Auditions for Newsies
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni Wite
Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions
Newsies is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Directed by Ross Collins
Musically Directed by Kent Campbell
Choreographed by Savanah Grottenthaler
Audition Dates:
Saturday, July 23 at 10am and Sunday, July 24 at 10am
Saturday, July 30 at 10am and Sunday, July 31 at 10am
Callbacks (if required) Tuesday, August 2 at 5pm
Production Dates:
September 30 – October 9, 2022
Performances Friday, Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 2pm
(Possible extension through October 16)
Show Description:
Jack Kelly is a newsboy and leader of a band of “newsies.” When publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!
To Audition:
Auditioners are asked to prepare an age appropriate monologue from a previously published work, not to exceed 2 minutes in length, and 16 to 32 bars of an upbeat song or ballad that best shows off their voice. Please bring sheet music in appropriate key (an accompanist will be provided). A CD or edited karaoke track in proper key may be substituted for sheet music, but must be queued to desired start, must contain music only with no vocal assist, and must come with any special connectors necessary for your playback device. Dress to move for dance audition following.
Auditioners should bring:
– Completed audition form (download audition packet from sign-up genius page)
– Headshot/School Photo, and resume if available
– List of ALL possible rehearsal conflicts from August 6 – September 29
Video Auditions:
Can be submitted prior to July 23, and may substitute for appearing at the Saturday and Sunday auditions. Candidates will be required to appear in person at callbacks on Tuesday, August 2. Video should include 16 bars of a song showing off voice and range, an age appropriate monologue not to exceed 2 minutes in length, and a description of your dance background and ability, and any gymnastic abilities. Video auditions should be sent to fhytproducer@fhtaz.org along with a headshot, a resume (if available), and a completed audition form from the audition packet downloaded from the signup page.
Production fees:
If cast, your child will be receiving over 110 hours of professional direction from trained, industry professionals. Please be advised that if your child is cast in this show, there is a production fee of $100.00 per participant which includes a show t-shirt and a flash drive of production photos. Parents are also required to volunteer for 10 hours. Scholarships are available. NO ONE will be denied participation based on ability to pay.
Casting Ages 8-19:
Jack Kelly The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, an orphan and artist who yearns to get out of New York
Crutchie A dedicated newsie with a bum leg, walks with the assistance of a crutch, goofy- sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience.
Davey Les’s straight-laced, bright big brother starts selling newspapers to help his family, the brains of the resistance.
Les Davey’s cheeky younger brother, is inspired by the freedom of the newsies
Katherine Plumber 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.
Wiesel “Weasel,” runs the distribution window for the World, Pulitzer’s disgruntled paper-pusher.
Oscar and Morris Delancey Tough brothers who work at the distribution window for the World, known to use their fists to make a point.
Joseph Pulitzer A pompous businessman through and through, owns The World and is concerned solely with the bottom line. Katherine’s no-nonsense father.
Ensemble (cast members with these roles may have multiple roles):
Newsies: 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.
Scabs: Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.
Spot Conlon: The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation
Darcy: The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies
Bill: The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause
Goons: Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies at the end of Act One.
Hannah: Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary
Seitz: Editor, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.
Bunsen: Pulitzer’s bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies’ price per paper
Nunzio: Pulitzer’s barber
Guard: The Guard removes the newsies from Pulitzer’s building
Snyder: The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage
Medda Larkin: big-voiced saloon singer and star of the Bowery
The Bowery Beauties: Female performers at Medda’s Theater
Stage Manager: Introduces Medda's act
Nuns: offer breakfast to the hungry newsies
Photographer: Takes the triumphant photo of the newsies at the end of “Seize the Day.”
Mr. Jacobi: Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike
Policemen: Assist Snyder and turn against the newsies in the fight that concludes Act One
Mayor: The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer’s attempts to shut down the newsies’ strike
Governor Teddy Roosevelt: A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer
Is 19 the cut off age??
ReplyDeleteyes, as the audition announcement states - Casting Ages 8-19
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