Auditions for Disney's NEWSIES The Musical

Director
RICHARD MCKENNA
Music Director 
JIM LUURTSEMA
Choreographer
SHARON W. HOUK
Associate Choreographer
CAITLIN NOLAN BEAUDRY

​PERFORMANCE DATES:
Sat, Nov 3, 2018 | 8PM
Sun, Nov 4, 2018 | 2PM
Fri, Nov 9, 2018 | 8PM
Sat, Nov 10, 2018 | 8PM
Sun, Nov 11, 2018 | 2PM

Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 3:00pm (By Appointment)

• ​CHILDREN ONLY (Aged 10-15) auditioning for the role(s) of LES and NEWSIES ENSEMBLE

Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 5:00pm (By Appointment)

• ​​DANCERS ONLY (Aged 16+) (No Singing Audition Required)

Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 7:00pm (By Appointment)

• ALL OTHER ROLES (Principal, Supporting, Ensemble)

Monday, August 13, 2018 at 7:00pm (By Appointment)

• ALL OTHER ROLES (Principal, Supporting, Ensemble)

Seize the Day! Be the King of New York! All roles are open to audition. We are seeking a large ensemble cast (ages 10 and up) for this production.  There are 9 principal & supporting roles plus ensemble. Roles are available for all genders ages 10+. Numerous roles for young adults and teens as well as roles for older adults and seniors. Auditioners seeking principal or supporting roles must be at least 16 years old.  

All auditioning for principal, supporting and non-newsie roles must bring sheet music with them and be prepared to sing up to 32 bars but no more than one minute, of a fully memorized Broadway-style musical selection in the style of NEWSIES that showcases their vocal range. Musical selections do not need to be from Disney’s NEWSIES. 
 
Auditioners should mark their selection with a highlighter. An accompanist will be provided. A cappella singing, instrumentals on CD, Tape, iPod, MP3 Player or digital recorder will not be allowed. 

Auditioners may be asked to learn a short dance/movement combination taught at the audition and may also be asked to read from the script. 
 
A separate dance call is scheduled for those performers who do not sing but dance and/or move very well.  If you are interested in a dance role only, please schedule your appointment for the Dancer Call on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 5pm.  Dancers should dressed ready to dance (jazz shoes preferred) and be warmed up and ready to move.  All dancers should bring tap shoes, if you have them.
 
We will also be casting a “pit choir” for the production which would require singers to attend music rehearsals with the on-stage cast/dancers as well as off-stage singing during the run of the show.  The pit choir would be required to attend all music rehearsals, orchestra sitzprobe, tech week rehearsals and all performances.
 
Rehearsals will be held three times per week on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday evenings (7:00-10:00pm) with one Wednesday evening rehearsals on September 5th.  Some performers may be called for additional choreography rehearsals which will be determined once we review all schedule conflicts from those cast in the production.  Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, August 21, 2018.
 
Tech week rehearsals will be Sunday through Thursday, October 28 – November 1, 2018.  We do ask that Friday, November 2, 2018 be held in case an additional tech week rehearsal is needed.  We will be rehearsing on Halloween (October 31st).  The pickup rehearsal will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
 
Please have all conflicts for the rehearsal period available, and please note on Audition Form.  If you are unable to make the mandatory tech week rehearsals and/or pickup rehearsal, we will be unable to cast you in this production.

CALLBACKS:
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 7pm

The Warner Stage Company is a regional community theatre company and does not offer compensation or housing for performers.

AUDITIONS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

​Click on "READ MORE" (below the audition appointment request form) for information about the show, as well as full character descriptions. ​

ABOUT THE SHOW
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right!
 
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
 
AVAILABLE ROLES
All ages are just a suggestion and will be adjusted to fit the needs of our casting.
 
JACK KELLY (Lead, Male 17-25) - The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, is an oprhaned 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 strongly loyal, Jack isn’t afraid to use his voice to attain better conditions for the working kids of New York City. Though living on the streets has given him a tough-guy exterior, Jack has a big heart and can demonstrate a sweet vulnerability – especially when it comes to bantering with a certain female reporter. Must have a great pop tenor voice and sense of physicality.
 
KATHERINE PLUMBER (Lead, Female 17-25) - 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 resourcesful, she boldy captures the voice of a new generation rising in her coverage of the newsies’ strike. While she generally has no time for cocky, streetwise young men, she makes an exception for Jack Kelly. Though she only has a brief dance solo in “King of New York,” Katherine should have a great contemporary pop voice with a high belt – diction is key.
 
JOSEPH PULITZER (Lead, Male, 35-55) - 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.
 
CRUTCHIE (Supporting, Male or Female 17-25) - A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that’s painful, but helps sell more papes. Though s/he walks with the assistance of a crutch, Crutchie doesn’t let it define him/her; when in a jam, Jack Kelly’s best friend relies on a goofy- sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience. Crutchie is the heart of the resistance. Though movement will suggest a bum leg, Crutchie should still be included in the dance numbers.
 
