Singing Audition for "Newsies JR." Show
Seeking young actors, Grades 5 to age 18, to perform in the "Newsies JR." Show. Please see the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED. About the project: Disney’s Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. 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 united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies JR is a timeless story full of spirit and heart. Additional info: All students should sing the provided cut of “Carrying The Banner.” If interested in the roles of Jack Kelly, Crutchie, or Davey, they should also prepare the provided cut of “Santa Fe”. If interested in the roles of Katherine or Medda Larkin, they should also prepare the provided cut of “Watch What Happens.” Music should be sung in whatever octave(s) students are most comfortable singing in. Sheet music, guide vocal tracks, and accompaniment tracks are attached. Also, attached are some short character monologues which students may be asked to read as well. Rehearsals will begin August 2. Rehearsals will take place weekday evenings and weekends during the day. There will be at least one day off a week, and no one will be called to every single rehearsal. Please come prepared to list any conflicts from August 2-September 21. The production will take place at The Firehouse Theatre. The production dates are September 18-21, 2025. Thursday and Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:00 PM. Note that a participation fee will be applied. Note that the company does NOT require mandatory parent volunteer hours, nor a minimum of tickets purchased/sold. There may be some costume requests (such as shoes or other basics), but the vast majority of costume pieces will be provided. Additionally, each family is given two complimentary tickets. If interested, please apply.
41 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
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. 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. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: B3
Davey’s cheeky younger sibling, is excited by the newsies’ freedom and loves their independent lifestyle. Vocal range top: F4 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.” Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: A3
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. 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.
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.
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.
A well-respected lifelong public servant who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
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.
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.
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.