Put on a show with the Schauer School of the Arts! Experienced instructors and staff will take students through the process of putting on a musical which culminates in Schooltime Matinee and public Family Series performances. These performances are complete with costumes, scenery, playbooks, lights, and sound. Cast and crew opportunities are available for ages 7-18. Tuition fees apply.
Waiver Form is required in order to audition. Forms are available on our website, at the Schauer Arts Center Box Office, and on the day of auditions.
Schauer Rising Stars Presents:
Disney's Newsies JR.
Ages 7–18 (Grades 2–12)
Disney's Newsies JR. is a 60-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 by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. 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.
Performances
Schooltime Matinee Performances | Thursday January 14th at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm
Public Performance | Friday, January 15th at 7:00 pm
Public Performance | Saturday, January 16th at 2:00 pm
Public Performance | Sunday, January 17th at 2:00 pm
Location: Schauer Arts Center | Ruth A. Knoll Theater
Auditions | Saturday, October 10 | 9:00-5:00pm (pre-registered 30 to 40-minute audition slot)
Schauer Rising Stars does limit the cast size to 60 students. Auditioning for this production does not guarantee a role. All students must audition to participate in this production. There is no fee to audition however, pre-registration for the audition is required. Auditions are done in groups of up to 10 students and will take about 30-40 minutes. If you have multiple students auditioning, each student needs to be pre-registered for an individual timeslot. These can be in the same block of time.
A link to complete the Audition Form, Conflict Calendar and Student Waiver will be sent with a confirmation email after registration is completed. After these forms are submitted, a link to audition materials will be available. For students in grades 6-12, Music Selections and Script Sections will also be included. Music and script sections do not need to be memorized. These selections are sent to help your students feel prepared for their audition. It helps your student to be familiar with the content that will be used during auditions.
If your student is unable to attend the scheduled time slots listed above, please contact the Education Director at classes@schauercenter.org for other options.
The Cast & Crew list will be emailed to families by Tuesday, October 13st at 5:00pm. Auditionees must be available for all dress rehearsals and performances January 5th – 17th to audition.
Important Dates & Information
Informational Family meetings:
Virtually: Wednesday, October 14 | 5:30–6:30 pm
The Rising Star Production Team shares important rehearsal information and detailed schedules with cast, tech crew and families.
Virtually: Saturday, January 2 | 10:00–11:00 am
The Rising Star Production Team share important theater use information, answer questions about costume, hair & make-up requirements, talk through microphone use and final schedules with parents and guardians.
Rehearsal Schedule
Thursday, October 15 | 4:30–6:30 pm
The first rehearsal where characters will be introduced and cast will receive and read through their scripts together. We’ll end our first rehearsal by playing some getting-to-know-you games. Tech Crew are encouraged to attend and participate as well!
Specific rehearsal schedules, including which ensembles or roles will be called for rehearsals, will be shared bi-weekly. Rehearsals will run Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30–6:30pm and most Saturdays 9:00 am–12:00 pm. Evening rehearsal times will be extended in the months of December (4:30–7:30 pm) and January (4:30–8:00 pm).
Tech Crew
Students interested in being a tech crew member and assisting with “behind the scenes” production work should register for the audition and indicate interest in tech crew. Students interested in stage crew do not need to attend the audition. Tech crew member positions are available for students 10 years or older. Tech crew members are not required to attend rehearsals in October or November. Tech crew members can plan to attend rehearsals beginning in December.
Cast & Tech Crew Member Tuition
Cast Member (Grades 2-5) Tuition: $275 | Due October 31, 2026
Cast Member (Grades 6-12) Tuition: $325 | Due October 31, 2026
Crew Member Tuition: $100 | Due October 31, 2026
Cast and Tech Crew members will not be named in the program until tuition is paid.
Tuition includes Cast/Tech Crew T-shirt, and two complimentary tickets for a public performance.
Grades 2–5 Auditons
Grades 2–5 Audition Registration 9:00 am
Grades 2–5 Audition Registration 9:40 am
Grades 2–5 Audition Registration 10:20 am
Grades 2–5 Audition Registration 11:50 am
Grades 2–5 Audition Registration 2:50 pm
Grades 6–12 Auditons
Grades 6–12 Audition Registration 11:00 am
Grades 6–12 Audition Registration 1:10 pm
Grades 6–12 Audition Registration 2:00 pm
Grades 6–12 Audition Registration 3:30 pm
Grades 6–12 Audition Registration 4:20 pm
