Audition Resources

Below we have the music and lyrics for all of the principle roles, you can decide which part you would like to audition for. Please choose only one song and character to audition with, you will be considered for all roles.

We also would like to highlight that children/young people of any gender can audition for any of the principle roles and the production is a fully inclusive show.

Jack Kelly

Character Description

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 very loyal, Jack isn’t afraid to use his voice to attain better conditions for the working kids of New York City. We will be looking for an actor who can command the stage with ease, possesses strong vocal abilities, and can exude Jack’s tough-guy exterior and his big heart.

Katherine Plumber

Character Description

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, Katherine should be a strong singer with excellent diction for her showstopping number, “Watch What Happens.” Because Katherine and Jack possess a strong bond, we will be auditioning these roles together to get a sense of the performers’ repartee.

Crutchie

Character Description

Jack’s best friend and a dedicated newsie with a “bum leg” from polio that causes pain, but helps sell more papers. Walking with the assistance of a crutch doesn’t define the ever-positive newsie, so we will be looking for an actor who can portray Casey’s goofy-sweet sense of humour and optimistic resilience. 

Medda Larkin

Character Description

Inspired by the African-American vaudeville performer, Aida Overton-Walker, A big-voiced singer and star of the Bowery. A proud supporter of the newsies, she offers her theatre as a safe haven for their revolution. We will be looking for a performer who can portray this astute entertainer with great comic delivery, while standing firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice.

Davey

Character Description

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, we will be casting a strong actor and singer who can lead “Seize the Day” while smartly portraying the brains of the resistance.

Newsies (various named roles)

Character Description

They are the hard-working kids of New York City who go on strike for a livable wage.