Auditions will be
April 27, 2024 4:00-8:00 PM
April 28, 2024 5:00-8:00 PM
Teens 13-19 by September 1, 2024 are eligible to audition.
April 27, 2024 4:00-8:00 PM
April 28, 2024 5:00-8:00 PM
Teens 13-19 by September 1, 2024 are eligible to audition.
- Callbacks will be communicated as needed but remember: not receiving a callback does not mean you are not cast, just as receiving a callback does not mean you are cast.
- You will need to prepare one song selection from the materials found below. You will be given a reading at the audition with time to look it over before coming into the audition room.
- Many roles require dance and body movement, please prepare to dance during your audition (wear appropriate clothes for movement).
Mandatory rehearsal schedule (no conflicts will be accepted): August 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 2024
There will be a costuming fee of $65. Casting does not depend on the ability to pay this fee. Contact the Director, Tiffany McGehee, with any questions or concerns.
Thespians of Troupe 11465 will receive 5 points for an ensemble role, 8 points for a principal role, and 5-8 points for technical/crew positions. (This is a great opportunity for prospective Thespians to join our chapter of the International Thespian Society, a drama honors society.)
Consider joining the Front & Center "BAND" to keep up to date with our program: https://band.us/n/a3a60670RbtbK
AUDITION SONG SELECTIONS
AUDITION SIDES (Readings)
Readings will be provided at the audition with time allotted for you to look it over before entering the audition room.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Jack Kelly
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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. |
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. 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. The Bowery Beauties Female performers at Medda’s Theater. Stage Manager, Photographer, Woman Nuns The three nuns offer breakfast to the hungry newsies. Feel free to cast additional nuns. 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. Darcy, Bill The upper-class kids of a publishers. Side with the newsies. Can double as a newsie. Goons Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies at the end of Act One. |
FRONT & CENTER
Meridian Little Theatre is proud to offer the teen division, Front & Center. Teens must be 13-19 years old before September 1st to participate in the production.
For more information, email tiffany@meridianlittletheatre.com
For more information, email tiffany@meridianlittletheatre.com