dance, and storytelling throughout.

SYNOPSIS

As a group of high school drama students prepares to tell the story of Frederick Douglass, they begin to discover that the struggles, choices, and questions faced by Douglass—and the people who shaped his life—aren’t confined to the pages of history.

The musical follows Frederick from the brutal realities of slavery through his pursuit of literacy and freedom and into his emergence as one of the most powerful voices for justice in American history. Along the way, we encounter the strength of his mother, the partnership of his wife Anna, and the remarkable relationships that helped shape his journey.

But Frederick! is ultimately more than a story about the past. As the young actors step into the lives of those who came before them, they begin to wrestle with their own questions of purpose, freedom, courage, and the power of finding their voice.

STUDENT PERFORMERS

Student performers will be invited to join a dynamic ensemble of young artists bringing Frederick! to the stage at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

Students may be considered for featured roles, ensemble roles, and other opportunities within the production. The show incorporates acting, singing, rap, dance, movement, and storytelling, and students with a variety of performance strengths and experience levels are encouraged to audition.

This is an opportunity to work alongside professional and community performers and to be part of bringing a powerful Milwaukee-created story to a major stage.

Audition date and time will be announced.
Please complete the Audition Registration form (above) to express your interest and receive additional audition information.