Carry the banner with Disney’s Newsies! Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, this high-energy musical tells the inspiring story of Jack Kelly and a group of newsboys who rally together to stand up against unfair treatment from powerful newspaper publishers. Filled with dynamic dancing, unforgettable songs like “Seize the Day,” “Carrying the Banner,” and “Santa Fe,” and a powerful message about courage and standing up for what’s right, Newsies is an exciting, family-friendly production. Join us for auditions and be part of this thrilling show!

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Where: Wylie Acting Group - 205 Industrial Ct #200b, Wylie, TX 75098

Directions: Google Maps to Event Venue Apple Maps to Event Venue

Callbacks: Same day at 7:00 PM (cold readings)

Questions: Email the Production Manager, Melissa Harbison at wagmharbison@gmail.com

Credits

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Book by Harvey Fierstein

Production Crew

Directors: Barb Holder and Melissa Johnson
Vocal Director: Heather Rigdon
Choreographer: Piper Sturgeon

Audition Details

• Audition Registration
• Audition Sign-Up Genius
• Auditioners must complete both the audition registration and the SignUpGenius time slot to be scheduled for auditions.

Singing & Dancing Roles

Please choose one song from the list below to prepare for your audition. Learn the specified cut using the provided link and time markings.

If you are auditioning for an ensemble role, please prepare one of the Ensemble song options.

• Santa Fe (minute 2:00 - 2:34)
• The World Will Know (0:40 - 2:02)
• Watch What Happens (minute 2:35 -till the end)
• That’s Rich (1:05–1:50)

Ensemble Options (choose one):

• King of New York (0:12–0:40)
• Seize the Day (0:18-1:21)

Please learn the provided song cut and choreography in advance. If you have a special skill—such as pirouettes, flips, leaps, or other fun dance moves—be prepared to demonstrate it after your vocal audition.

Choreography

Please watch the video below and learn the choreography. Please have it memorized for the audition day (except non-singing non-dancing roles). You’ll dance with your group once everyone has done their singing audition.

General Dance Video

Tappers: If you know how to tap, you will also need to learn the tap choreography below and bring your tap shoes to auditions. Tap Video link coming soon.

Non-Singing / Non-Dancing Roles

If you are interested in a non-singing, non-dancing role, please prepare a self-selected, 1-minute monologue of your choice to perform at auditions. Monologues should be from a published play (or musical) and should be memorized.

Please dress appropriately for movement and plan to have your photo taken after check-in. Do not bring props to the audition. The casting committee also requests that you do not wear costumes or face paint. If you have jazz, character, or tap shoes, please bring them with you to auditions.

Because of space limitations, auditioners may be accompanied by one parent or guardian. To help create a comfortable and focused environment for performers, only auditioners will enter the theatre during the audition. Parents and guardians are welcome to wait in the lobby, and our team will make sure auditioners are guided through the process and returned to the lobby when they are finished.

Family Volunteer Expectations:

Family participation is a natural part of the community theatre experience. We expect each family to contribute approximately 20 hours to the production prior to performances (set building, work inside the theatre, show promotion, etc.) plus working before, during, or after most performances. Volunteer positions will be reviewed at the first rehearsal.

Tentative Rehearsals & Performances Calendar

Tentative Calendar is at the bottom of the Audition Notice.

Rehearsals

• Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
• Attendance by all the cast and crew at the first rehearsal is required and nonnegotiable
• Generally, weekday rehearsals will be from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
• Rehearsal extends to 10:00 PM in June
• An in-depth rehearsal schedule is provided at the first rehearsal
• Additional rehearsals may be called, if needed
• Rehearsals may be limited to small groups with various arrival and dismissal times
• Rehearsal attendance is crucial, but no absences are allowed unless disclosed in registration form conflicts
• Inability to attend rehearsals affects casting eligibility

Rehearsal Commitments and Expectations

When you accept a role, you are committing to the full rehearsal process. Our theatre relies on every actor—no matter the size of their part—to be present, prepared, and on time. Last-minute conflicts, late arrivals, and rehearsal no-shows create significant delays, disrupt scene work, and impact the entire cast and crew. Even if you believe your role is small, your absence affects blocking, timing, pacing, and the ability of others to rehearse effectively.

Please review all listed rehearsal dates carefully before auditioning. Now is the time to list all conflicts—big or small—and it is important to be extremely accurate. Any unreported conflicts or unexpected absences later in the process make it difficult to adjust schedules, re-block scenes, or move forward productively. By accepting a role, you acknowledge the responsibility to attend all scheduled rehearsals unless an absence has been communicated and approved in advance. Your reliability helps ensure a smooth, successful production for everyone involved.

• No conflicts are allowed during show weekends
• The final two weeks of rehearsal are especially important for the full cast. Conflicts during this time should be avoided and will need to be discussed with the directors for approval
• Any conflicts that come up after rehearsals begin should be communicated as soon as possible and will need director’s approval

Performances

• Friday, July 24 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, July 25 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, July 26 at 2:30 PM
• Friday, July 31 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, August 2 at 2:30 PM

Characters

Jack Kelly
Lead

Leader of the Newsies.

Crutchie
Lead

Jack’s best friend and a dedicated Newsie with a “bum leg”.

Davey
Lead

New, Bookish Newsie. Les’s strait-laced, bright big brother.

Les
Lead

Davey’s fearless younger brother.

Katherine Plumber
Lead

An ambitious young reporter.

Medda Larkin
Lead

A big-voiced singer, star and owner of the Bowery.

Joseph Pulitzer
Lead

Owns the World.

Spot Conlon
Featured

Leader of the Brooklyn Newsies.

Bunsen
Featured

Pulitzer’s bookkeeper.

Hannah
Featured

Pulitzer’s secretary.

Seitz
Featured

The editor of the World.

Bowery Beauties
Featured

Showgirls at Medda’s theatre.

Newsies
Featured

Race, Albert, Specs, Henry, Finch, Romeo, Elmer, Mush, Buttons, Splasher, Tommy Boy, Jo Jo, Mike, and Ike

Cameo Characters (Sing and Dance)

• Darcy; Upper-class son of a publisher
• Bill: son of William Randolph Hearst
• Singing, Dancing Ensemble: Nuns and The Scabs

Non-Singing, Non-Dancing Roles

• Snyder: The crooked warden of The Refuge
• Oscar & Morris Delancey: Toughs who work the distribution window for the World
• Wiesel: Runs the World’s distribution window
• Nunzio: Pulitzer’s barber
• Non-Singing, Non-Dancing Ensemble: Mayor, Governor Teddy Roosevelt, Guard, Goons, Stage Manager, Woman, Mr. Jacobi, Policemen, Photographer