Auditions

Newsies:

Jack Kelly (age 16-20): 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.

Crutchie (age 14-17): 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 (age 15-20): 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 (younger than Davey): 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.

Spot Conlon (age 17-20): The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in “Brooklyn’s Here.”

Other Newsies (ages 14-20):
Race
Albert
Specs
Henry
Finch
Romeo
Elmer
Mush Buttons
Splasher
Tommy Boy
Jo Jo
Mike
Ike
3 Scabs- Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.

Other Young People:

Katherine Plumber (age 17-20): 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.

Darcy (age 15-20): The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies.

Bill (age 15-25): The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause.

World Staff:
Wiesel (age 35-50): 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.

Morris and Oscar Delancey (age 15-20): 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.

Goons: Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies at the end of Act One.

Joseph Pulitzer (age 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.

Seitz: Pulitzer’s editor

Bunsen (age 35-50): Pulitzer’s bookkeeper

Hannah (age 20-40): Pulitzer’s secretary
 
Nunzio (age 30-50): Pulitzer’s barber

Guard

Other Adults:

Snyder (age 45-65): 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 (age 25-45): 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.

Bowery Beauties (age 18-30): showgirls at Medda’s theater
Stage Manager
3 Nuns
Newspaper Customer- a woman
Mr. Jacobi (age 35-55): owner of Jacobi’s Deli
Policemen
Mayor
Governor Teddy Roosevelt (age 50-65): A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.

*There is the possibility of double-casting within both the adult and newsie ensemble. Please note that the ages listed are the ages of the character, not necessarily the ages of the actor. 
 

Auditioning for a LTC production can be a nerve-racking and scary experience, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tips to help with that process.

What to expect when you arrive:

There will be a QR code and a link for an electronic audition form, which you are welcome to fill out prior to the audition if you'd like. On the night of your audition, when you arrive at the theater, start by checking in at the check in table and filling out the audition form if you haven’t already. There will be someone at the table if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out that form, you will wait for someone to call your name to enter the theatre. Once you enter the theatre, you will introduce yourself and chat for a moment with the director before you perform your monologue and sing. We might also see what your vocal range is, and you might get some notes from the director—don’t let this scare you! It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong or that you’re doing poorly. The director just wants to have a really good idea of what you can do. 

After you sing and perform your monologue you will go back out in the hallway and wait for dance call. We will do dance call in small groups so that you don’t have to dance by yourself. When it’s time, you’ll come on stage with your group, standing in the order you auditioned in, and we’ll go through the dance twice—the first time for practice on the stage and the second time for real. Don’t worry about being the best dancer up there, worry about showing some confidence, a little bit of character, and having a good time! You don’t have to hit all of the steps perfectly. 
 

Audition tips:

No matter where you are or how often you’ve done it, auditioning can be scary! Below are some tips to help you with your audition.

• Be prepared. You have access to the audition materials beforehand, so make sure you go over them. The audition should not be the first time you are reading your sides. Have a friend, roommate, family member, coworker or anyone else practice with you before your audition so you've practiced reading with other people. 
• Do your research. If you can, read the play beforehand. If you can’t, look up a synopsis, and learn about the character you are auditioning for so you can make informed decisions about how this character might behave.
• An audition is more than just a reading. You should be acting. Make choices. Try to embody the character in some way. 
• Dress nicely, but comfortably and try to make a good first impression. Be polite and respectful to the other auditioners and the people running the auditions.
• Be prepared for all outcomes. There are multiple people auditioning for each role, and only one person will get it. If you cannot handle the disappointment of not getting cast in a role, then theatre may not be for you.

First rehearsal: February 9 at 6:00 p.m.

All cast members should attend the first rehearsal. Each member of the cast will receive a rehearsal schedule at the first rehearsal. Rehearsals will be Mondays through Thursdays from 6:00-9:00 p.m., with Fridays being an optional workday. You may or may not be required to attend rehearsal every day each week. There will be weekly updates sent out via email.

We understand that cast members have families, jobs, school, and are also involved in other activities, so we try to be flexible. If you must miss a rehearsal for something important, we ask that you communicate that to the stage manager and director in advance. However, please be sure that you can attend most rehearsals so that the cast has time to work together.

Do I have to have experience on stage to audition?

No! We welcome anyone who is interested in participating, even if you have never done a show before. 

Can I receive college credit for participating?

Yes! If this is something you are interested in, please let Taylor know at the time of your audition.

What if I cannot make the audition dates?

Please contact Taylor Dahlberg to make alternative arrangements. 

Do I have to live in Robinson to be in the show?

No! We love having people from different communities participate in our shows. We are always happy to see new faces.

Do I cold read at the audition?

Nope. Audition materials are posted in advance, and we expect you to come rehearsed and prepared with a character. 

Do I have to be memorized at the audition?

Memorization is not required, but please come prepared and having rehearsed. 

Where are auditions held?

Lincoln Trail College at the Zwermann Arts Center Theater
11220 State Highway 1
Robinson, IL 62454