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Audition Information
Music & Lyrics by EDDIE PERFECT Book by SCOTT BROWN & ANTHONY KING Based on the GEFFEN COMPANY PICTURE, with a story by MICHAEL MCDOWELL & LARRY WILSON Beetlejuice JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY (212) 541-4684 mtishows.com Sunday, August 3rd and Monday, August 4th - 6:00 to 9:00 pm Directed by: Choreographed by: Music Directed by: Erik Catalan Naomi Catalan Jia-Min Rosendale This Rising Stars Production is open to anyone between the ages of 11 years old through Rising High School Senior*. *Must be 11 years of age by the start of rehearsals and no older than 18 years old in high school. MANDATORY INFORMATIONAL PARENT MEETING A virtual informational meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, August 10th at 6:00 PM. Please complete the form here to be added to the notification list and receive the meeting invitation. During the meeting, we’ll cover what to expect at auditions, as well as the rehearsal and performance process. Attendance is required—parents must either attend the live meeting or request a recording prior to their child auditioning for the production. LEARN THE AUDITION DANCE A video breaking down the audition dance combination will be posted on July 18th, 2025 on our website. We highly recommend that all those interested in auditioning learn this material prior to the audition day. We want everyone to arrive and feel their best the day of auditions. REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Beetlejuice JR will start initial rehearsals Monday, August 25th at 7:15 p.m. Rehearsals: Monday through Thursdays 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Not everyone will be called to every rehearsal.) Tech Sunday: October 12th, TBD (usually 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.) Dress Rehearsals: Monday through Thursday, October 13th - 16th, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Performances start October 17th and run two weekends: First weekend: Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th at 7 pm, Sunday the 19th at 2 pm Second weekend: Thursday, the 23rd at 9:30 am, Friday the 24th at 7 pm, Saturday the 25th at 2 pm and 7 pm, Sunday the 26th at 2 pm (closing.) AUDITIONS Sunday, August 3rd and Monday, August 4th 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Theatre and Dance Annex located at 520 Court Street in Woodland. Please note that this is not at the Opera House! We are a block up the street located across from the Woodland Public Library. What to bring: ● A list of conflicts for all rehearsals for both commitments (regular rehearsal/ performance period and JTF rehearsals). While minimal conflicts are allowed, they will affect casting. We have a limited rehearsal period so please keep conflicts minimal out of respect for all involved. Please look at the rehearsal calendar for exact dates and times. ● 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song appropriate for this show (approximately a one-minute to one-and-a-half minute cut). We will be looking for young performers that can commit to making strong characters and taking bold choices for their acting. Please ensure that you have sheet music that is clearly marked with any cuts. ● A fully memorized selection from the script. Please select one of the options here. ● Come dressed to dance with proper dance shoes! Please note that street shoes are not allowed in the studio. ● A resume with a list of experience and a headshot. If you do not have either, that’s okay! Please arrive ready to list out any relevant classes, workshops, and performances for your audition form. CALLBACKS Tuesday, August 5th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm held at the same place as auditions: the Theatre and Dance Annex, 520 Court Street, Woodland. Expect this evening to last a couple of hours.We may opt to call back actors by appointment. If you are invited to callbacks, this will be clarified through email. Those called back will be asked to read and sing selections from the script. We will only be calling back for certain roles. Those receiving a callback will receive an email by Monday evening (8/4) with all materials needed for this round of auditions. If you do not receive a callback, don’t worry! It just means we saw everything we needed to see from you at the initial audition. CAST LIST Casting should be completed by Friday, August 8th. Those cast will receive an email regarding their casting offer. By auditioning for the Rising Stars Series, you are agreeing that you will accept any role. