The McKinley Theatre Company Presents Newsies!
Performance Dates: January 18 – 21, 2024
Registration opens Friday, September 15 at 9 pm and
closes Thursday, September 21 at midnight.
About
Our show is based on the Broadway Jr. version and there are some significant differences that you might notice compared to the original movie! Primarily, our casting will not be looking into gender as a qualifier for lead roles– we encourage all students to try out for whichever roles spark their interest, and to remain open minded to the director’s vision!
Please visit McKinleyNewsies.wordpress.com for more information on auditions, characters and the overall production.
Auditions
Audition registration opens September 15 at 9 pm for Newsies, Jr., the inspiring story of a spirited group of young newspaper sellers in turn of the century New York who band together to take on the powerful newspaper giants. These pint-sized heroes stand up for what’s right and prove that when young voices unite, they can change the world!
Cast
The program is free and is open to performers in 3rd – 5th Grades. No previous performing experience is necessary, but a desire to perform on stage is required!
Due to limited space available on campus, cast spots are limited to 60 and will be prioritized by grade and availability. If registration exceeds size limit, a lottery process will be utilized and a waitlist will be created for students who we are not able to accommodate. All students who submit a registration form by the due date will be notified of their status on September 22nd.
Please review the Important Dates below and ensure you are able to commit to the mandatory dates before registering. If your student is unable to accommodate the dates listed below, they will not qualify for this program.
Crew
Crew (Backstage and Ushers) is open 5th Grade ONLY. There are VERY limited spots for Stage Crew. Stage Crew participation starts in December and those interested in crew positions DO NOT need to fill out the audition registration.
Please send an email of interest to MckinleyTheatreCompany@gmail.com Subject Line: Stage Crew Interest. We will reach out about select Stage Crew opportunities in October.
Important Dates
- SEP 15: Cast Audition Registration and Production Team (Crew/Ushers) Application Open.
- SEP 21: Audition Registration Forms due.
- SEP 23: Audition Times posted by email.
- SEP 26: 3:15 – 6:30 PM: Auditions.
- SEP 28: 12:30 – 3:30 PM: Make up Auditions & Call Backs
- SEP 30: Cast List posted by email.
- OCT 3: 6:15 PM: MTC Full Cast Kick Off Meeting (Families Encouraged to Attend) Auditorium
- OCT 5: 12:20 – 2:20, 1st weekly full cast rehearsal at the JUP
- Rehearsals: Thursdays, 12:20 – 2:20 pm – all cast. Tuesdays, 3:15-5:15 – principal characters and others as needed. Details to follow. Saturday workshops 10-11am and 11am-12pm TBD (not mandatory but encouraged)
- TECH WEEK AND DRESS REHEARSALS: January 9-11, & 16-18th MANDATORY, 6pm – 8pm
- JAN 19, 20 & 21: SHOWTIME! School Show & Community Performances. MANDATORY
Cast Rehearsals start the week of October 2, and the full cast will rehearse every Thursday, from 12:20-2:20. Lead characters will also participate in mandatory rehearsals on Tuesdays from 3:15pm-5:15pm. Rehearsal schedules will be posted via MTC Calendar and MTC emails., and will be available on the MTC Newsies, Jr. website.
Now is the time to seize the day!!
Barbara Smith, Director, McKinley Theatre Co.
Clare Crawford, MTC Parent Committee Chair
Please email Barbara Smith at McKinleyTheatreCompany@gmail.com or BarbaraLeeSmith87@gmail.com if you have any questions!