Newsies Auditions
Summer MainStage Auditions: Newsies
Newsies the musical is about a charismatic teenage leader, Jack Kelly, who rallies New York City's impoverished newsboys to strike against powerful newspaper publishers, like Joseph Pulitzer, who raise the price of papers, squeezing the newsies' meager profits. Inspired by the real-life 1899 Newsboy Strike, the story follows the ragtag group as they form a union, learn about solidarity, and fight for fair wages, discovering the power of unity against oppressive big business, with the help of a determined reporter, Katherine Plumber. With an incredible score by Disney legend Alan Menken, thrilling dance numbers, and powerful scenes, this will be a summer MainStage that every actor will be thrilled to be a part of.
Important Dates:
1st rehearsal: Sunday, April 26th @ 2:00 - 7:00pm
Parent meeting: Sunday, April 26th 7:00-8:00
Break (No Rehearsal): July 1-5, 2026
Tech/Spacing (every day!): July 12th - July 24th, 2026
Performances: July 25 - Aug 9, 2026
Rehearsal schedule*: April 26 - May 31st
- Mondays: 6:00pm- 9:00pm
- Wednesdays 6:00pm-9:00pm
- Thursdays as needed 6:00pm-9:00pm
- Sundays 2:00pm-8:00pm
Rehearsal schedule: June 1st - July 11th
- Mondays: 6:00-9:00pm
- Wednesday: 6-9:00pm
- Thursday: 6:00-9:00pm
- Sunday 2:00-8:00pm
*Actors are expected to be available for all rehearsals, but will only be called if needed.
AUDITIONS
Ages: You must be 13-20 at the time of auditions, with the exception of actors auditioning for the role of Les. Ages outside of range must get special permission from the Director at MainStage.StarStruck@gmail.com
Audition dates:
- Tuesday, February 24: 6:00pm - 8:00pm (for ages 9-12 male only - must be 5 foot height or under for the role of Les)
- Friday, February 27th: 6:30-8:30pm
- Saturday, February 28th: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- Saturday, February 28th: 12:30 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, February 28th: 2:30 - 4:30pm
- Video Submission option is available to College Students who will not be in town at the time of auditions. Video submissions are due by Thursday, February 26th. Email MainStage.StarStruck@gmail.com for more information.
Callbacks (By invitation only, may be asked to attend several days/times):
- Sunday, March 1st: 2:00pm - 8:00pm
- Monday, March 2nd: 6:30-9:00 pm
- Tuesday, March 3rd: 6:30-9:00 pm
Location: Auditions will be held at the StarStruck Rehearsal Studios: 42307 Osgood Road Unit J, Fremont, CA
Prepare: Please prepare a 2 minute song from a Broadway style musical (Not from Newsies). You will need to provide your own sheet music in a 3-ring binder (be sure it is printed double-sided and has both right and left hand accompaniment lines, not just a vocal line). Pick a song that is appropriate for your age and shows your range (vocal and emotional). Tell us a story through music. An opportunity to run through your song selection with our vocal director on a date prior to auditions is available at no charge. Details on how to sign up will be sent in your audition time confirmation email.
View the Newsies Character Breakdown HERE
Process:
- Dance- Actors will be taught a short dance routine which will then be performed together for the Artistic Team.
- Vocal- Actors will be called up to sing one at a time. We ask that the Vocal Selection be performed without a mask.
- Sides- After singing, the actor will be provided with a short side (selection from the script) to read.
What to Bring:
- Dance/Tennis shoes
- Clothes you can move in
- Water bottle
- Sheet music in a 3-ring binder (double sided pages, please)
- PRINTED and completed conflict calendar (Sent with your confirmation email)
- A positive attitude!
PLEASE COLLECT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE COMPLETING THE AUDITION FORM:
- Parent Information (Phone #, email, work info)
- Actor Information (Phone #, email, height, weight, and clothing/shoe sizes)
- Performance experience (You will have the option to upload your resume or type in previous experience)
- Actor headshot/photograph (Upload a photo of the actor alone, preferably from just the waist up)
- Actor conflicts (dates or partial dates that you are not able to attend rehearsal)
If you exit the audition GoogleForm while you are in the middle of completing it, it is unlikely that your work will be saved. You ARE able to go back and edit answers after submitting the audition form.
To audition, complete the Audition Form HERE.
IF CAST
Fees: Tuition Fee is $1,000 per actor. First payment is due approximately one week after the cast list is posted. 3-month payment plan is available. Tuition fee covers the cost of costumes, but actors are expected to provide their own modesty clothing, shoes, make-up, and hair supplies. Limited partial and full scholarships are available- apply here. Contact the MainStage.StarStruck@gmail.com for more information.
Family Commitment: StarStruck Theatre expects performer attendance at all scheduled rehearsals. We will provide a weekly schedule with specific call times, but performers must be prepared to rehearse up to four days each week. We also require each family to contribute a minimum of 20 volunteer hours over the course of the production. There will undoubtedly be personal, family, and school events that will need to be missed because of being cast in the show.
Additional optional expenses include purchasing show merchandise and tech dinners.
Any questions: Contact the StarStruck office at MainStage.StarStruck@gmail.com or 510-659-1319.
To audition, complete the Audition Form HERE.
Check out the below videos for a look back at StarStruck's 2019 production: