MANSFIELD — The Renaissance Theatre will host auditions for the Mansfield Youth Theatre production of Disney’s Newsies, Jr.
Auditions will take place on Sunday, July 12, from 2:30 to 5 p.m., and on Monday, July 13, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Renaissance’s Theatre 166 venue, located at 166 Park Avenue West in downtown Mansfield. Appointments are not required for auditions.
Those auditioning must be 18 years of age or younger (unless still attending high school) during the 2026-27 school year, and should be no younger than 9 years of age. Anyone auditioning should be prepared to sing a 16-32 measure excerpt from a song of their choice and bring sheet music in the proper key. An accompanist will be provided.
Some actors may be asked to read a short scene from the script. Those auditioning should bring a list of schedule conflicts between the dates of auditions and the performances of Newsies, Jr. Performance dates are Sept. 11 to 13. All performances will be held on stage at the Renaissance.
Disney’s Newsies, Jr. will be directed by Dauphne Maloney, with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors.
Inspired by the true story of the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, Newsies, Jr. follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who dreams of a better life beyond the streets of New York. When newspaper publishers raise prices at the expense of the young newsies who sell their papers, Jack and his fellow newsboys band together to strike against unfair conditions.
Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right – demonstrating the impact that young people can have when they raise their voices for change.
Newsies, Jr. features music by legendary Disney composer Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by acclaimed playwright and Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
Adapted from Disney’s 1992 film, the Broadway musical premiered in 2012 and quickly became a theatrical sensation. Newsies received eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and won Tony Awards for Best Original Score (Menken and Feldman) and Best Choreography.
The production also earned numerous other honors, including Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Music and Outstanding Choreography, and was later nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Featuring the now-classic, beloved songs from the Disney film and Broadway musical, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “King of New York,” Disney’s Newsies, Jr. is a high-energy, entertaining musical that celebrates determination, teamwork, and the power of community.
Disney’s Newsies, Jr. will be presented as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series.
Additional support comes from the Ohio Arts Council. Sensory-Friendly accommodations are generously supported by the Gorman-Rupp Company, in partnership with Nationwide Children’s.
For more information regarding auditions for Disney’s Newsies, Jr. contact Renaissance Education Manager, Dauphne Maloney at dauphne@mansfieldtickets.com, or 419-522-2726, ext. 212.