The Franklin Performing Arts Company is thrilled to announce open auditions for their October production of Disney's NEWSIES! This exciting production at THE BLACK BOX will be choreographed by Broadway cast member Clay Thomson!
Thursday, September 6 at 7 pm: Vocal Auditions
7 PM Ages 10-13 (limited roles)
7:30 PM Teens
8:15 PM Adults
Saturday, September 8 at 2 pm: Invited Dance Call
Production Dates: October 13-14 and 19-21 at THE BLACK BOX.
Please prepare 16 bars in the style of the show. We will invite people from the Thursday Vocal Audition to attend the Saturday Dance Call. Auditions will be held at THE BLACK BOX at 15 W. Central St. Franklin, MA 02038.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
**Updated Casting Breakdown**
JACK KELLY: 16-20. Vocal Range: Bb2-A4. *The role of Jack has been cast (check out our page for the exciting announcement!) but we will be casting an understudy.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.
KATHERINE PLUMBER: 16-20. Vocal Range: A3-F5. *The role of Katherine has been cast (check out our page for the exciting announcement!) but we will be casting an understudy. 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.
CRUTCHIE: 13-17. Vocal Range: C3-A4. 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.
DAVEY: To play 16-20. Vocal Range: D3-A4. 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: 10-14. Vocal Range: Db3-Bb3. 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.
NEWSIES: Dancers to play teens (min. Age 12). Including Albert, Buttons, Elmer, Finch, Henry, Ike, JoJo, 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. Male and female dancers encouraged to audition!
JOSEPH PULITZER: 35-50. Vocal Range: C3-F4. *The role of Pulitzer has been cast (check out our page for the exciting announcement!) but we will be casting an understudy. 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.
MEDDA LARKIN: 25-45. Vocal Range: F3-E5. 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.
SPOT CONLON: The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in “Brooklyn’s Here.”
ENSEMBLE/FEATURED ROLES: Featured roles including Pulitzer’s editors and assistants, nuns, The Bowery Beauties, Snyder, The Delancey Brothers, Scabs, Wiesel, etc.