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and perform on our historic Woodland Opera House stage as well as work with industry professionals at the Junior Theatre Festival. TUITION Please read over this section carefully. ★ Rising Stars Tuition: $325* - Due in full by September 30th, 2025. *Payment plans are available and can be arranged through our front desk however, all funds must be paid in full by September 30th, 2025. What this tuition includes: Quality instruction by professional staff, all costumes, souvenir T-Shirt, actor materials and script, participation in a fully produced mainstage musical, and two comps for the mainstage performance. Tuition does not include: Show tickets, any specific dance shoes, undergarments, or extra souvenir t-shirts, or optional sweatshirts. CHARACTER BREAKDOWN All roles open to any gender, though must play the role’s gender as defined by the script. Some roles may be split depending on turnout. Casting is limited. Not everyone who auditions will be cast. Lydia Deetz Whip-smart, grieving fifteen- year-old whose dark sense of humor helps her cope with the loss of her mother, Emily. Lydia is unfazed by Beetlejuice’s antics and easily holds her own against both him and all things Netherworld. Gender: female Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: A3 Charles Deetz Lydia’s father. He wants to help her get over the loss of her mother, although the ways he tries to “help” aren’t really what Lydia needs. Charles is under a lot of pressure between his concerns over Lydia, his secret relationship with Delia, his professional life, and his own grief (which he tries to ignore). Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3 Beetlejuice The dead guy of the hour! This titular character is zany, spooky, and absolutely hilarious. Though Beetlejuice exists in a morally gray area, he’s more of a trickster than a malevolent threat. He’s happy to align his interests with others, but ultimately, he’s looking out for himself. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: G3 Adam Maitland Devoted husband of Barbara, just can’t catch a break. While life’s stresses were getting to him – renovation of the house, financial difficulties, and the decision about having a child – he certainly wasn’t ready for death. Gender: male Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3 Barbara Maitland Barbara's stresses align with her husband’s, in life and death, although Barbara is a bit more adventurous than Adam. She is very kind but also strong-willed and a quick thinker. Barbara immediately bonds with Lydia. Gender: female Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: A3 Delia Schlimmer Hopelessly (sometimes maniacally) optimistic. She believes fully in her guru, Otho, and considers herself a life coach, though underneath her façade she’s quite fragile and desperately wants to fit in with the Deetzes. Delia loves Charles and genuinely cares about Lydia’s well-being, even if her attempts to connect are somewhat misguided. Gender: female Vocal range top: C#5 Vocal range bottom: G2 Maxie Dean The business tycoon whom Charles hopes to impress. Gender: male Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: C4 Sky Gender: female Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: G3 Miss Argentina Former beauty queen, greets the recently dead in the Netherworld. She leads “What I Know Now”. Gender: female Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: A3 Maxine Dean Maxie's fourth (or fifth) wife. Gender: female Otho Delia's guru and occasional exorsist. Juno Beetlejuice’s mother, runs the recently dead intake with an iron fist. She has “a voice like road tar” and no sympathy for anyone. Gender: female Ensemble Includes the Priest, The Recently Deceased (Parachute Jumper, Death by Toaster, Dead Cheerleader, Death by Fireworks, Cigar Mobster, Dead Jockey, Machete Groom, Dead Drill Team, and Hunter with a Shrunken Head), Mourners, Movers (Mover #1, Mover #2), Lawyers, Girl Scouts, Caiter-Waiter, Beetlejuice Clones (Clone #1, Clone #2), Cheerleaders, Studio Audience, Sandworm Audition Information
Music By Lyrics By Book By Alan Menken Jack Feldman Harvey Fiersten Newsies JR. is based on the 2012 Broadway Production of Newsies directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreographed by Chrostopher Gatelli, and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Newsies JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY(212) 541-4684 mtishows.com Sunday, August 17th and Monday, August 18th, 2025 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Directed by: Choreographed by: Music Directed by: Andrea St. Clair Ernestine Balisi TBD This JTF Troupe Production is open to anyone between the ages of 12 years old through Rising High School Senior*. *Must be 12 years of age by the start of rehearsals and no older than 18 years old. MANDATORY INFORMATIONAL PARENT MEETING A virtual informational meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, July 24th at 6:00 PM. Please complete the form here to be added to the notification list and receive the meeting invitation. During the meeting, we’ll cover what to expect at auditions, as well as the rehearsal and performance process. Attendance is required—parents must either attend the live meeting or request a recording prior to their child auditioning for the production. LEARN THE AUDITION DANCE A video