Stop the presses! Seize the Day with Disney’s Tony-Award winning musical that has thrilled and inspired young people for generations.
Disney’s Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.
SAVE THE DATES
Thursday, November 21
AUDITION WORKSHOP
6 – 8:30 PM
The audition workshop is mandatory for all students planning on auditioning. However, if you attend the audition workshop and decide that musical is not for you, you are not obligated to audition! The workshop is carefully designed to be helpful for first-time auditioners and veterans of musical theatre! Our production staff will guide students through every step of the audition process, including performing their own mock auditions! Students will learn tips and tricks for a successful audition, play acting games, and be taught the required audition songs! This workshop allows other students to get to know each other and sets the tone for a fun and supportive year!
Tuesday, December 3
&
Wednesday, December 4
AUDITIONS
5:30 – 8:30 PM
Please pick only one day for auditions – do not come to both. Due to demand, pre-registering for an audition day is required – this is done using our show ticketing software. The audition form will be attached to the registration! There are three components to auditions: Singing, Dancing, and Acting. Audition packets will be distributed at the audition workshop and have two song options and character descriptions. Students will choose and sing one of the two songs in the packet for their vocal audition. Background music is provided and sheet music is permitted on stage! Auditioners will then learn a quick dance that will be taught the day of auditions. Students will then be given scenes from Newsies Jr. and paired with other students to act out the scene.
Thursday,
January 2
FIRST REHEARSAL
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Rehearsals are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Not every student is called to every rehearsal! The schedule for the entire season will be distributed on the first day.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHO CAN AUDITION?
Any student currently enrolled at YIMS is eligible to audition. Yes, even 5th grade! No previous theatre experience is required – just enthusiasm and a willingness to commit to the rehearsal schedule!
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION?
Audition sign-ups will be available online through our website. Once audition registration is open, you can choose the audition day that works best for you. Heads up! You must complete the audition form at the same time as registering for auditions, so make sure you have some time. You must sign up in advance for auditions.
HOW IS THE AUDITION PROCESS DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?
Great question! Here are a few differences that we think both newcomers and YIMS Musical veterans will benefit from and enjoy! These changes will hopefully streamline things and allow the production team to get to know you better from the audition process!
The audition workshop is mandatory. We’ve changed the layout to be more interactive and hands on. The Director will teach the two audition song choices and talk about tips and tricks to calm your nerves for your audition. We will play acting games for the rest of the session that focus on team and confidence building, so both the students and production team can get to know each other.
Students must sign up for an audition day online in advance. This is to ensure we have an even amount of auditioners on each day. The audition registration includes an electronic audition form, which must be completed for your sign up to be confirmed!
We will not see a student for auditions if they did not sign up in advance.
Students will sing, learn a short dance, and then act. This year, instead of students reading multiple short scenes, students will be grouped up to perform a longer scene from the show. We’ll make it interesting by giving you props and different silly scenarios to incorporate (with our help!) You will have time to practice this before the “performance” part of the audition. We want to see how much you work with others and this will give us a better insight to what role you fit into.
IS THE AUDITION WORKSHOP ACTUALLY MANDATORY?
Yes, the audition workshop is mandatory for all students who wish to audition. The workshop is designed to help you feel prepared and confident for your audition by learning the audition song choices, playing acting games, and learning about Newsies Jr. It’s also an opportunity to get familiar with the audition process and ask any questions you might have. We believe this preparation is essential for giving everyone the best chance to succeed in their audition. If you have an unavoidable conflict, please reach out to the director as soon as possible to discuss your options. We promise you will have a lot of fun!
WHEN AND WHERE WILL AUDITIONS TAKE PLACE?
Auditions will be held in the YIMS auditorium on Tuesday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Students only pick ONE day to audition. Please arrive 15 minutes early so you can get settled in.
WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION?
Please practice one of the song choices provided: Watch What Happens or Santa Fe. Those who have higher voices or want to audition for Katherine or Medda must sing “Watch What Happens” and those who have lower voices or want to audition for Jack, Davie, or Crutchie must sing “Santa Fe.” The sheet music is attached in the audition packet and music is linked in the “additional resources” section of the Newsies Jr. page on the website. No need to memorize it – you can use the sheet music at auditions!
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
Bring a water, snack, your signed code of conduct, and a great attitude! If you have your sheet music, please bring it, but we will have copies if you forget.
WILL THERE BE A DANCE AUDITION?
Yes! You will learn a short dance combination. No specific dance training is necessary—just be ready to have fun and follow along! Do your best, and don’t stress!
HOW ARE ROLES DECIDED?
Roles are assigned based on the audition performance, including singing, acting, and dancing. I also look at how well everyone’s personalities mesh together! Casting a show is like building a puzzle piece – everyone fits somewhere to make a complete picture! There is NO pre-casting for any role. First-time auditioners can be leads, and just because you got a lead last year, does not mean you will automatically get a lead this year!
WHEN WILL THE CAST LIST BE POSTED?
The cast list will be posted on the YIMS Drama website and in the office on Friday, December 6. All students who audition (and their adults) will also receive an email.
WHAT IF I’M NOT CAST IN A LEAD ROLE?
There are plenty of opportunities to be involved, even if you don’t land a lead role. The ensemble is a vital part of Newsies Jr. and we need everyone to make the show a success!
WILL EVERYONE THAT AUDITIONS BE CAST?
While we would love to cast every person that auditions, we cannot guarantee casting in the show. To ensure everyone gets meaningful stage time and one-on-one interactions with the Director, we may have to limit participation beyond those that do not meet academic and disciplinary standards with Yough School District. Do not let that deter you from auditioning! Over HALF of our cast last year were first-time performers!
WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE LIKE?
Rehearsals start Thursday, January 2 and are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Not every student is scheduled to attend every rehearsal. A full rehearsal schedule for the entire season will be released on the first day of rehearsal.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
For additional questions, please contact Kyli Stoner, YIMS Drama Director, at kyli.stoner@gmail.com or 724-812-2633. I look forward to hearing from you, and break a leg at auditions!
AUDITION MATERIALS