Kid Audition For Singing in "Newsies Jr."
Children are invited to audition for singing roles in "Newsies Jr.". Please see the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED. Additional info: Please note: there is a production fee applied. What To Prepare 1. Actors should prepare 16 bars (about 30 seconds) of a song. Songs can be from Newsies but it is not required. Songs should be performed with a backing track (karaoke track with no vocals); which can often be found on youtube. If a backing track is not available, actors can also perform their songs acapella (with no music or accompaniment). 2. Actors should select and prepare one of the three included acting sides. - Show the character, not just your voice! Make sure to perform your song! Featured/Dance Ensemble: If your actor isn’t comfortable singing alone, that’s ok too! Your actor can simply join us for the featured/dance ensemble portion of the audition on Sunday, August 18th, from 10:30am-11:30am. Please note that if your actor only attends the featured/dance ensemble audition, we will not be able to consider them for a featured singing role (no solo singing). Show dates are November 8-9 and 15-16. Friday show times are at 7pm. Saturday show times are at 2pm and 7pm. Mandatory Tech/Dress rehearsals are November 6th and 7th from 4:30-8:30pm. A breakdown of when performers are called will be released at a later date. Rehearsal Days/Times: Sundays: 9-2pm *not all cast members will be called to all rehearsals Mandatory Full Cast Rehearsals: Saturday, October 19th (9-12pm) Saturday, November 2nd (9-12pm) Sunday, November 3rd (9-2pm) If you are interested please apply.
42 roles
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. Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: B3
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 Vocal range top: F4 Vocal range bottom: B3
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 Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3
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. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: B3
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 these roles together to get a sense of the performers’ repartee. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Inspired by the African- American vaudeville performer, Aida Overton-Walker, A big-voiced singer and star of the Bowery (see the “Dramaturgy” document in Downloadable Resources). 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. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: G3
Aka “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.
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.
Pulitzer’s bookkeeper who helps Pulitzer come up with the idea to raise the newsies’ price per paper.
Pulitzer’s secretary who is a clever advocate for the newsies.
An efficient stage manager who introduces Medda’s act.
A well-respected lifelong public servant who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer. Cast an actor with the ability to portray the maturity and stature of this well- respected leader.
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.
The editor of the World who advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.
Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Journal and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.
Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Tribune and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.
A photographer who works with Katherine.
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.
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