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Information Provided Below

 

Audition Information

 

Below, you will find a folder with all of the materials for your initial audition and callbacks.

 

You will be asked to slate (name, grade, monologue/song), perform one cut from the music provided, and two monologues.

 

Please learn the choreography sequence and be ready to dance in a group. Have FUN with the dance and don’t feel pressured to perfect it.

 

Please prepare any additional cuts/monologues you may be interested in as you could be asked to sing/read again.  If this happens, we will give you some time to go over anything new, and we completely understand if you aren’t familiar with the new material.

 

As you fill out your interest form, please be honest about the roles you will accept. This heart-warming piece has several featured roles and a VERY busy ensemble. We would love a big cast!

 

We are looking for ability and people who will be dedicated to the process. We need to be able to trust you with the role in which you're cast.

 

We're rooting for you and can't wait to see what you can do!

 

Directors: Mrs. Jones & Johnna Barrett Mitchell

Musical Director: Savannah Patton

Choreographer: Johnna Barrett Mitchell

 

Audition Materials

  • Monologues
  • Character Breakdowns
  • Cast Songs & Vocal Ranges
  • Choreo Video
  • Song Sections for Auditions
  • Tracks
  • Sides (for callbacks)

  Audition Tips

  • No part belongs to anyone until the cast list has been published. There is no pre-casting.

  • Everyone should fight for the role s/he wants. (By being prepared, focused, and working hard) 
  • You are always auditioning - I'm looking for people I can trust. I want to know that you're going to fulfill whatever job/role you get to the best of your ability (you are at rehearsals, on time, and prepared), that you're going to be kind to the people around you, and you will have a positive attitude. 
  • To memorize or not to memorize? Always a popular question. We do not require memorization. That said, the more familiar you are with the material, the more effective your audition will be. 
  • Be as familiar with the play and the characters as is possible. The script is available on the Drama Club BAND app and the "Newsies, Jr" BAND app (which you’ll get a link to when you sign up for auditions). 
  • Be confident – even if you have never done this before, walk into the audition as if you own the place. 
  • Make bold choices – you need to show us your stuff. These are bigger than life characters, don’t just stand and speak. 
  • You will be the only student in the room during your audition. You will be auditioning for the directors. You will walk into the room and hand us your audition form that the stage manager hands you when you sign in. You will slate (name, grade, part) and then sing your song and then perform your monologue. Do not be surprised if the directors have you has you sing some scales. We need to have a clear idea of your vocal range. We may or may not also ask you to make an adjustment and perform part of your monologue again. Either way does not reflect on how well you’re doing in your audition. 
  • You may be nervous. That is a good thing. The key is to channel your nerves into good positive energy. It is important to remember that the directors want you to succeed and we’re rooting for you.

Tech Students 

  • We're looking for people to train in all technical areas. Here is a list of the different areas of responsibilities.

  • Stage Manager – attends all rehearsals, in charge of show once it opens. Calls cues, manages all backstage activities.

  • Assistant Stage Manager(s) – assists SM in all rehearsals and backstage activities. 

  • Set Construction Head – assists Mr. Chip in construction of the set. Also leads stage crew.

  • Light Head – designs, hangs and focuses the show. Oversees light crew and operates board during the run of the show. 

  • Sound Head – designs and executes the sound design. Helps mic the cast. Oversees crew and operates board during the run of the show.

  • Props Head – secures all props for show, coordinates prop crew for run of show.

  • Make-Up Head/ Coordinator - will work closely with our cast, in charge of make-up execution during the run of the show and the makeup crew. 

  • Costume Head – designs and acquires costumes, oversees the costume crew and in charge of helping actors manage costumes for run of show.

  • Light Crew – Operates follow-spots for the run of the show.
     

  • Sound Crew – operates sound board for run of show. Also serves as microphone wrangler, coordinating equipment with sound head during run of show.

