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Auditions September 3, 2024

A Full Musical Workshop for Ages 11-17

Are you ready to seize the day and be part of an unforgettable musical experience? Phoenix Performing Arts is thrilled to announce auditions for our upcoming production of “Newsies”! We’re looking for talented young performers aged 11-17 to bring this inspiring story to life on stage. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the spotlight, we welcome you to audition and join our theater community.

Set against the backdrop of New York City at the turn of the 20th century, “Newsies” follows the story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragtag group of teenaged “newsies” who dream of a better life. Jack and his fellow newsies hustle to sell Joseph Pulitzer’s newspapers but find themselves pushed to the brink when Pulitzer raises their prices. Determined to fight back, the newsies form a union, drawing inspiration from their new friends, Davey and Les, and the aspiring reporter Katherine, to take a stand against the powerful publisher. With grit and determination, they embark on a strike to demand fair treatment and wages (“The World Will Know”).

Amidst the challenges of their strike, Jack grapples with the responsibility of leading the newsies while dreaming of escaping to Santa Fe. The group faces setbacks and confrontations with the authorities, including Snyder, the cruel overseer of The Refuge, an orphanage Jack once escaped. With Katherine’s help, the newsies find their voice and rally for their cause, capturing the attention of the city and Governor Roosevelt. Through resilience, teamwork, and the power of the press, they ignite a movement that forces Pulitzer to negotiate a fair deal.

“Newsies” is an exhilarating tale of courage and friendship, underscored by high-energy dance numbers and unforgettable songs. It is a story of how young people united to fight for justice, finding strength in solidarity and hope in unexpected places. Join us for this spirited production and experience the triumph of these young dreamers as they change their world (“Seize the Day”).

Jack Kelly

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.

 Age: 16 to 20, Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: 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.

 Age: 13 to 17, Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: 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.

Age: 15 to 20, Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: 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.

Age: 10 to 15, Vocal range top: Bb3, Vocal range bottom: 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. 

Scabs
Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.
 
Spot Conlon
The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in “Brooklyn’s Here.”
 
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 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.
 
Age: 17 to 20, Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: A3
 
Darcy
The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies. Can double as a newsie. 
 
Bill
The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies’ cause. Can double as a newsie. 
 
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.
 
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.
 
Goons
Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies at the end of Act One.
 
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.
 
Age: 35 to 50, Vocal range top: F4, Vocal range bottom: C3
 
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.
 
Hannah
Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary.
 
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, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep his government checks coming.
 
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.
 
Age: 25 to 45, Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: F3
 
The Bowery Beauties
Female performers at Medda’s Theater.
 
Stage Manager
Introduces Medda’s act. 
 
Nuns
The three nuns offer breakfast to the hungry newsies. Feel free to cast additional nuns.
 
Photographer
Takes the triumphant photo of the newsies at the end of “Seize the Day.”
 
Woman
A newspaper customer. 
 
Mr. Jacobi
Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike – when he doesn’t have any paying customers, that is.
 
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.
 
Ensemble

FEMALE ENSEMBLE 1 – Nun / Hannah / Bowery Beauty / Katherine understudy
FEMALE ENSEMBLE 2 – Nun / Woman / Bowery Beauty / Medda understudy
FEMALE ENSEMBLE 3 – Nun / Medda Larkin
MALE ENSEMBLE 1 – Wiesel / Stage Manager / Mr. Jacobi / Mayor / Pulitzer understudy
MALE ENSEMBLE 2 – Seitz / Roosevelt understudy
MALE ENSEMBLE 3 – Bunsen / Male Ensemble 1 understudy
MALE ENSEMBLE 4 – Nunzio / Guard / Policeman / Roosevelt
MALE ENSEMBLE 5 – Snyder / Pulitzer understudy

 

REHERSAL LOCATION
263 E. Mill St. 
Akron, OH 44308

SCHEDULE STARTING SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
Monday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Tech Week will be held January 13-16, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Location TBA

🎭 Auditions Now Open for Newsies! 🎶

Phoenix Performing Arts is excited to announce auditions for Newsies! We’re looking for talented young performers to join us for an unforgettable experience. Audition material will be sent via email prior to your audition. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement, and jazz shoes are recommended.

Important: All auditioning kiddos must sign up for both a dance slot and a vocal/acting slot.

Call Backs: As needed, Friday, the 6th, from 5:30-7:00 PM.

Rehearsals:
Begin on Monday, September 16th, and run every week until the show. We will have time off for national holidays.

  • Mondays: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesdays: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesdays: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Show Dates: Tentatively January 17-19

This is a fantastic opportunity for young performers to shine on stage and be a part of a creative community. Sign up now to secure your spot and be part of the magic at Phoenix Performing Arts!

Terms and Conditions for Audition Registration:

At Phoenix Performing Arts, we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all aspiring young performers. Please take a moment to review the following terms and conditions before signing up for auditions:

1. Every Auditionee Receives a Role:

  • We believe that every child who auditions has a unique talent to offer. At Phoenix, auditions are for placement purposes only. Rest assured that every participant will be cast in our production of Disney’s ‘Finding Nemo JR.’

2. Scholarships Available:

  • Phoenix Performing Arts is committed to providing access to all young talents. If financial constraints are a concern, please inquire about our available scholarships. We aim to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate.

3. Inclusive and Blind Casting:

  • We are proud to practice inclusive casting, where we do not discriminate based on gender, race, or any other personal characteristic. Casting is based solely on talent and suitability for each role. Our goal is to create diverse and representative productions that celebrate the richness of our community.

4. Zero Tolerance for Discrimination:

  • Phoenix Performing Arts has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, including but not limited to discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

5. Attendance Policy:

  • Performers are expected to attend all rehearsals and practices regularly. Unexcused absences should not exceed two. It is essential that you are punctual and dedicated to ensuring the success of our production.

6. Conflict Resolution:

  • Please note all scheduling conflicts, including known absences, on your audition sign-up form. We will do our best to accommodate conflicts when scheduling rehearsals, but please be proactive in communicating any potential issues.

7. Mandatory Tech Week:

  • Tech Week is a crucial part of the rehearsal process and is mandatory for all participants.

By registering for auditions, you acknowledge your understanding and acceptance of these terms and conditions. We look forward to welcoming you to the Phoenix Performing Arts family and creating a memorable theater experience together. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our team. Thank you for choosing Phoenix Performing Arts!

Tuition and Fundraising Information for Newsies 

We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for our upcoming production of Newsies! Tuition for participation in the show is $225 per student. This fee helps cover production costs and ensures our young performers have everything they need for a successful show.

Scholarships Available
We are committed to making theater accessible to all, and scholarships are available for families in need of financial assistance. Scholarship applications must be submitted by Friday, September 13th, at midnight. We encourage those interested to apply early!

Fundraising Expectations
Each student is expected to participate in our October calendar fundraiser. This is a fantastic way to engage with our community and support the show.

  • Fundraising Goal: $250 per student
  • Incentives:
    • Achieve your $250 fundraising goal, and you’ll receive your show shirt at no extra cost!
    • Sell your entire calendar, and you can receive $100 off your tuition!

More information about the fundraiser will be included in the parent packets. Participating in the fundraiser not only helps us bring Newsies to life but also rewards our students with exciting incentives!

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing our talented cast bring the magic of Newsies to the stage!

Phoenix Performing Arts Gradient

263 E. Mill St

Akron, OH 44308

(412) 915-0326

amber.coughlin@phoenixperformingarts.com

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