Join Us For Our Winter 2026 Musical – Disney Newsies Jr.!

Max Cast of 30 Performers (ENROLLMENT IS NOW FULL as of 1/2/2026), Auditions on January 7, 2026

We’re looking for student actors, teen stage managers, and student choreographers!!

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.

Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.

Important Registration Information:

Registration will close on January 7, 2026 after the auditions.

As soon as you register and submit the deposit, your performer will be given access to select musical scores. The director is requesting that all actors familiarize themselves as much as possible with the group musical scores before auditions on January 7th. This will ensure that we have as much in-class time as possible to work on staging during rehearsals.

All participants are asked to attend auditions on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Harrisburg United Methodist Church, 4560 State Hwy 49, Harrisburg, NC 28075. If your child can not attend auditions, please connect with the director, Trisha Lee, beforehand to discuss options. You can reach Trisha at ChinaLees04@hotmail.com.

How to Enroll:

• Step 1: CLICK THIS LINK to access the registration form and submit the registration information for your child.
• Step 2: Submit the $50/child deposit through venmo at Katie-Griffin-102

Who:  

• Open enrollment and all children who enroll will receive a part in the play. This script is appropriate for actors ages 8-18
• All actors who have a speaking or singing part are expected to read their script lines independently in front of the group beginning on the first rehearsal. If accommodations are necessary for your child, please discuss this with the director.

Cost:

• $150/child for the performance season ($50 due at time of registration, and $100 due balance at the first class). This fee allows us to pay our performances rights, director, assistant director, and sets. Any additional expenses are covered through fundraising shout-out sales for the playbill and ticket sales.
• The enrollment fee includes:
  • 1 group read-through of the script
  • 19, 2 to 3-hour rehearsals
  • 2 dress rehearsals
  • 2 performances
• Costumes and other necessaries are paid for separately by the parent. However, costumes are inexpensive and most are created by the parent costume design team.

Rehearsal Location:

• Harrisburg United Methodist Church, 4560 State Hwy 49, Harrisburg, NC 28075.

Auditions:  

All participants are required to attend the audition on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 9:30 am – 12 pm. If you have a significant conflict with this date, please let me know and you can discuss your options with the director.

What to Expect at Auditions:

We have a fun and encouraging audition process planned, and we want every child to feel confident. All students who audition will be cast in the show. Auditions will help us to place each performer in the very best role to support the show.

Below is the general structure you can expect on audition day:

• Check-In & Warm-Up
  Sign in, turn in paperwork, and start with a light group warm-up to help everyone relax.
• Group Dance Audition
  Students will learn a short, simple dance combination and perform it in small groups.
  This helps us understand general movement ability.
• Individual Vocal Auditions
  Each performer will sing 30–45 seconds of a prepared song. Others remain in the room
  as a quiet and supportive audience.
• Script Reading
  Performers will read scenes and sing short excerpts from the show to help directors best cast speaking and singing roles.

How to Prepare for Auditions:

1. Prepare a 30–45 Second Song

• The song may be from any musical (but not Newsies, please).
• It should show the performer’s personality and vocal ability.
• Practice singing it a few times so that you feel comfortable.

2. Bring the Song Track Ready to Go

• Please use an instrumental (no vocal) accompaniment track.
• You can also sing A Cappella (without accompaniment)
• Have the track downloaded and cued on a device.
• We will provide Bluetooth speakers you can connect to.

3. Choose the Right Clothing

• Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes suitable for movement.
• Hair should be pulled back and out of the face.

4. Have Fun!

• Auditions are friendly and fun, not competitive
• Everyone is learning — and everyone is in the show!
• The goal is to try, smile, and bring energy.

5. What to Bring

• Completed audition form
• Device with accompaniment track
• Water bottle

Parents are welcome, but not required, to stay with their students during the audition.

Group Read-Through:

• We will be hosting a group read-through of the script for the cast on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 10 am – 12 pm.

Rehearsal Schedule:

The main cast must be available to rehearse from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, certain cast members will be called to rehearse starting at 9:00am on any given day. There may be days when certain scenes/actors are not called for rehearsals, however they are still invited to attend and observe if they choose. Or, if the student prefers, it is also acceptable not to come on days that you are not called to rehearse. This will be the exception, so plan to be available on all rehearsal dates.

 Rehearsal dates are as follows:

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (beginning at 9 am for some cast members) on Wednesdays and Fridays for an 12-week session, on the dates below: 1/14, 1/16, 1/21, 1/23, 1/28, 1/30, 2/4, 2/6, 2/11, 2/13, 2/18, 2/20, 2/25, 2/27, 3/4, 3/6, 3/11, 3/13, 3/18, 3/20
• Attendance at rehearsal is considered mandatory, but up to two absences can be accommodated if you discuss the absences with the director in advance. Attendance at the dress rehearsal and two performances is mandatory, without exception.

Dress Rehearsal Schedule:

• Friday, March 20, 2026 from 9 am – 12 pm (location TBD), and
• Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 9 am – 12 pm at Southside Baptist Church: 561 Union Cemetery Rd. SW, Concord, NC 28207

Performance Schedule:

• When:  Friday, March 27, 2026 @ 6:00 pm AND Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 4:00 pm
• Where: Southside Baptist Church at 561 Union Cemetery Rd. SW, Concord, NC 28207

Parent Participation:

• Parent participation is key to achieving a successful experience, therefore participation in Rise & Shine Players should be considered a family commitment.  Parents will be assigned to serve on either a set design team or a costume design team. Anticipate a 10-hour investment of time into your role.
• One parent from each family is required to attend a parent meeting held during the first rehearsal on January 14, 2026 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.  Volunteer roles will be assigned during this meeting.