  • Run Crew – responsible for moving set pieces and scenery on and off-stage during run of show. Expected at all set build days.

  • Prop Crew – responsible for assisting with managing all props during the run of the show. May be part of run crew; a great entry point for Pope Theater

  • Costume/Make-up Crew – assist actors with costumes and make-up during run of show. 

  • Crew Attendance: You're expected at 1st rehearsal, the designer run (TBD), set builds, production meetings that are about an hour and half every other week, tech week, performances, and strike.  
  • There will also be training workshops throughout the season for you to attend in the different technical fields. 
  • Follow the same sign up procedure listed below. 
  • If you want to be head tech for a department (props, costumes, etc.), sign up for an interview on October 3.

 

Rehearsal/Performance Information

 

If there are conflicts between this form and the Google Calendar, the Google Calendar wins.

 

Please be honest about conflicts. You'll find the Pope Theater calendar which includes rehearsal and performance dates here: Calendar; Anything labeled OA is One Act.  Please take the time to compare this to your family calendar/sports calendars, etc.  We do our best to list all of our rehearsal, set build/strike, and performance dates ahead of time, but reserve the right to adjust as needed.  

 

Audition date: October 1, 3:45p - 6:00p

  

Callbacks: October 2, 3:45p - 6:00p

  

Rehearsals: October 27 – January 5 – M, T, W, TH, 3:45p-6:45p

 

Load-in: January 6, 2:10p - 7:00p

 

Tech Rehearsals: January 7 - January 13, 3:30p-9p

 

Performances: January 14-16

 

Strike: January 17, 2p-6p

 

 

Fee: $230 + $50 refundable volunteer fee; Due November 6

 

If finances are an issue, please reach out to Mrs. Jones @ rachel.jones@cobbk12.org or to the treasurer at popetheaterbc@gmail.com for assistance.

 

Sign up

  1. Create a Membership Toolkit Login
    • 1x only for your life in Drama Club.
    • If you have one from another club/PTSA you can use it.
    • Click "Register/Login" button in the middle of the home screen.
    • Follow the prompts.
    • If you've already created a login, but don't remember your password, use "Forgot Password"
  2. Join Drama Club (You do this once a year.)
  3. Complete "Newsies, Jr. Interest Form" under New Forms
    • My Account to My Forms to Newies, Jr Interest Form
  4. Sign up for an audition time (if you're an actor) under "Auditions & Other Sign-up Opportunities"
  5. Sign up for an interview if you want to be a tech head under "Auditions & Other Sign-up Opportunities"
  6. Make sure you check your confirmation email for the link to join the BAND app. This is how we communicate.

Synopsis

 

When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what's right.

 

Including the now-classic songs "Carrying the Banner," "Seize the Day," and "Santa Fe," Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.

 

 
Character List 

  

Jack Kelly

Jack Kelly is the charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies and the emotional center of the show. Tough, loyal, artistic, and fiercely protective of his friends, Jack dreams of escaping New York for a better life out West. This role requires a strong singer, confident actor, and performer capable of commanding the stage during both emotional scenes and energetic production numbers.

Gender: Male | Vocal range: B3–F5

 

Les

Les is Davey’s younger sibling and one of the show’s most lovable personalities. Funny, energetic, and endlessly curious, Les quickly embraces the adventurous lifestyle of the newsies. This role works best with a younger performer who can naturally charm both the cast and audience.

Vocal range: B3–F4

 

Crutchie

Crutchie is Jack’s optimistic best friend and one of the most heartfelt characters in the musical. Though he lives with a disability caused by polio, Crutchie refuses to let it define him. This role requires emotional honesty, strong vocals, and a performer capable of balancing humor with vulnerability and resilience.

Vocal range: A3–F5

 

Davey

Davey is intelligent, responsible, and naturally persuasive. Initially joining the newsies only to support his family financially, he quickly becomes a leader in the strike movement. Cast a strong actor and singer who can convincingly portray both intelligence and courage while helping lead “Seize the Day.”

