NEWSIES - Des Moines Playhouse Non Equity Auditions

Posted April 8, 2019
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NEWSIES - Des Moines Playhouse

Auditions for the Des Moines Playhouse production of the hit musical Disney's Newsies will be held at the Playhouse at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, Apr. 22, 2019. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those auditioning must bring a prepared solo; an accompanist will be provided as well as the ability to play an accompaniment track from an iPhone or similar device. Questions about auditions should be directed to Robin Spahr, 515-974-5365. Those unable to attend auditions on Apr. 22 should email director David R. Kilpatrick at
dkilpatrick@dmplayhouse.com.

Disney's Newsies contains speaking roles for 12 men and 3 women, ages 16 and up; 14 boy and girl newsies, ages 10-20; and an ensemble of men and women, ages 16 and up. Performances are July 12-Aug. 4, 2019. Where race, ethnicity, gender, age, or other personal differentiations are not specified by the script, the Playhouse casts plays without regard to these attributes, and actively encourages participation by all members of the community. The Des Moines Playhouse production of Disney's Newsies is directed by David R. Kilpatrick with music direction by Brenton Brown and choreography by Megan Helmers.

This smash hit Broadway musical, Disney's Newsies, based on the 1992 film, is inspired by the New York newsboys’ strike of 1899. When publishing giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the expense of the delivery boys, Jack Kelly and friends, all teenage “newsies,” must fight for what’s right. Filled with high-energy action and dance numbers, this musical comedy drama is fun for the whole family.

To help actors prepare for auditions, Helmers will conduct one free dance workshop at the Playhouse. The workshop is not mandatory but will give those auditioning an opportunity to learn some of the choreography from the show. The dance workshop will be held 4:00-6:00 PM, Sunday, Apr. 14. Helmers will teach a short dance combination that will be used in the Apr. 22 audition. Actors will have an opportunity to ask questions about auditions. Participation in the workshops does not guarantee a role but will acquaint actors with the show and the musical audition procedure used at the Playhouse.

The Playhouse, now in its 100th season, is one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the US. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For up-to-date audition information and general guidelines, visit the Playhouse website at
dmplayhouse.com or contact the Playhouse at 515-974-5365.

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