Audition, Submissions: Newsies

The Candlelight Theatre, located in historic Ardentown, Delaware (30 minutes from Center City Philadelphia) is seeking non-union, singer/actors/dancers for its upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies which runs Saturday January 16 to Sunday February 21, 2027. Director –Amanda Pasquini, Music Director – Julia Kershetsky, Choreographer – Christian Ryan.

The Candlelight Theatre encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities to attend auditions.

Auditions will be held by appointment on Monday, October 196:00 – 10:00pm and Tuesday, October 206:00 – 10:00pm. Callbacks will be scheduled if needed.

Rehearsals begin on or around Tuesday, November 17, 2026 through Friday, January 16, 2027.

For auditions, please prepare 16 (ballad) – 32 (up-tempo) bars in the style of the show. Songs from the show are acceptable.

An accompanist will be provided. Please provide clearly marked sheet music. No recorded tracks please. Readings will be provided. Those being considered for Jack and Katherine may be asked to sing a small section of “Santa Fe” and “Watch What Happens.”Those being considered for the Newsies or Katherine may be asked to stay and dance.

Please come with headshot and resume stapled together.

No calls to the theater, please.

The Candlelight Theatre is a professional Dinner Theatre located in Ardentown, Delaware, approximately 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia.

• All roles are open and paid.
• There are 3-5 performances per week.
• Additional restaurant opportunities, if desired, are available to supplement performance income.
• Housing is not provided.

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 the true story of The Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, 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, La Cage aux Folles).

Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.”

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.
Age: 18 to 30
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom:
Bb2

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 should still be included in the dance numbers.
Age: 18 to 30
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Davey - Les’s strait-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…