DAVY (Supporting, Age 16-25) - 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, Davey is the brains of the resistance.
 
LES (Supporting, Male, 10-12) - Davey’s cheeky younger brother, is inspired by the freedom of the newsies and loves their independent lifestyle. A precocious and natural newsie, Les is an intuitive salesboy and a pint-sized charmer. He should present as younger than the other newsies.
 
SPOT CONLON (Supporting, Male or Female, 17-20) - The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in “Brooklyn’s Here.”
 
DARCY (Supporting, Male or Female, 15-20) - The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies. Can double as a newsie. 
 
BILL (Supporting, Male, 15-25) - The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause. Can double as a newsie. 
 
WIESEL (Supporting, Male, 35-50) - Or “Weasel,” runs the distribution window for the World and knows most of the newsies by name. Assisted by the intimidating Delancey brothers, who keep order by any means necessary, Wiesel is Pulitzer’s disgruntled paper- pusher.
 
OSCAR & MORRIS DELANCEY (Supporting, Male, 15-20) - Tough brothers who work at the distribution window for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point.
 
SNYDER (Supporting, Male or Female, 45-65) - The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep government checks coming.
 
MEDDA LARKIN (Supporting, Female, 25-45) - Inspired by vaudeville performer Aida Overton Walker, this big-voiced saloon singer and star of the Bowery offers her theater as a safe haven for the newsies. An astute entertainer with great comic delivery, she’s a good friend to Jack and stands firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice.
 
MR. (or MRS.) JACOBI (Cameo, Male or Female, 35-55) - Allows the newsies to congregate in the restaurant to plan their strike – when s/he doesn’t have any paying customers, that is.
 
MAYOR (Cameo, Male, 45-60) - The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer’s attempts to shut down the newsies’ strike.
 
GOVERNOR TEDDY ROOSEVELT (Cameo, Male, 50-65) - A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
 
THE NEWSIES: (Males & Females, 13-25) - Including Albert, Buttons, Elmer, Finch, Henry, Ike, Jo Jo, Mike, Mush, Race, Romeo, Specs, Splasher, and Tommy Boy, are some of the hard-working kids of New York City that go on strike for a livable wage. Strong dancers who can sing well (jazz, ballet, tap, acrobatics/tumbling a plus).
 
SCABS - (Male & Female, 13-20) Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.
 
ENSEMBLE: (Male & Female) - Male and female singers for the ensemble and chorus specialty parts.
In the original Broadway production, the adult (non-newsie) ensemble comprised eight actors who doubled as indicated below. All other featured roles and understudies were cast from the ensemble of newsies. We may or may not choose to use the following breakdown…
     FEMALE ENSEMBLE 1 - Nun / Hannah / Bowery Beauty 
     FEMALE ENSEMBLE 2 - Nun / Woman / Bowery Beauty 
     FEMALE ENSEMBLE 3 - Nun / Medda Larkin
     MALE ENSEMBLE 1 - Wiesel / Stage Manager / Mr. Jacobi / Mayor 
     MALE ENSEMBLE 2 - Seitz 
     MALE ENSEMBLE 3 - Bunsen 
     MALE ENSEMBLE 4 - Nunzio / Guard / Policeman / Roosevelt
     MALE ENSEMBLE 5 - Snyder 
 
FULL SYNOPSIS
Act One
As Jack Kelly is savoring the last few moments of quiet before the sun rises, he shares with his best friend Crutchie his rooftop view of the city and his dream for a better life out West ("Santa Fe - Prologue"). At dawn, the newsies sing about their life and their work ("Carrying the Banner"), introducing this ramshackle group of young friends. They make their way to the distribution window for the World, where they pick up their daily stacks of papers to sell from Wiesel, who runs the window, and Morris and Oscar Delancey, goons who work for the World. Davey and Les, brothers trying to earn money for their family, meet the newsies and try to learn the ropes. Jack agrees to partner with the boys since Les's young age will help him sell more papers, although Davey is skeptical.
 
Meanwhile, Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of the World, expresses displeasure at the declining sales of his newspaper and vows to increase profits ("The Bottom Line"), even if it is at the expense of the newsies.
At the end of the day, it's clear that Les is a natural newsie. Before Jack and
the brothers can part ways, a man appears and chases Jack. Davey and Les follow Jack's lead, running through the alleys of New York and finding safety in Medda's Theater. Jack introduces them to Medda Larkin, one of the Bowery's most famous performers. Jack explains that the man chasing them is named Snyder; he runs The Refuge, an orphanage that he keeps in squalid conditions and embezzles from. He's had it out for Jack ever since he escaped. Medda offers her theater as a safe haven, and they stay to watch her perform ("That's Rich").
 
