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Lincoln Trail College will hold auditions for its spring production of Disney’s Newsies, the Tony Award-winning musical based on the 1992 Disney film, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, and Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, both at 6 p.m. in the Zwermann Arts Center Theater.
Newsies tells the rousing story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who leads a band of spirited young newsies in a historic strike for justice in turn-of-the-century New York City. Featuring an energetic, award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the musical includes favorites such as “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe.”
Disney’s Newsies features a large ensemble cast with opportunities for performers of many ages and experience levels. Leading youth roles include Jack Kelly, the charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies; Crutchie, Jack’s loyal best friend with an indomitable spirit; Davey, a thoughtful and emerging leader among the newsies; Les, Davey’s younger brother and pint-sized charmer; Spot Conlon, the proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies; and Katherine Plumber, an ambitious young reporter determined to make her mark in journalism. Additional young roles include Darcy and Bill, who join the newsies’ cause.
The newsies ensemble includes Race, Albert, Specs, Henry, Finch, Romeo, Elmer, Mush Buttons, Splasher, Tommy Boy, Jo Jo, Mike, Ike, and three Scabs, newsies hesitant to join the strike.
Adult and authority roles include Joseph Pulitzer, the powerful newspaper owner; Wiesel, the World’s distribution manager; Morris and Oscar Delancey, enforcers at the distribution window; Seitz, Pulitzer’s editor; Bunsen, his bookkeeper; Hannah, his secretary; Nunzio, his barber; a Guard; and a group of Goons who assist the Delanceys.
Additional adult roles include Snyder, the corrupt warden of The Refuge; Medda Larkin, the vaudeville star who offers the newsies refuge; Bowery Beauties, Stage Manager, three Nuns, a Newspaper Customer, Mr. Jacobi, Policemen, the Mayor, and Governor Teddy Roosevelt.
Auditioners should prepare a 30- to 45-second monologue that reflects the spirit of the role they hope to play, without using material from the Newsies script. Bold acting choices, movement and character work are encouraged.
For the vocal audition, performers must prepare a 32-bar cut from a musical-theatre song (not from Newsies) that best showcases their voice and storytelling ability. An accompanist will be provided; auditioners must bring clearly marked sheet music.
Dance calls will follow the monologue and vocal audition. Newsie roles require participation in the dance call, while adult roles do not.
“We’re thrilled to bring Newsies to the Lincoln Trail College stage,” said Taylor Dahlberg, theater director at Lincoln Trail College. “It’s a high-energy show packed with unforgettable music, dynamic choreography and powerful storytelling. If you’ve ever thought about stepping on stage — or you’re ready to take on a new challenge — this is the perfect production to be part of. We’d love to see both familiar faces and first-time performers at auditions.”
Dahlberg says people can learn more about the audition process by visiting iecc.edu/ltc/student-life/arts-culture/auditions.
First rehearsal is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 6 p.m., and performances will run April 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., with matinees April 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. in the Zwermann Arts Center Theater.
