"Newsies Jr." Musical Looking for Boys & Girls

The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies is an orphaned dreamer and artist who yearns to get out of the crowded streets of New York and make a better life for himself out West. Fiercely protective of his best friend, Crutchie, and very loyal, Jack isn't afraid to use his voice to attain better conditions for the working kids of New York City. Look for an actor who can command the stage with ease, possesses strong vocal abilities, and can exude Jack's tough-guy exterior and his big heart

An ambitious young reporter works hard to make a name for herself as a legitimate journalist in a time when women aren't taken seriously. Quick, funny, and resourceful, Katherine should be a strong singer with excellent diction for her showstopping number, "Watch What Happens:' Because Katherine and Jack possess a strong bond, consider auditioning for these roles together to get a sense of the performers' repartee.

CRUTCHIE, or Casey, is Jack's best friend and a dedicated newsie with a "bum leg" from polio that causes pain but helps sell more papes. Walking with the assistance of a crutch doesn't define the ever-positive newsie, so look for an actor who can portray Casey's goofy-sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience. Crutchie is accustomed to modifying daily activities for their disability, so consider both the character and actor's abilities when blocking and choreographing.

DAVEY, Les's straight-laced, bright big brother, starts selling newspapers to help his family earn a living but becomes swept up in the fervor of the strike. A leader in his own right, who is learning to use his voice to uplift others, cast a strong actor and singer who can lead "Seize the Day" while smartly portraying the brains of the resistance.

LES, Davey's cheeky younger sibling, is excited by the newsies'freedom and loves their independent lifestyle. This pint-sized charmer should present as younger than the other newsies.

MEDDA LARKIN, inspired by the African-American vaudeville performer, Aida Overton-Walker, is a big-voiced singer and star of the Bowery. A proud supporter of the newsies, she offers her theater as a safe haven for their revolution. Look for a performer who can portray this astute entertainer with great comic delivery, while standing firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice.

JOSEPH PULITZER, a pompous businessman through and through, owns the World and is concerned solely with the bottom line. Katherine's no-nonsense father, Pulitzer doesn't sympathize with the strikers, but he does eventually - and grudgingly - respect Jack. For this non-singing role, cast a strong actor with a sharp and imposing presence.

WIESEL, or Weasel: a disgruntled paper-pusher who uses the Delancey brothers as his muscle, runs distribution for the World, and has little patience or sympathy for the newsies. Feel free to incorporate this actor into the newsies ensemble when possible.

Toughs who work distribution for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point. Look for actors who can believably portray these threatening goons. With a few smart and quick costuming changes, these two actors can also join the newsies ensemble if needed.

Toughs who work distribution for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point. Look for actors who can believably portray these threatening goons. With a few smart and quick costuming changes, these two actors can also join the newsies ensemble if needed.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

Close friends of Jack and featured newsies with specific spoken lines or solos.

SCABS (3) are newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.

BROOKLYN NEWSIES, the most notorious of the newsies, join the strike after the Manhattan newsies have proven their seriousness. This smaller ensemble can be selected from the larger newsies group.

SPOT CONLON, the proud and unflappable leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an unusually intimidating reputation.

DARCY, a photographer, works with Katherine.

Katherine's upperclass friends whose parents own the New York Tribune and New York Journal, respectively, help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.

Katherine's upper class friends whose parents own the New York Tribune and New York Journal, respectively, help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.

Featured in "Once and For All7 represent all of the other child laborers who receive the Newsies Bonner and ultimately become a part of the children's crusade. These working kids can be pulled from your larger newsie ensemble.

SEITZ, the editor of the World, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids' newspaper.

Pulitzer's bookkeeper, helps Pulitzer come up with the idea to raise the newsies' price per paper.

Pulitzer's secretary, is a clever advocate for the newsies.

SNYDER, the crooked warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible juvenile reformatory, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep their government checks coming. Look for an actor who can evoke an imposing and sinister presence.

A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer. Cast an actor with the ability to portray the maturity and stature of this well-respected leader.