Disney’s NEWSIES: The Broadway Musical Auditions
March 8 and 9 at Elgin Community College
Open to performers in grades 2 – age 23
Disney’s Newsies is a high-energy Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899 in New York City. The show centers on Jack Kelly, a charismatic and independent teenage newsboy who dreams of a better life beyond the streets. Alongside a tight-knit group of fellow “newsies,” Jack scrapes by selling newspapers for powerful publishers who profit off their hard work.
When publishing tycoon Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the expense of the boys, the newsies decide they’ve had enough. What begins as a small act of defiance grows into a full-scale strike, uniting newsboys from across the city. With the help of Katherine Plumber, an ambitious young reporter eager to prove herself, the boys learn how to use their voices, their unity, and the power of the press to fight back against injustice.
Filled with thrilling choreography, rousing anthems, and heartfelt moments, Newsies is a story about standing up for what’s right, believing in yourself, and the strength of teamwork. The show features a large ensemble, strong roles for young performers of all experience levels, and celebrates courage, friendship, and youthful determination.
Auditions are open to children currently in grade 2 through performers who will be 23 years of age or younger, at the time of the performances. Rehearsals will be held at Elgin Community College and performances at the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College. Participants 16 years of age or older will receive a college credit for their participation in the show.
To ensure the best experience for our cast members, this production will be double cast and most performers will only participate in one week of tech and one week of performances. Therefore, auditioners do not need to be available both weeks of the production in order to participate. During audition registration, you will be asked whether you are available for week one, week two or both weeks. Please note that no absences are permitted for any tech rehearsals or performances for the week in which you are cast.
Week one tech rehearsals: June 8-11
Week one performances: June 12, 13, 14
Week two tech rehearsals: June 16-18
Week two performances: June 20 & 21, 2026
For those currently participating in the CTE production of Descendants, please note that our rehearsals will not begin in full earnest until Descendants has closed, therefore it is possible to participate in both productions.
Auditions will be held March 9 and 10th at Elgin Community College. A total of 168 audition slots will be available and will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once all audition slots have been filled, a waitlist process will be in place. Please note that an audition photo is a mandatory field on this registration form so please ensure that you have a headshot style photo of the individual auditioning saved to your device that can be uploaded at the time of registration.
Current students enrolled in a college or university outside of the Elgin area who will not be in town for auditions may submit a self-tape. You will still need to register to audition by completing the form once it is live on February 23. However, in lieu of selecting an audition timeslot, you will select “Please add me to the waiting list. I cannot make an appointment at this time.” You should then e-mail office@cteelgin.com with your name and advise us that you are an out-of-town student that will be submitting a video audition. Audition requirements including vocal selection and choreography will be provided once your form has been submitted. Video auditions must be uploaded to YouTube and set to “unlisted” and not “private.” The link should then be sent via email to office@cteelgin.com by 11:59pm on March 8, 2026.
Producer – Brent Houltram Director – Alyssa Janczak
Music Director – Lexy Taxon Choreographer – Rachel Benzing
Company Manager – Anna Roberts Stage Manager – Alex Stokland