White Plains Performing Arts Center: Mainstage Auditions
Disney's Newsies
PERSONNEL
Music by Alan Menken , Lyrics by Jack Feldman, Book by: Harvey Fierstein
Director: Frank Portanova , Music Director: Stephen Ferri, Choreographer: Josh Assor
The White Plains Performing Arts Center is seeking both AEA & non-union performers for the Newsies. We are seeking a MULTI-ETHNIC cast of men and women with fantastic singing, acting and dancing abilities to play principal and supporting roles (breakdown below.)
Please note there is NO housing for this production.
SYNOPSIS
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.
IMPORTANT DATES
1st Rehearsal: December 2 (rehearses in NYC, usually 10am-6pm)
Tech: 12/14-12/19 (in White Plains)
Shows: Dec 20-22, 27-29, Jan 3-5, 8-12. (4 shows/week)
Please bring any and all conflicts to the auditions and note that the rehearsals times may vary. You must be available for all shows and tech week to audition.
Venue: White Plains Performing Arts Center?11 City Place, 3rd Floor (City Center)?White Plains NY 10601?(35 min from NYC via train/car) wppac.com
Rehearsals will begin in NYC then transfer to the venue for tech week. Rehearsals are within the 10am-6pm range. Tech week will switch to late afternoon/evenings. Please bring any and all conflicts to the auditions and note that the rehearsals times may vary.
CONTRACT
(4 shows/week)
$455/week for AEA actors + Pension/health (LORT-LOA CONTRACT)
Non union: $1,000-$1,400 based on role + EMC Points
Casting Breakdown:
Jack Kelly (Male, 20-28)
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.
Vocal range: Bb2- A4
Crutchie (Male, 18-25)
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.
Vocal range: C3-A4
Katherine Plumber (Female, 20-28)
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 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.
Vocal range: A3-F5
Davey (Male 20-25)
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.
Vocal range : D3-A4
Les (Male, 8-14)
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.
Vocal range: Bb-Db3
Joseph Pulitzer (Male 35-50)
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.
Vocal rang: C3- F4
Medda Larkin (Female 25-40)
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. Ethnicity: African American/Mixed
Vocal range: F3-E5
Newsies Ensemble (Males 18-25)
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. Must Fantastic Singer/Dancers
Ensemble
MALE ENSEMBLE 1 (35-50) - Wiesel / Stage Manager / Mr. Jacobi / Mayor / Pulitzer understudy
MALE ENSEMBLE 2 - Seitz / Roosevelt
MALE ENSEMBLE 3 - Bunsen / Guard / Policeman
MALE ENSEMBLE 4 - Snyder / Guard
FEMALE ENSEMBLE 1 (20-30) - Nun / Hannah / Bowery Beauty / Katherine US
FEMALE ENSEMBLE 2 (20-30) - Nun / Woman / Bowery Beauty / Medda US
AUDITION DATES
Auditions (Equity AND non-Equity) by APPOINTMENT:
Tuesday, November 5th (10am-5pm)
The Growing Studio 344 West 38th Street, 4th floor
Auditions (Equity AND non-Equity) by APPOINTMENT:
Friday, November 88h (10am-5pm )
The Growing Studio 344 West 38th Street, 4th floor
Equity Principal (EPA) by APPOINTMENT:
*We will see non uinon as well
Monday November 11th 10am-5pm
White Plains Performing Arts Center
11 City Place White Plains NY 10601 (3rd floor)
*Please note all who attend the WPPAC call WILL be seen regardless of union status.
CALLBACKS (Invitation only)
Thursday, November 14
You will be notified via email after ALL auditions have completed if you have been asked for a callback at WPPAC.
Appointment-Making Instructions:
For an appointment sign up via the link below
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AABAA2FA2FF2-newsies
Please put in your name, email and then your union status. DO NOT SIGN UP FOR MORE THEN 1 SLOT.
Any questions or concerns please email auditions@wppac.com or call 914 328 1600.
Video Submissions: Please note we will accept video submissions from actors who can not attend the audition dates. You must be available by the first week of rehearsal to be considered for the show. Those who attend in person will be given priority for all roles. Videos must have you singing with accompaniment ideally from the show. Send to auditions@wppac.com
What to Prepare- Please prepare 16-32 bars from the show (preferred) OR a song in the style of the show/composer that can be fully interpreted with strong acting choices. Make sure the song shows vocal range! A piano accompanist will be provided but will not transpose. Charts are NOT acceptable, NO cd’s and NO unaccompanied singing.
Please bring headshot & resume, stapled back-to-back.
Theatre’s casting note: “Because of the short, intense rehearsal schedule, we are open and interested in seeing performers who may have done the show before. But it is NOT a requirement.”
Videos
