Singing Opportunities for Kids in "Newsies Jr."
Auditions for "Newsies Jr." are open to all students ages 7 to 15. Please see the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED. About the project: When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger and united and create a movement to fight for what's right. Additional info: Please prepare a 32-bar cut or 1-minute cut of a song of your choice and bring piano sheet music for the accompanist. A cappella auditions are discouraged. No Hamilton, please! You will fill out an audition form at your vocal audition. Please be prepared to list any and all known conflicts with the rehearsal schedule. There will be a required dance audition on Wednesday, August 21st, 6:00-7:00 pm. Please come in clothes and closed-toed shoes that you can move and dance in. No bare feet or socked feet. Students will learn a section of a dance as a group and then perform it in small groups. Following the dance call, there will be invited callbacks from 7:00-8:00 pm. Students will receive an email the night before letting them know if they need to stay for callbacks. They will not need to prepare anything. Callbacks will consist of reading from the script and some possible singing. Getting a callback does not mean you have been cast, and vice versa. A callback is just for people directors need to see more from. Rehearsals will begin the week of September 2nd and will be held Tuesday-Thursday 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Students will not be called to every rehearsal and may not be called for the entire rehearsal. The dates of the show are October 18th and 19th at 7:00 pm, and October 20th at 1:00 pm. Students must be available for all performances. If 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 for 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.
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.