Theater Practicum Class

Newsie's Jr.

Disney's Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film.

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.

Save your Spot in the Class

To save your spot in the class, please submit your registration form and $75 registration fee. The total cost of the class is $250 to cover 60+ hours of instruction in singing, dancing, and acting. Tuition also helps to pay for the many expenses of costumes, scenery and royalties. The fee must be paid before our first rehearsal on January 5 (arrangements can be made in advance to pay in installments at info@agapetheatercompany.com).

Once registered an invoice of $175 will be sent to your email and can be paid in a lump-sum or split three-ways. ($50, $50, $75)

FAQ's

Please reach us at info@agapetheatercompany.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

When and where are rehearsals?

Location TBD

Tuesday from 6:00-9:00

Saturday from 12:00-3:00

January, 5

January, 9

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January, 30

February, 2

February, 6

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April, 3

Move in: April 4

Tech Rehearsal: April 5-7

Performances: April 9, 10, 11

What is the age range for the class?

Ages 8- 18 are welcome to register

How much is registration?

$75 to register and save your spot in the class

The total cost of participation is $250

When and where is Tech Week?

Arts for Lawrence Theater

Tech Rehearsal:

April 5-8

Performances:

April 9

April 10

April 11

What are the roles?

Jack Kelly: The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, is an oprhaned dreamer and artist who yearns to get out of the crowded streets of New York and make a better life for himself out West.

Crutchie: Crutchie is the heart of the resistance. Though he walks with the assistance of a crutch, Crutchie doesn’t let it define him; when in a jam, Jack Kelly’s best friend relies on a goofy- sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience.

Davey: Les’s straight-laced, bright big brother starts selling newspapers to help his family earn a living, but becomes swept up in the fervor of the strike.

Les: Davey’s cheeky younger brother, Les is an intuitive salesboy and a pint-sized charmer.

Katherine Plumber: An ambitious young reporter, she boldy captures the voice of a new generation rising in her coverage of the newsies’ strike.

Medda Larkin:

Wiesel:

Joseph Pulitzer:

Bunsen:

Wiesel:

Hannah: Pulitzer’s secretary who is a clever advocate for the newsies.

Pat: An efficient stage manager who introduces Medda’s act.

Governor Teddy Roosevelt: A well-respected lifelong public servant who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.

Snyder: The crooked warden of The Refuge.

Seitz: The editor of the World who advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper. Bill: Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Journal and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.

Dorothy: Katherine’s upperclass friend whose parents own the New York Tribune and help the newsies print the Newsies Banner.

Darcy: A photographer who works with Katherine.

Oscar & Morris Delancey: Toughs who work distribution for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point.

Ensemble

NEWSIES of New York, RACE, ALBERT, MURIEL, NANCY, SPECS, PIGTAILS, HAZEL, BUTTONS, TOMMY BOY, ROMEO, JO JO, SCABS (1-3) and others; the newsies’ CUSTOMERS; citizens of New York of all stripes, including a WOMAN; the BOWERY BRIGADE, vaudeville performers, including ADA, OLIVE, and ETHEL; and corrupt POLICE OFFICERS, including the POLICE CHIEF; WORKING CHILDREN of New York City

Production Team:

Director: April Barnes

April Norwood-Barnes holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Indiana University, Bloomington and a master’s in music education from Butler University. She has been a music instructor teaching both in-class and private lessons in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas for over twenty-five years. She has previously co-directed “Westside Story” alongside Dr. Kathy Phipps and has co- written and directed her own productions, “Harlem Renaissance; An Ode to the Cotton Club” and “Mary’s Journal” pts 1 & 2. She previously served as the Musical Director for Agape’s productions of “Newsies,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “The Sound of Music,” “Oliver” and “The Christmas Story.” She was also the Musical Director for Footlite Musicals production of “Guy and Dolls.” April loves her three big guys, Eric, Joshua and Jonas and their big puppy, Mocha Coco. She is a homeschool educator for children with Beloved Community Co-op and she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Musical Director: Dr Eileen Jennings

Dr. Eileen Jennings is a singer, voice teacher, conductor, and church musician. Jennings will be g playing Beatrice in Agape Theater’s upcoming production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Jennings was musical director, singer, and actor for the documentary theater in Clarksdale, MS Storyworks Theater’s production of Beneath an Unknown Sky: Reflections of African Americans in Coahoma County, a script adapted from the real life accounts of freed slaves during Reconstruction found in the Freedman's Bureau and Southern Claims Commission. She graduated from IU Jacobs School of Music with her Master and Doctor of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature, where she had the pleasure of singing in numerous principle and compromario roles. She made her professional operatic debut with the Princeton Festival in Princeton, NJ as Mother Goose in Stravinsky's The Rake’s Progress. During her time at IU, she also served as wig and makeup designer/wig master for the IU Opera and Ballet Theater. She currently serves as alto section leader and handbell choir director for First Presbyterian Franklin.