“NEWSIES” AUDITION INFORMATION - Directed by Kay Wilson
Auditions at the Dassel History Center
Thursday, May 21 at 6 PM
Saturday, May 23 at 10 AM
The first read through will be Wednesday May 27 at 6:00 PM, rehearsals will be scheduled Monday – Friday evenings, while you will not be needed at all rehearsals please provide an ACCURATE conflict calendar so we can schedule to the best of our abilities. Rehearsals will begin initially at the Dassel-History Center and will shift to the Performing Arts Center in late June.
ALL please bring to auditions the following:
1. Your summer conflict calendar.
2. Monologue/ Memorization
Have a poem, reading, or monologue memorized and ready to present. This should be about 30 seconds long.
If you are still looking for something, consider doing a memorization from a Dr. Seuss book.
2. Character work
You may be asked to do a certain walk, accent, or read with a certain style. Just have an open mind and do your best at what the directors ask you to do.
3. Singing
Have a one-minute song ready to perform acapella (unaccompanied). Do NOT bring a recording.
4. Dancing
Please watch this space for a dance video to learn as we approach auditions.
To feel the most comfortable at auditions follow these audition tips:
1. Be prepared - You know what you will be asked to do at auditions, the more prepared you are the more comfortable you will be.
2. Select material suitable for you - when selecting readings and songs for your audition choose something that fits you.
3. Have confidence - the more confident you are that you will do well; the less nervous you will be, resulting in a more comfortable audition.
4. Be responsible - this includes being on time or even a little early for your audition, having everything you need, not making excuses, and doing your best during the audition.
5. Have fun - If you have fun with what you are doing, it will show and ultimately will help you have a more comfortable audition.
Overall Guidelines for Musical Participants
The musical is meant to be a fun, learning experience for all involved. Therefore, please read the following to know how to make this a meaningful extra-curricular activity:
1. Attendance:
a. Attendance will be taken at all rehearsals
b. Watch your email for changes in rehearsal schedule
c. You must be at all rehearsals that involve your character (unless conflict approved) (This will be clearly explained on the first day of rehearsal)
d. Absences must be pre-approved by Director
e. If you are ill or unable to attend please call or email the director
f. If you have an unexcused absence, you will be asked to meet with the director to discuss your involvement in the musical
g. Two unexcused absences and you may lose your part
2. Attitude
a. All participants should have a positive attitude during the musical process
b. Be willing to try new things - it is our goal to have the best show possible. To do that, we may ask you to try various acting, singing, and dancing styles you have not encountered in the past.
3. Respect - To have a successful production all cast members need to be respectful of others: this includes being quiet when you are not onstage. When you are not onstage, we ask that you be seated in the auditorium.
THIS DISNEY FILM TURNED TONY-WINNING BROADWAY HIT INSPIRES
EVERYONE TO FIGHT FOR WHAT'S RIGHT AND
SEIZE THE DAY!
It's time to carry the banner on your stage with Disney's Newsies! 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
Jack Kelly 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 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.
Gender: male; Age: 16 to 20; Vocal range: A4-Bb2
Crutchie A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that's painful, but helps sell more papes. Though he walks with the assistance of a crutch, Crutchie doesn't let it define him; 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 his movement will suggest his bum leg, Crutchie should still be included in the dance numbers.
Gender: any; Age: 13 to 17; Vocal range: A4-C3
Davey 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.
Gender: male; Age: 15 to 20; Vocal range: A4- D3
Les 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.
Gender: male; Age: 10 to 15; Vocal range: Bb3 -Db3
Newsies 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.
Gender: male or female; Age: 13 to 20
Scabs Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.
Gender: any; Age: 10 to 20
Spot Conlon The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in "Brooklyn's Here."
Gender: any; Age: 17 to 20
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. Quick, funny, and resourceful, she boldly 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.
Gender: female; Age: 17 to 20; Vocal range: F5- A3
Darcy The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies. Can double as a newsie.
Gender: any; Age: 15 to 20
Bill The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause. Can double as a newsie.
Gender: male; Age: 15 to 25
Wiesel 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.
Gender: male; Age: 35 to 50
Oscar and Morris Delancey 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.
Gender: male; Age: 15 to 20
Goons Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies at the end of Act One.
Age: 15 to 20
Joseph Pulitzer 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.
Gender: male; Age: 35 to 50; Vocal range: F4-C3
Seitz Editor, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids' newspaper.
Gender: any
Bunsen Pulitzer's bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies' price per paper.
Gender: any; Age: 35 to 50
Hannah Pulitzer's practical and insightful secretary.
Gender: female; Age: 20 to 40
Nunzio Pulitzer's barber.
Gender: male; Age: 30 to 50
Guard The Guard removes the newsies from Pulitzer's building.
Gender: any; Age: 20 to 60
Snyder The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep his government checks coming.
Gender: any; Age: 45 to 65
Medda Larkin 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.
Gender: female; Age: 25 to 45; Vocal range top: E5; Vocal range bottom: F3
The Bowery Beauties Female performers at Medda's Theater.
Gender: female; Age: 18 to 30
Stage Manager Introduces Medda's act.
Gender: any; Age: 25 to 55
Nuns The three or more nuns offer breakfast to the hungry newsies.
Gender: female; Age: 20 to 60
Photographer Takes the triumphant photo of the newsies at the end of "Seize the Day."
Gender: any; Age: 15 to 25
Women Newspaper customers.
Age: 15 to 45
Mr. (or Mrs.) Jacobi Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike - when he doesn't have any paying customers, that is.
Gender: male or female; Age: 35 to 55
Police officers Assist Snyder and turn against the newsies in the fight that concludes Act One.
Gender: any; Age: 20 to 60
Mayor The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer's attempts to shut down the newsies' strike.
Gender: male; Age: 45 to 60
Governor Teddy Roosevelt A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
Gender: male; Age: 50 to 65
Ensemble - many singers and dancers, male and female
NEWSIES is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.