Newsies 2025 Audition Information and Eligibility!

PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT BULLETIN:

HIU Spring Musical with Spero PPA:

The Spring Musical is produced in conjunction with Hope International University and features HIU students, staff and alumni. The show is funded by the university, and has been a university event for the past 18 years. Though Spero PPA is now the production company in charge of the show, and though there is availability for Spero students and other adults from the community to participate, the spring show remains primarily a university endeavor and event. 

Because of this, the Spring Musical operates a bit differently from a Spero Fall Musical (like Bye Bye Birdie), and the criteria for those who wish to participate is different. We know that there is an exceedingly large amount of interest in Newsies auditions, so we feel it best to make very clear the criteria and expectations for the spring auditions and show. 

If you are interested in auditioning for Newsies, you MUST read all information THOROUGHLY so that you have a firm understanding of what to expect. 

Eligibility

Auditions for Newsies are not open to the general public at large.  

You are eligible to audition for Newsies IF:

  1. You are at least (14) years of age and have a direct affiliation with someone who has been in a Spero show in the past.  (Newcomers will be asked to list the name of the Spero friend/family member who referred them). 

  2. You are a student currently enrolled at HIU, an alumni of HIU, or a faculty/staff member at HIU. 

  3. You are at least 8 years of age and have been in a Spero show yourself in the past. 

Those who are under 14 years of age and have never done a Spero show (fall or spring), are not eligible to audition. (If this is you, you are welcome to audition for our production of Newsies Jr., open to any and all students ages 8 to 18! SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS.)

Casting

  1. Casting for Newsies is limited. The production team is looking to cast no more than 60 people.  

  2. For the roles of Jack Kelly, Katherine Plumber, Joseph Pulitzer and Medda Larkin, top casting consideration will be given to individuals age 18+ who are out of high school.  In the event that there is not a good fit for the roles among those 18+ who audition, younger candidates will be considered. 

  3. Having been cast in Spero or HIU shows in the past does NOT guarantee you will be cast in Newsies.  We anticipate a big turnout for auditions, therefore we most likely will not be able to cast everyone who auditions. 

  4. Rehearsal schedule conflicts will be a factor in casting decisions.  It is imperative that you list any and all potential schedule conflicts on your audition form. If you participate in a sport or other extra-curricular activities, you will be expected to make Newsies a priority. 

For information about the audition process, character roles available, etc., please refer to our audition packet that will be available soon!

Spero PPA Junior Production:

In an effort to provide as much opportunity as possible for kids to perform, Spero is going to be putting on a production of Newsies, Jr., along with the full version of Newsies that is the regular spring show! The Junior show is open to ANYONE age 8-18!


REASONS YOU MIGHT WANT TO AUDITION FOR THE JUNIOR SHOW:

  1. You are not eligible to audition for the full show (see eligibility requirements above)

  2. You are interested in lead roles that are not available to those aged 8-18 in the full show (Jack, Katherine, Medda, etc.)

  3. You want to be in Newsies, but a bit of a smaller commitment sounds more appealing to you. 

  4. You are eligible for the full show, but you are not chosen to be in the cast. 

Junior show rehearsals will take place on the same days as full show rehearsals, for the most part, but in different locations on campus and possibly at different times. (Monday night, Thursday night, Saturday - exact times TBD).

For information about the audition process, character roles available, etc., please refer to our audition packet that will be available soon!

We understand these changes may lead to some confusion! Please click below to see our answers to some anticipated FAQs! You can also email info@speroppa.org for any clarity.

Erin Koshay