Audition Info:

 

Audition Dates: Auditions will be held January 15 & 16, 2024 at 6:30 PM.  Invited callbacks will be held on January 17. 2023 at 6:30 PM.  Auditions will be at C.R.O.W. Center for the Performing Arts: 3120 Hwy 101 in Florence.

 

**Note: It is not necessary to attend both days of the initial audition. 

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"Telegrammer" Hopefuls (ages 4-6) should arrive promptly at 6:30 on the 15th or 16th.  You will sing a short song for us first, and then be excused.  Visit our FAQ page or scroll down for information on the role of "Telegrammers."  

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Performance Dates:  April 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, & 21.  TWO weekends!  Sorry, no Livestreaming is available for this title.  

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Rehearsals Begin: January 29

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Approximate Main Cast Size: 35  - Not every person who auditions will be cast.  Be prepared to "wow" us! 

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PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY!

 

Mainstage Musical Auditions are open to all youth - ages 7 - 21+.  Telegrammers can also audition for this show (ages 4-7).  

 

No experience is required to participate in a C.R.O.W. show!   

 

For a list of available roles, please see character breakdown (below).   

 

Participants should prepare a short song (about 1 minute, or about 16 - 32 bars).  Please bring sheet music, or your music as an instrumental track (no background vocals) on an MP3 player, phone, iPad, etc.  We will provide an aux cord to plug your device into our speaker.  If you wish to bring your own small speaker, connected to your own device, you may.  Song should reflect your best vocal abilities and be "themed" like the songs from the show.  We do not recommend auditioning with a song from the show.  If you have questions, feel free to email crowtheatrekids@yahoo.com for advice on your audition prep.  We are here to help you!  Please visit the audition tips page if you are new to auditioning for us.  

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Please bring water in a closed container with a tightly fitting lid. 

 

There will be a short dance audition for most performers.  You will sing for us first, and then will be asked to wait to learn the dance. Please wear or bring shoes/clothes you can move in. 

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We are sorry, but parents and guests may NOT observe the audition.  It is closed to all except those auditioning for a role and members of the production team.  

 

If you are given a callback slip, you should return on January 17th at 6:30.  If not, you will be notified if you are cast/not cast by EMAIL.  Even if you don't receive a callback slip, you may receive a role in the show.  

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Participating in a C.R.O.W. show is a definite commitment.  It is important that you are aware of our expectations PRIOR to auditioning:

 

• Rehearsals begin January 29 and are held evenings approx. 6:30 pm to 8:45 pm.  Sometimes rehearsals run late, but we try not to!  Casting will be announced by EMAIL.  NOT EVERY CAST MEMBER IS CALLED FOR EVERY REHEARSAL.  We try hard to release cast members when they are no longer needed, and don't call them in unless we plan to use them.  

 

• A mandatory meeting will be held on January 29.  All cast members and a parent/guardian MUST attend this meeting to participate in the show.   Your child can NOT participate if you do not attend this meeting!

 

• All cast members MUST attend all required rehearsals and shows.  Participation in this production means that you are putting it first, above all other extra-curricular activities such as sports, choir, band, etc.  Unless you are ill or have had a family emergency, you MUST be there if you are called.   A complete rehearsal schedule will be provided at first meeting.  You may not "just be late on Tuesdays" for example, unless a specific exception has been made by the production team.  Ask us if you have questions. 

 

• Public Performance Dates: April 12 at 7 pm, 13 at 7 pm, and 14 at 2 pm and April 19 at 7 pm, 20 at 7 pm, and 21 at 2 pm.  Outreach performances are April 11 at approx. 9 am and 12.  There are 6 public shows and two outreach shows.  We are not able to purchase a license to livestream this show.  

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• No rehearsals may be missed during tech week for any reason. 

 

• Cast members who do not practice their songs, dances, and lines at home may be removed from the production.  

 

• There is no cost to participate in the show.  If cast, you will be responsible for providing your own hair accessories, footwear, stage make-up, and undergarments. 

 

• There are limited roles available.  Unfortunately, not every performer who auditions will be cast in our show.  Our educational philosophy stems from the concept that hard work=reward.  Think of it like a job interview…there are only so many jobs available...and if you want to beat out the competition, you must show us your best! 

