About Newsies
Directed by Lisa Holcomb
Performance Dates: September 4–27
Bastrop Opera House is excited to announce auditions for Newsies! This high-energy musical brings together a dynamic cast of teens and adults to tell a powerful story of resilience, community, and standing up for what matters.
Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies follows Jack Kelly and a group of young newspaper sellers who take on powerful publishers in a fight for fairness and justice. With thrilling choreography, unforgettable music, and a heart full of grit and hope, this production demands strong performers ready to move, sing, and tell this story with passion.
This production is ensemble-heavy and requires strong collaboration, physical storytelling, and committed performers ready to work hard and have fun.
Video auditions are available upon request. Email us at plays@bastropoperahouse.org for more information.
Audition Format
Auditions will be held by appointment only.
Be ready to sing and perform readings from the show — sides for select lead and supporting roles are available below, and are encouraged for anyone who would like to come prepared. A dance and movement call will be held on the same day and is required for all auditioners. See details below.
Vocal Audition
All auditioners should prepare a short musical theatre selection (16–32 bars) that best showcases their vocal ability and character instincts.
Bring a karaoke/instrumental track on your phone or device. We will have a Bluetooth speaker available
No a cappella auditions will be accepted
Movement & Dance Call
May 30th, 4:15 – 5:30 pm
All auditioners are required to attend the movement call.
Movement Call (All Auditioners)
This portion will include:
Basic movement across the floor
Simple choreography to assess comfort with movement and stage presence
This is required for all auditioners, including those interested in non-dancing roles.
Roles with minimal dance may include: Roosevelt, Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen, Wiesel, Snyder. Actors interested in these roles should attend the movement call but will not be required to participate in the full dance/tap portion.
Dance & Tap Call (Dancing Roles)
Auditioners who wish to be considered for dancing roles will continue into a more advanced portion of the call, which will include:
A high-energy musical theatre combination
A short tap combination
This portion is designed to assess performance energy, stamina, and ability to pick up choreography
What to Wear / Bring
Comfortable clothing you can move in
Proper footwear (no sandals/flip flops)
Tap shoes if you have them (for those participating in the tap portion)
Roles available
Jack Kelly
Male
Vocal: Tenor/High Baritone (Bb2–A4)
Character Age: 15–20
The charismatic leader of the newsies. A street-smart young man with artistic dreams. Tough, loyal, and protective of his chosen family.
Davey
Male
Vocal range: Tenor (D3–A4)
Character Age: 15–20
Bright, principled, and cautious at first. Finds his voice as a strategist and leader. Protective of his younger brother, Les.
Crutchie
Male or female
Vocal range: Tenor (C3–A4)
Character Age: 13–17
A newsie with a mobility disability who refuses to be defined by it. Optimistic, loyal, and deeply heartfelt. Actors of all abilities are encouraged to audition.
Katherine Plumber
Female
Vocal range: Mezzo-Soprano with mix (A3–F5)
Character Age: 17–20
A sharp, ambitious reporter determined to break barriers. Witty, independent, and never a damsel in distress. Romantic interest for Jack.
Les
Male
Vocal range: Db3–Bb3
Character age: 10 to 15
Davey’s cheeky younger brother, is inspired by the freedom of the newsies and loves their independent lifestyle.
Medda Larkin
Female
Vocal range: Alto/Mezzo with belt (F3–E5)
Character Age: 25–45
The warm, larger-than-life owner of a vaudeville house. Strong comedic timing and vocal presence.
Joseph Pulitzer
Male
Vocal range: Baritone (C3–F4)
Character Age: 35–50
Powerful and calculating. A savvy newspaper magnate who becomes the newsies’ primary opponent.
Wiesel
Male
Character age 35-50
Assisted by the intimidating Delancey brothers, who keep order by any means necessary, Wiesel is Pulitzer’s disgruntled paper- pusher.
Seitz
Male or Female
Editor, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.
Bunsen
Male or Female
Character age 35-50
Pulitzer’s bookkeeper comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies’ price per paper.
Hannah
Female
Character age: 20 to 50
Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary.
Newsies
Male or female (to play male)
Age 14-22
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. Requires strong dance skills.
Scabs
Male or female (to play male)
Ages 14-22
Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.
Spot Conlon
Male
Character age: 17-20
The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation.
Oscar and Morris Delancey
Male
Character ages: 15-20
Tough brothers who work at the distribution window for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point.
Bowery Beauties/Nuns
Female
Character ages 18-40.
Doubles as Bowery Beauties, nuns and possibly Newsies.
Mayor
Male
Character age 45-60
The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer’s attempts to shut down the newsies’ strike. Can double with other characters
Governor Teddy Roosevelt
Male
Age 50-65; A well-respected lifelong public servant, who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
Ensemble
Male or female
Stage Manager, Photographer, Guards, Policemen, Mr. Jacobi, customers, Nunzio
