SAS MS Drama - Play Auditions

Announcing the MS Musical for 2026-27...NEWSIES!

Disney's Newsies JR. is a 75-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.
Synopsis: 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.
Newsies will be a heavy dance show and will actually replace the Semester 1 dance show.
We are looking for strong singers, character actors, and gymnasts.
The show will take place

Auditions:

Due to the short time frame in semester 1, we are doing lead auditions in May. We are only auditioning for 4 roles; the rest we'll audition for in August to allow new students and grade 6 to participate.

Who should audition in May? We are looking for strong singers who feel confident singing a solo. They also should be comfortable with memorization and understand that their responsibility will be to learn their lines over the summer and come back ready to lead the cast.

Those interested in playing a male role:

Song Lyrics/Sheet Music

Those interested in auditioning for a female role:

Song Lyrics/Sheet Music

On YouTube: Go to Newsies Jr. Audition Music and you'll find samples with and without voices to practice with. LINK

The initial audition will be by video only. You will submit the video along with your audition permission form on or before Monday, May 11. LINK Videos will be separated from names and will be judged by a panel of musical experts from within SAS and outside experts. Those who are chosen to proceed with auditions will be notified. At that time, you'll be provided with scripts and possibly a second song to prepare.

Callback Audition Date: Thursday, May 21, 3:16 to 6 pm. (Location: )

Time Commitment

This is singlehandedly the most complex question as it really depends on your part.
Overall we rehearse Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 3:15 to 6 pm. (Wed - the tech team meets)
Leads should expect rehearsal three times a week.
Ensemble will rehearse on Monday and Thursday.
For the last 3 weeks, we rehearse Monday to Thursday as well as tech rehearsals on Saturday mornings.
Due to this commitment, it will be impossible to be in both a sport and the show.
We do encourage students in the cast to sign up for other clubs and activities that are more flexible, which they are welcome to attend when their schedule allows.

OUTSIDE CONFLICTS: Please list your conflicts when you sign up online for an audition. If we think we can work around them, we'll do our best to accommodate, but it's difficult to make a schedule considering everyone's conflicts. The more open you are the easier you are to work with.

How Do I Sign Up for An Audition - 3 STEPS?

Parents must register you for an audition on School Buddy. This is the equivalent of the parent permission to audition and confirms they understand the time commitment. Registration opens:

STUDENT AUDITION FORM: LINK

To fill in the form, you will need to consult your parents for any conflicts you might have that will get in the way of auditions. I need you to be REALLY specific and include everything from dates of dentist appointments to extended family vacations. It's best to complete this form with your parents. If you sign up and later need to change your answers, resubmit, and I'll delete your first responses. Keep in mind that the fewer conflicts, the easier you are to cast. You will also need access to a photo of your face that you can upload.

Prepare your monologue: Click on the link and choose only 1. Any gender, any character. Just have fun with the character! Memorize.

What else will happen at the audition?

On the Day of the Audition

Make a good impression.
Come dressed to move. Girls should avoid skirts and have their HAIR BACK!
Stay hydrated. Bring water and eat a low-sugar snack to fuel you before you arrive.
No food in the theater ever!
Your behavior at auditions and the support you offer to peers is as important as your actual audition.

What should I expect at auditions?

3:15 pm REGISTRATION: Theater lobby. You will find your name and find your number to wear at the audition.

3:20 to 3:30 - You will be introduced to the panel of judges.

3:30 to 3:40 - Vocal Warm Up

3:40 to 4:40- Monologue Performance (Everyone watches everyone. Be positive and respectful)

4:40 to 5 pm -

5 to 6 pm -

How are decisions made? A diverse panel of judges will watch the live auditions. Using a rubric, each judge will assess, and those scores are compiled. Students who earn a score above the cut-off point will be invited for a callback. Students being called back for a lead or supporting lead will have the opportunity to act with scripts to show their ability to characterize and take feedback. All students will receive responses by email.

What is a "Call Back?"

Casting a play is a lot like doing a puzzle. As a director, I am looking for the right piece to fit into the puzzle. Sometimes I need to see how pieces fit together. At the open audition, I get to meet everyone who is interested in taking part in the play. Then I decide which students may be able to play certain characters. I then email students with an invite to the Call Backs. At the "call back audition" I have actors do more scene work with other students to see how they work together. (Scripts will be supplied to those who get offered a callback.) Slowly, as director, I start to see the puzzle come together as I find the right person for each role. This is tough for some people as you may be an amazing actor, but you might just not fit any of the characters we are looking for. For example, in Fame I needed four middle school students who can play teachers. This means I was looking for some height and some maturity. Not everyone fits this role.

If I don't get a callback, does that mean I am out? Not necessarily. We need to fill the lead roles first, then we need to go back and fill all of the supporting or ensemble roles. Whether you get a role or not, you will get an email on Friday evening.

Why do we email the audition results rather than posting them at school?

While we wish there was room to take everyone, the fact is there is a limited number of parts. It has been our experience that disappointment is easier to face when surrounded by a supportive family rather than having to read it off a board at school with all your friends watching.

IF YOU ARE CAST IN THE SHOW

CAST FEE This is a one-time fee ($60) that will cover all of the costs associated with being part of the cast and save a great deal of time in the usual collection of money along the way. The fee includes 4 substantial snacks for the evening performance nights, post-performance cake and drinks, food for the Red Carpet Gala later in the year, the cast t-shirt, a copy of the poster for signing as a memento, a professional photographer, access to all the photos and a copy of the video. The fee will be collected via a link sent from the activities office.

*Shoes, underclothing, and dance shorts need to be provided by the actor's family.

NOTE: The Cast Party: The traditional off-campus cast party is no longer a school-sanctioned event. If parents decide to host a cast party, we can help coordinate contact information, but teachers will not be involved in planning or attending the event. Our annual Red Carpet Party, which takes place once the video is complete, will take the place of the school-sanctioned cast party.