breaking down the audition dance combination will be posted by the end of business on August 8th on our website. We highly recommend that all those interested in auditioning learn this material prior to the audition day. We want everyone to arrive and feel their best the day of auditions. AUDITIONS Sunday, August 17th and Monday, August 18th, 2025 both days from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Theatre and Dance Annex located at 520 Court Street in Woodland. Please note that this is not at the Opera House! We are a block up the street located across from the Woodland Public Library. You do not need to attend both days. REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Newsies JR will start initial rehearsals Monday, October 27th at 7 p.m. Regular rehearsals: Mondays and Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and Sundays 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tech Sunday: January 4th, TBD (usually 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.) Dress Rehearsals: Monday-Thursday, January 5th-8th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Performances: JTF: Once the show closes its main run, we return to rehearsals Thursday, January 15th. JTF Rehearsals: Thursdays 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Sundays 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (There will be two additional rehearsals, February 3rd and 4th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a TBD rehearsal February 5th, if needed.) The Junior Theatre Festival is an all-day, all-weekend commitment. If cast, you may not have any conflicts during the entirety of the weekend. JTF 2026 will be held Friday, February 6th through Sunday, February 8th, 2026 in Downtown Sacramento. What to bring: ● A list of conflicts for all rehearsals for both commitments. While minimal conflicts are allowed, they will affect casting. We have a limited rehearsal period so please keep conflicts minimal out of respect for all involved. Please look at the rehearsal calendar for exact dates and times. ● Please prepare 16–32 bars (approximately one minute) of a musical theatre song that suits the style of this show—or feel free to sing a selection from Newsies itself. For this audition, material from the show is allowed and even encouraged! We are looking for young performers who are ready to commit to strong character work and make bold acting choices. Be sure your sheet music is clearly marked with any cuts and prepared for live accompaniment. ● A fully memorized selection from the script. Please select one of the options here. ● Come dressed to dance with proper dance shoes! Please note that street shoes are not allowed in the studio. ● A resume with a list of experience and a headshot. If you do not have either, that’s okay! Please arrive ready to list out any relevant classes, workshops, and performances for your audition form. CALLBACKS Wednesday, August 20th starting at 6:00 pm held at the same place as auditions: the Theatre and Dance Annex, 520 Court Street, Woodland. Expect this evening to last a couple of hours. We may opt to call back actors by appointment. If you are invited to callbacks, this will be clarified through email. Those called back will be asked to read and sing selections from the script. We will only be calling back for certain roles. Those receiving a callback will receive an email by Tuesday morning the 19th with all materials needed for this round of auditions. If you do not receive a callback, don’t worry! It just means we saw everything we needed to see from you at the initial audition. CAST LIST Casting should be completed by Friday, August 22nd. Those cast will receive an email regarding their casting offer. We will email all those who auditioned if casting is delayed. By auditioning for the Rising Stars Series, you are agreeing that you will accept any role. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and perform on our historic Woodland Opera House stage as well as work with industry professionals at the Junior Theatre Festival. TUITION Tuition: $400 — Due in full by December 1st, 2025 Payment plans are available through our front desk. An initial non-refundable deposit of $100 is required upon casting to secure your student’s spot (unless tuition is paid in full at that time). What Your Tuition Includes: Your tuition covers the Rising Stars program tuition, admission to the Junior Theatre Festival (JTF), professional instruction, all production costumes, actor materials and script, a souvenir show t-shirt, the official JTF festival t-shirt (provided at the festival), admission for required staff and chaperones, participation in a fully produced mainstage musical, and two comps for the mainstage performance. What Your Tuition Does Not Include: Tuition does not include show tickets, required undergarments or specific dance shoes (such as jazz shoes), additional souvenir t-shirts or optional sweatshirts, the WOH-JTF Jacket (approx $45), and any incidentals needed for or at JTF. SYNOPSIS Disney's Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what's right. CHARACTER BREAKDOWN All roles open to any gender, though must play the role’s gender as defined by the script. Some roles may be split depending on turnout. Casting is limited. Not everyone who auditions will be cast. 