Illinois Theatre Association - Acting Audition Information

The NEWSIES production team seeks a strong ensemble of dedicated actors of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds for all roles. We are committed to creating a professional atmosphere and rehearsal process. All roles are open and all are encouraged to audition. Please prepare the following:

Sides - Click the link to be taken to the folder of audition sides.

What is an audition side? It is a portion of a scene from the show to be read at your audition which will be performed with a reader. Please choose one side that you feel showcases your strengths as an actor. The character in the scene does not need to match your presenting gender. If you do not see a side for the role you are interested in auditioning for, choose one that seems close and can showcase your skills. Please note that if you get a callback, you may be asked to read for a different role than the one you read in your initial audition.
Want more information on how to audition with a reader? Click here for some helpful information and tips.

Song - Click the link to be taken to the folder of audition cuts.
Please choose one song that you feel showcases your strength as a vocalist and actor. You do not have to sing for the same character for which you read. Feel free to choose two different characters if you have more than one that speaks to you. You will audition with tracks, and those tracks can be found here.

Dance - Click here to be taken to the dance combination and instructional video.
Like all other parts of the audition, you must prepare the dance in advance. The choreographer will not be teaching the combinations at the auditions. Please note that all students should prepare the combination for “Seize the day”.

What should you wear to your audition?

Please wear clothes that you can move in as you will be doing all parts of your audition during one slot (song, side, and dance). There may not be time to change into movement attire in between. Simple, fitted clothing (plain colors, no bold patterns) is best as we want to see how you can move! Please wear jazz/sneakers/tennis shoes that you can move in.

Roles available in Newsies

Role	Description	Range
Jack Kelly	Strong singer & dancer (must have a commanding stage presence and excellent movement ability). Charismatic leader of the newsboys, a talented artist with big dreams of moving to Santa Fe.	Tenor (A4 – Bb2)
Katherine Plumber	Strong singer & actor (requires comedic timing and confidence). A smart and determined young journalist eager to make a name for herself. Falls in love with Jack.	Mezzo-Soprano with strong belt (F5 – A3)
Davey Jacobs	Strong singer & actor (less dance-heavy role but should be comfortable moving). A cautious and intelligent newsboy who becomes Jack’s right-hand man. Helps lead the strike.	Tenor (A4 – D3)
Les Jacobs	Acting-heavy role with light movement (should have youthful energy). Davey’s younger brother. Energetic, bold, and eager to be part of the newsboys’ movement. This position is open to those who will be in 5th - 12th grade for the 25-26 school year. If you will be in 5th - 9th grade, please submit under the Young Actor application process.	Boy Soprano (Bb3 – Db5)
Joseph Pulitzer	Strong actor with commanding presence (little to no dance required). Powerful newspaper tycoon and the main antagonist. Wants to raise newspaper prices at the expense of the newsies.	Baritone (F4 – C3)
Crutchie	Strong actor with excellent emotional depth (minor movement, as the character uses a crutch). Jack’s best friend who has a leg disability but remains optimistic. A loyal and kindhearted newsboy.	Tenor (A4 – C3)
Medda Larkin	Strong singer & actor (powerful belt; minimal dance). A glamorous and motherly vaudeville performer who supports the newsies. Strong singer.	Alto/Mezzo- Soprano (E5 – F3)
Race	Strong singer & dancer (charismatic). A tough, street-smart newsboy known for always having a cigar. One of Jack’s closest friends.	Tenor (A4 – Bb2)
Spot Conton	Spoken role with possible singing opportunities. Should have some movement ability. Leader of the Brooklyn newsboys. Tough and confident, with a strong presence.
Wiesel (“Weasel”)	Pulitzer’s grumpy distributor who runs the newsie distribution window.
The Newsies	A group of spirited kids selling newspapers, each with unique personalities. Includes Albert, Specs, Romeo, Elmer, Henry, Mush, Finch, Buttons, Jo Jo, and others. Opportunities for Strong Dancers.
The Bowery Beauties	Showgirls in Medda Larkin’s theater.
Snyder	The intimidating warden of the Refuge (juvenile detention center).
Bunsen, Seitz, Hannah, & Nunzio	Pulitzer’s staff members.
Governor Teddy Roosevelt	The historical governor who helps the newsies at the end of the show.

Opportunity for Young Actors

The role of Les Jacobs is open to anyone who will be in grades 5-12 for the 2025-2026 school year. Students auditioning for Les who will be in grades 10-12 for the 25-26 school year should audition through the same actor audition process as any other role. For those students who will be in grades 5-9, please follow the Young Actors application process. This includes a first round audition that is submitted through video format. You will need to link to the video either through YouTube or Google Drive. You will be expected to perform a song, the dance, and the “Les” acting side. Another person should read the additional characters in the scene for the acting side. Callbacks will be in person on June 21. Please note: If a non-high school student is chosen for the role of Les, alternative housing and parent/guardian supervision expectations will need to be discussed with the parents/guardians prior to callbacks and/or casting. ONLY the role of Les Jacobs is open to our Young Actors.

Intimacy Moments
Potentially Suggestive Costumes/Choreography
and Onstage Violent Moments Awareness

In theatre, intimacy refers to moments of staged physical, emotional, or vulnerable interaction between characters. This can include physical touch, romantic or sexual situations, emotional closeness, and scenarios that require performers to explore vulnerability within their roles. The goal of staging intimacy is to enhance storytelling while maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

Costuming/Choreography Considerations

Medda Larkin- costuming, suggestive choreography (p. 25- 32, 73)
The Bowery Beauties- costuming, suggestive choreography (p. 25- 32)
Medda Larkin- costuming (scene 9: p 107- 110)

Physical Intimacy

Katherine and Jack- kiss on the lips (p. 91): Jack presents his face to her. Katherine, out of nowhere, grabs Jack and kisses him full on the lips. They part. A moment of silence and then Jack tries to get another kiss, but is blocked.
Katherine and Jack- a physical touch to stop her from leaving (p. 92) Katherine starts climbing down the fire escape ladder, but Jack stops her.
Katherine and Jack- kiss on the lips (p. 94): Katherine and Jack kiss until Jack pulls himself away.
*Katherine and Jack- kiss on the lips (p. 95): end of song possible kiss on the lips
Katherine and Jack- kiss on the lips (p. 111): Jack grabs Katherine in an embrace and they kiss.

No * - Indicates scripted moments of intimacy.
* - Indicates possible moments of intimacy may be added.

Regarding Awareness of Violent Moments Onstage

Participants in the production will be asked in the audition form to acknowledge that the performance may contain scenes depicting moments of violence as an essential part of the storytelling, understanding that these moments are carefully staged for dramatic effect and do not reflect real-life behavior or encourage violence in any form.