Footlite Musicals is proud to announce open auditions for Newsies, directed by Cameron Callan.

Please bring 16-32 bars of a song that shows off your vocal talent, with sheet music in the correct key for the provided accompanist. A change of clothes for the dance portion of the audition is encouraged.

We are committed to inclusive casting, welcoming performers of all shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities.

If you have any questions regarding the audition process, please contact us.

JACK KELLY – A scrappy, charismatic dreamer and the leader of the newsies, fighting for a better life while protecting those closest to him. Vocal Part: Tenor. Stage Age: 16–20.

CRUTCHIE – Jack’s optimistic best friend with a bum leg, whose humor and heart make him the emotional center of the newsies’ cause. Vocal Part: Tenor. Stage Age: 13–17.

DAVEY – Smart, principled, and a natural leader who discovers his voice during the strike while trying to support his family. Vocal Part: Tenor. Stage Age: 15–20.

LES – Davey’s energetic younger brother, a quick-witted charmer who idolizes the newsies and thrives on their freedom. Vocal Part: Alto. Stage Age: 10–15.

KATHERINE PLUMBER – A sharp and ambitious young reporter determined to prove herself in a man’s world while unexpectedly falling for Jack. Vocal Part: Mezzo-Soprano. Stage Age: 17–20.

SPOT CONLON – The proud and commanding leader of the Brooklyn newsies with a tough exterior and a fierce reputation. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 17–20.

DARCY – A privileged teen who sides with the newsies and uses their influence to support the cause. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 15–20.

BILL – The progressive son of a powerful publisher who joins the strike and brings weight to the movement. Vocal Part: Tenor. Stage Age: 15–25.

WIESEL – Pulitzer’s grumpy paper-pusher who oversees the distribution window and enforces rules with the help of the Delanceys. Vocal Part: Baritone. Stage Age: 35–50.

OSCAR & MORRIS DELANCEY – Intimidating brothers who use force to keep the newsies in line and stand firmly with the publishers. Vocal Part: Tenor or Baritone. Stage Age: 15–20.

SCABS – Three hesitant newsies unsure whether to join the strike. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 10–20.

NEWSIES ENSEMBLE – Hard-working kids from all over New York who unite to fight for fair wages; includes Albert, Buttons, Elmer, Finch, Henry, Ike, Jo Jo, Mike, Mush, Race, Romeo, Specs, Splasher, and Tommy Boy. Vocal Part: Tenor. Stage Age: 13–20.

JOSEPH PULITZER – A powerful, no-nonsense publisher focused on profits over people, who ultimately comes to respect Jack’s determination. Vocal Part: Baritone. Stage Age: 35–50.

SEITZ – Pulitzer’s editor who quietly admires the newsies’ spirit and integrity. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 30–50.

BUNSEN – A calculating bookkeeper who proposes the idea to charge newsies more for papers. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 35–50.

HANNAH – Pulitzer’s efficient and clever secretary who keeps the office running smoothly. Vocal Part: Mezzo-Soprano. Stage Age: 20–40.

NUNZIO – Pulitzer’s uptight barber, seen during tense moments at the office. Vocal Part: Baritone. Stage Age: 30–50.

GUARD – Responsible for removing the newsies from Pulitzer’s building. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 20–60.

SNYDER – The menacing warden of The Refuge, more interested in collecting checks than caring for the boys he imprisons. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 45–65.

MEDDA LARKIN – A bold, brassy star of the Bowery stage who offers refuge and support to the newsies. Vocal Part: Alto. Stage Age: 25–45.

BOWERY BEAUTIES – Glamorous performers at Medda’s theater with flair and presence. Vocal Part: Mezzo-Soprano. Stage Age: 18–30.

STAGE MANAGER – Introduces Medda’s act with authority and style. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 25–55.

NUNS – Three kind-hearted women who serve breakfast to the newsies. Vocal Part: Mezzo-Soprano. Stage Age: 20–60.

PHOTOGRAPHER – Captures the pivotal moment of the newsies’ victory. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 15–25.

WOMAN – A customer who interacts with the newsies on the street. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 15–45.

MR. JACOBI – A gruff but fair restaurant owner who lets the newsies use his space when business is slow. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: 35–55.

POLICEMEN – Lawmen who assist in suppressing the strike and follow Pulitzer’s orders. Vocal Part: Baritone. Stage Age: 20–60.

MAYOR – The politician caught between the power of Pulitzer and the voice of the people. Vocal Part: Baritone. Stage Age: 45–60.

GOVERNOR TEDDY ROOSEVELT – A respected statesman who ultimately backs the newsies and restores justice. Vocal Part: Baritone. Stage Age: 50–65.

ENSEMBLE – Includes adults who portray various roles such as reporters, citizens, and authority figures; may also understudy featured parts. Vocal Part: Any. Stage Age: Varies.