Gender: Male | Vocal range: B3–D5

 

Katherine Plumber

Katherine is an ambitious young reporter determined to prove herself in a male-dominated profession. Quick-witted, funny, and resourceful, Katherine must be played by a strong singer with excellent diction and believable chemistry with Jack. Her featured number “Watch What Happens” requires confidence, precision, and personality.

Gender: Female | Vocal range: A3–D5

 

Medda Larkin

Medda is a bold vaudeville performer who supports the newsies and provides them a safe place during the strike. Inspired by real-life performer Aida Overton-Walker, Medda should be portrayed with warmth, humor, and commanding stage presence. Cast a strong singer with excellent comic timing.

Gender: Female | Vocal range: G3–D5

 

Wiesel

Also known as “Weasel,” Wiesel runs newspaper distribution for the World and has little patience for the newsies. Gruff, impatient, and constantly irritated, this role works well for a performer comfortable making bold comedic character choices.

Gender: Male

 

Joseph Pulitzer

Joseph Pulitzer is the wealthy and intimidating owner of the World newspaper. Concerned primarily with profits and power, Pulitzer initially refuses to acknowledge the struggles of the newsies. This non-singing role requires a commanding actor capable of portraying authority and intensity.

Gender: Male

 

Bunsen

Bunsen serves as Pulitzer’s bookkeeper and helps develop the plan to raise newspaper prices for the newsies. Though smaller, the role provides important plot development and works well for a strong supporting actor.

Gender: Any

 

Hannah

Hannah is Pulitzer’s clever secretary and secretly sympathetic to the newsies’ cause. This role works best with a performer capable of balancing professionalism with warmth and subtle humor.

Gender: Female

 

Pat

Pat is the stage manager at Medda’s theater and introduces her vaudeville acts. This featured role provides fun comic opportunities and can work well for a newer performer.

Gender: Any

 

Governor Teddy Roosevelt

Teddy Roosevelt is a respected public servant who ultimately encourages the newsies to stand up for themselves. Cast a performer capable of portraying maturity, confidence, and leadership.

Gender: Male

 

Snyder

Snyder is the cruel warden of The Refuge, a corrupt juvenile reformatory. Intimidating and manipulative, Snyder should create a genuine sense of danger within the story. This role requires strong stage presence and dramatic intensity.

Gender: Any

 

Seitz

Seitz is the editor of the World newspaper and one of Pulitzer’s advisors. Though he initially supports Pulitzer, Seitz gradually develops admiration for the striking newsies.

Gender: Any

 

Bill and Dorothy

Bill and Dorothy are Katherine’s wealthy friends who help the newsies print the Newsies Banner. These featured roles provide additional support for the strike and work well for confident supporting actors.

Gender: Male and Female

 

Darcy

Darcy is a photographer who works closely with Katherine during the strike. This featured role helps build the world of the newspaper business and can easily be expanded within the ensemble.

Gender: Any

 

Oscar and Morris Delancey

Oscar and Morris Delancey are the intimidating brothers who enforce Pulitzer’s control over newspaper distribution. Aggressive and threatening, these roles require performers capable of believable physical intimidation while still fitting within the musical’s heightened style.

Gender: Male

 

Newsies Ensemble

The Newsies Ensemble includes Race, Albert, Muriel, Nancy, Specs, Pigtails, Hazel, Buttons, Tommy Boy, Romeo, Jo Jo, and many additional newsies. These performers drive the musical’s choreography, harmonies, and emotional energy. Strong dancers and movers are especially valuable in these roles.

Gender: Any

 

Additional Ensemble Roles

The Ensemble also includes Customers, Citizens of New York, Scabs, the Bowery Brigade, Vaudeville Performers, Police Officers, Working Children, and additional featured characters. These roles help create the bustling world of New York City and allow schools to expand participation throughout the production.

Gender: Any