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 very loyal, Jack isn’t afraid to use his voice to attain better conditions for the working kids of New York City. Look for an actor who can command the stage with ease, possesses strong vocal abilities, and can exude Jack’s tough-guy exterior and his big heart. Gender: male Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: B3 Les Davey’s cheeky younger sibling, is excited by the newsies’ freedom and loves their independent lifestyle. This pint-sized charmer should present as younger than the other newsies Vocal range top: F4 Vocal range bottom: B3 Crutchie Jack’s best friend and a dedicated newsie with a “bum leg” from polio that causes pain, but helps sell more papes. Walking with the assistance of a crutch doesn’t define the ever-positive newsie, so look for an actor who can portray Casey’s goofy-sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience. Crutchie is accustomed to modifying daily activities for their disability, so consider both the character and actor’s abilities when blocking and choreographing. Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3 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, cast a strong actor and singer who can lead “Seize the Day” while smartly portraying the brains of the resistance. Gender: male Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: B3 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, Katherine should be a strong singer with excellent diction for her showstopping number, “Watch What Happens.” Because Katherine and Jack possess a strong bond, consider auditioning these roles together to get a sense of the performers’ repartee. Gender: female Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: A3 Medda Larkin Inspired by the African- American vaudeville performer, Aida Overton-Walker, A big-voiced singer and star of the Bowery (see the “Dramaturgy” document in Downloadable Resources). A proud supporter of the newsies, she offers her theater as a safe haven for their revolution. Look for a performer who can portray this astute entertainer with great comic delivery, while standing firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice. Gender: female Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: G3 Wiesel Aka “Weasel”. A disgruntled paper-pusher who uses the Delancey brothers as his muscle, runs distribution for the World and has little patience or sympathy for the newsies. Feel free to incorporate this actor into the newsies ensemble when possible. Gender: male 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. For this non-singing role, cast a strong actor with a sharp and imposing presence. Gender: male Bunsen Pulitzer’s bookkeeper who helps Pulitzer come up with the idea to raise the newsies’ price per paper. Hannah Pulitzer’s secretary who is a clever advocate for the newsies. Gender: female Pat An efficient stage manager who introduces Medda’s act. Governor Teddy Roosevelt A well-respected lifelong public servant who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer. Cast an actor with the ability to portray the maturity and stature of this well- respected leader. Gender: male Snyder The crooked warden of The Refuge. A filthy and horrible juvenile reformatory, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep their government checks coming. Look for an actor who can evoke an imposing and sinister presence. Seitz The editor of the World who advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper. Bill Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Journal and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner. Gender: male Dorothy Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Tribune and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner. Gender: female Darcy A photographer who works with Katherine. Oscar & Morris Delancey Toughs who work distribution for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point. Look for actors who can believably portray these threatening goons. With a few smart and quick costuming changes, these two actors can also join the newsies ensemble if needed. Gender: male Ensemble includes NEWSIES of New York, RACE, ALBERT, MURIEL, NANCY, SPECS, PIGTAILS, HAZEL, BUTTONS, TOMMY BOY, ROMEO, JO JO, SCABS (1-3) and others; the newsies’ CUSTOMERS; citizens of New York of all stripes, including a WOMAN; the BOWERY BRIGADE, vaudeville performers, including ADA, OLIVE, and ETHEL; and corrupt POLICE OFFICERS, including the POLICE CHIEF; WORKING CHILDREN of New York City |
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Celebrating Our Past, Dreaming Our Future.
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