During Medda's performance, Jack notices Katherine, a bright young reporter he had seen earlier that day. A smitten Jack makes several attempts to flirt with her, but Katherine, quick-witted and ever-professional, cleverly rebuffs him. While the Bowery Beauties perform their routine, Jack resorts to sketching a portrait of Katherine ("I Never Planned on You / Don't Come a-Knockin'"), and leaves it for her to find.
 
The next day, as the newsies gather at the distribution window, the boys are outraged to learn that Pulitzer has increased their price for newspapers - they can barely afford to eat as it is! Prompted by Davey, the newsies decide to form a union and strike ("The World Will Know").
 
After a successful first day of striking, newly elected union leader Jack Kelly assigns some kids to spread the word to newsies in other boroughs. Katherine arrives, hoping that the newsies will give her an exclusive for the Sun. Jack tells her to be at the distribution window the next morning; not only will the newsies prevent others from selling papers, but they plan to stop the delivery carts as well. He tells her that they all have a lot riding on her reporting skills, and Katherine gets to work writing her breakout article ("Watch What Happens").
 
The next day, Jack arrives to find that only a few kids have assembled to strike. He urges Davey to convince the small group not to back down. When scabs arrive to take the newsies' place, Jack asks them to stand in solidarity with all the city's exploited working children. The scabs throw down their papers, just in time for Katherine and her photographer to snap a victorious photo ("Seize the Day"). But soon the newsies engage in a fierce fight with the Delanceys, Wiesel, and the police. Snyder scares Jack away, but not before he watches the Delanceys take down Crutchie and carry him off to The Refuge. Reaching the temporary safety of his rooftop, Jack paces, feeling guilty about leading the kids into danger. He looks out over the city and longs to escape ("Santa Fe").
 
Act Two
Battered and bruised, the newsies lament the previous day's events at Jacobi's Deli. Amid rumors that Jack was captured, several newsies wonder where he is. Katherine arrives with a copy of the story she published in the Sun, complete with a front-page picture of the newsies. Ecstatically, they thank her and celebrate their - and Katherine's - fame ("King of New York"). Meanwhile, Crutchie writes a letter to Jack from The Refuge expressing that he feels no ill will toward Jack and urging the newsies to stick together ("Letter from The Refuge").
 
Davey, Les, and Katherine find Jack back at Medda's Theater and try to convince him to come back to the fight. Jack refuses, saying that they can't win against a man as powerful as Pulitzer. The three convince Jack that theirs is a fight worth fighting ("Watch What Happens - Reprise"); Jack finally agrees, and the kids plan a rally.
 
Discovering Katherine's story, Pulitzer furiously resolves to take down Jack. Just then, a cocky Jack arrives to announce the newsies' rally. Pulitzer assures Jack that no paper will cover it - and if it's not in the press, it never happened. He then reveals Katherine, exposing her as his daughter, and Snyder, who emerges from the shadows. Pulitzer offers Jack a choice: get sent to The Refuge or renounce the strike and leave New York with pockets full of cash. The Delanceys escort Jack to the cellar, where an old printing press rests, to ponder his decision ("The Bottom Line - Reprise").
 
That evening, Brooklyn newsies cross the bridge with Spot Conlon, their leader, to join newsies from every borough at Medda's theater for the rally ("Brooklyn's Here"). Davey gives an inspiring speech, riling up the newsies about their progress. However, Jack appears and tells them to go back to work because they are no match for Pulitzer. Jack accepts his payoff money at the door and exits quickly.
 
On his rooftop, Jack finds Katherine looking through his drawings of The Refuge's bleak conditions. He snatches them from her and they argue fiercely until she kisses him. Katherine shares her plan to have the newsies distribute an article which quotes Jack on the exploitation of working kids and calls for a citywide strike. Before heading to the old printing press Jack recently discovered, they share their hope in each other ("Something to Believe In").
 
With the help of Katherine and her well-connected friends, Darcy and Bill, the newsies sneak into Pulitzer's cellar to print their paper ("Once and for All"). The kids distribute the pamphlet all over the city.
 
Pulitzer's office is flooded with angry calls from every corner of
New York. Having read the Newsies Banner, Pulitzer is furious at the kids' attempt to thwart him. Jack, Davey, and Spot show
up ("Seize the Day - Reprise") to personally deliver the news and say that the kids are willing to make a compromise. Pulitzer refuses to back down until Governor Roosevelt appears with Katherine and Jack's drawings of The Refuge. Alone, Jack and Pulitzer come to an agreement they can both live with - the price increase is reduced by half, and publishers will buy back any unsold papers. The strike is over!
 
Outside, Jack announces the end of the strike. Crutchie appears amid the jubilation, followed by a handcuffed Snyder. Despite his dreams for Santa Fe, Jack realizes that the newsies are his family and Katherine gives him something to believe in - so he's staying put for now ("Finale Ultimo").