 

• Cast member families must help by A) volunteering in one or more areas and B) participating in the show fundraiser.  This is NOT OPTIONAL.  In order to provide this show at no cost to you, we do require volunteer time and your concentrated effort on a fundraiser.  Details are provided at first meeting.  Our non-profit C.R.O.W. organization is like a family, and we ask everyone to please do their part! 

 

• For general audition tips, CLICK HERE.  If you have never auditioned for us, you should read them!

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• To read C.R.O.W.'s FAQ's, CLICK HERE.  

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NEWSIES

Character Breakdown: 

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Jack Kelly The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, is an orphaned 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.  Character Age: 16 to 20 Vocal range: A4 – Bb2 

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Crutchie 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 will still be included in the dance numbers. Character Age: 13 to 17 Vocal range: A4-C3 

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Davey 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. Character Age: 15 to 20 Vocal range: A4-D3 

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Les 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. Character Age: 10 to 15 Vocal range: Bb3-Db3 

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Newsies Including Albert, Buttons, Elmer, Finch, Henry, Ike, Jo Jo, Mike, Mush, Race, Romeo, Specs, Splasher, and Tommy Boy, etc., are some of the hardworking kids of New York City that go on strike for a livable wage.  Character Age: 13 to 20

 

Scabs Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike. Character Age: 10 to 20 

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Spot Conlon The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in “Brooklyn’s Here.” Character Age: 17 to 20 

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Katherine Plumber 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. Character Age: 17 to 20 Vocal range: F5-A3 

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Darcy The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies.  Character Age: 15 to 20

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Bill The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause.  Character Age: 15 to 25 

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Wiesel Or “Weasel,” runs the distribution window for the World and knows most of the newsies by name. Assisted by the intimidating Delancey brothers, who keep order by any means necessary, Wiesel is Pulitzer’s disgruntled paper- pusher.  Character Age: 35 to 50

 

Oscar and Morris Delancey 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. Character Age: 15 to 20 

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Goons Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies at the end of Act One. Character Age: 15 to 20 

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Joseph Pulitzer 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. Character Age: 35 to 50 Vocal range: F4- C3

Snyder The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep his government checks coming. Character Age: 45 to 65 

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Medda Larkin 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.  Character Age: 25 to 45 Vocal range: E5-F3  

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Mr. Jacobi Allows the Newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike – when he doesn’t have any paying customers, that is. Character Age: 35 to 55 

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Seitz Editor, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.

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Bunsen Pulitzer’s bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies’ price per paper.   Character Age: 35 to 50

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Hannah Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary. Character Age: 20 to 40

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Nunzio Pulitzer’s barber. Character Age: 30 to 50

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Guard The Guard removes the newsies from Pulitzer’s building. Character Age: 20 to 60

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The Bowery Beauties Female performers at Medda’s Theater. Character Age: 18 to 30

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Stage Manager Introduces Medda's act.  Character Age: 25 to 55

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Nuns The three nuns offer breakfast to the hungry newsies.

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Photographer Takes the triumphant photo of the newsies at the end of “Seize the Day.”

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Woman A newspaper customer.

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Policemen Assist Snyder and turn against the newsies in the fight that concludes Act One.

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Mayor The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer’s attempts to shut down the newsies’ strike.

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Governor Teddy Roosevelt A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.

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Ensemble – various roles requiring singing & dancing

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Telegrammers- An opportunity for our youngest performers (ages 4-7) to dip their toes into the water without the full commitment of the mainstage musical.  Telegrammers perform a short song/dance before Act One and Act Two, and deliver "telegrams" (handwritten personal messages to cast/crew members) during Pre-Show and Intermission.  The rehearsal schedule for Telegrammers is reduced to only one night per week, with the exception of tech week.  

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**NOTE** This is a dance heavy show, but all dance abilities are encouraged to audition!

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Character age does not necessarily represent an actor’s age.  Rather, it is the age of the character in the script. 

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Depending on auditions, we may include a few older/adult cast members if needed to round out the cast.  We will reach out to adults in the community if we find that we need to include some older cast members. 

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If you have questions, feel free to email Melanie Heard at crowtheatrekids@yahoo.com.  

 

For audition tips, CLICK HERE.  We strongly recommend you read these tips, particularly if you've never auditioned for us!