White Plains Performing Arts Center
AUDITION DATE
Mon, Nov 11, 2019
10:00 am - 5:00 pm (EDT)
no scheduled lunch break
APPOINTMENTS
AEA members, For an appointment, call 914-328-1600, (M-F, 11-5 pm) but DO NOT LEAVE A MESSAGE or email auditions@wppac.com and include the date of your audition and name in subject line. Include name, phone #, approximate time you’d like to audition and union status. Equity and non equity members without appointments will be seen throughout the audition day.
CONTRACT
LOA $455/week (plus pension/health) **Total of 4 performances/week
SEEKING
A multi-ethnic cast of Equity men and women who are fantastic singer, dancers and actors to play principal and supporting roles (see breakdown)
Theatre’s casting note: Because of the short, intense rehearsal schedule, we are open and interested in seeing performers who may have done the show before. But it is NOT a requirement.
Pursuant to the terms of a concession made to this employer's agreement, the employer has agreed that any Equity member who attends this call will have an opportunity to be seen.
PREPARATION
-Please prepare no more then a one-minute cut of a song from the show (highly preferred) OR in the style of the show that can be fully interpreted with strong acting choices. Make sure the song shows vocal range and style. Must bring sheet music in the correct key. A piano accompanist will be provided but will not transpose. Charts are NOT acceptable, NO cds and NO unaccompanied singing.
Please bring headshot & resume, stapled back-to-back.
Please bring any and all conflicts to the auditions and note that the rehearsals times may vary. You must be available for all shows and tech week to audition.
LOCATION
White Plains Performing Arts Center
11 City Pl
White Plains, NY 10601
3rd floor
PERSONNEL
Music by Alan Menken , Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Book by: Harvey Fierstein
Director: Frank Portanova
Music Director: Stephen Ferri
Choreographer: Josh Assor
OTHER DATES
1st Rehearsal: December 2 (rehearses in NYC, usually 10am-6pm)
Tech: 12/14-12/19 (in White Plains)
Shows: Dec 20-22, 27-29, Jan 3-5, 8-12
CALLBACKS (Thursday November 14 ) at WPPAC. Actors will be notified by email. Sides and music will be distributed before and at callbacks; please be as familiar with the show as possible if you are called back.
OTHER
Video submissions only accepted if unable to attend the audition. Videos must have you singing with accompaniment from the show. Those who attend in person are given priority for roles.
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of audition.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
BREAKDOWN
SEEKING
A multi-ethnic cast of men and women who are fantastic singer, dancers and actors to play principal and supporting roles
Theatre’s casting note: Because of the short, intense rehearsal schedule, we are open and interested in seeing performers who may have done the show before. But it is NOT a requirement.
SYNOPSIS
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged newsies. When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right!
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
BREAKDOWN
Jack Kelly
Male, 20-28, any ethnicity
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. Must have a great pop tenor voice and sense of physicality.
Vocal range: Bb2- A4
Crutchie
Male, 18-25, any ethnicity
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. Though his movement will suggest his bum leg, Crutchie should still be included in the dance numbers.
Vocal range: C3-A4
Katherine Plumber
Female, 20-28, any ethnicity
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 boldy 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. Though she only has a brief dance solo in “King of New York,” Katherine should have a great contemporary pop voice with a high belt – diction is key.
Vocal range: A3-F5
Davey
Male 20-25, any ethnicity
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.
Vocal range : D3-A4
Les
Male, 8-14, any ethnicity
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.
Vocal range: Bb-Db3
Joseph Pulitzer
Male 35-50, any ethnicity
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.
Vocal rang: C3- F4
Medda Larkin
Female 25-40, African-American/Mixed
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.
Vocal range: F3-E5
Newsies Ensemble
Males 18-25
Including Albert, Buttons, Elmer, Finch, Henry, Ike, Jo Jo, Mike, Mush, Race, Romeo, Specs, Splasher, and Tommy Boy, are some of the hard-working kids of New York City that go on strike for a livable wage. Must Fantastic Singer/Dancers
Ensemble
MALE ENSEMBLE 1 (35-50) - Wiesel / Stage Manager / Mr. Jacobi / Mayor / Pulitzer understudy
MALE ENSEMBLE 2 - Seitz / Roosevelt
MALE ENSEMBLE 3 - Bunsen / Guard / Policeman
MALE ENSEMBLE 4 - Snyder / Guard
FEMALE ENSEMBLE 1 (20-30) - Nun / Hannah / Bowery Beauty / Katherine US
FEMALE ENSEMBLE 2 (20-30) - Nun / Woman / Bowery Beauty / Medda US
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to audition.
Videos
