Jack Kelly (male approx. age 14-22) - An orphaned dreamer and artist who finds himself leader of the Manhattan newsies strike. Jack longs to escape the busy city for a quiet life out west. He is fiercely protective of his best friend Crutchie. Jack sees injustice in the city and wishes to fix it but isn't always sure he has the power to do so. Initially attracted to Katherine due to her witty personality, intelligence, and beauty, Jack later realizes his attraction may run deeper, but does not believe he'd actually have a shot at her returning his feelings. Important: CCT strives to cast actors age 18 and under in leading roles whenever possible. While actors over the age of 18 will be considered, it is likely that this role will be filled by an actor age 18 or under.

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Crutchie (portrays male, approx. age 12-18) - A dedicated newsie with a bum leg who uses a crutch to assist in his mobility. Crutchie has a goofy, sweet sense of humor and an optimistic resilience to the position life has given him. While Crutchie does not need to attend the dance audition, he will be included in the dance numbers. 

Davey (portrays male, approx. age 14-22) - A straight-laced, intelligent newsie who starts selling papers after his father was injured on the job. Davey is the older brother of Les. Davey is a soft-spoken leader who teams up with Jack to fight the powers of New York news giants. Tap dance experience preferred but not required.

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Les (portrays male, age 8-12) - Davey's cheeky younger brother who is inspired by the freedom of the newsies to go where they want, when they want. Les stands up for himself, but is also a sweet kid who is soon treated like a younger brother by all of the Manhattan newsies. Ideally, Les should look considerably younger than the rest of the Manhattan Newsies. Dance experience preferred but not required.

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Manhattan Newsies (any gender, approx. age 14-24, other ages may also be considered) - A group of hard-working kids who hawk (sell) newspapers for the World; a large news organization run by Joseph Pulitzer. Varying in personality, but ready to stand up for what's right, actors cast as Manhattan newsies should be exceptionally strong actors (who bring their own character to the stage), great singers, and (ideally) advanced dancers and/or tumblers. *In order to better show the dancing elements in the show, CCT intends to have all actors playing newsies dress in male clothing from the time period (pants, shirts and hats) and use mannerisms that are more commonly considered male vs. female. Important: While most actors cast as Manhattan newsies will likely be age 14-22, slightly older and younger actors may also be considered. Most actors cast as Manhattan newsies will likely be strong dancers, however 2-4 non-featured dancers who are exceptional singers and actors may also be cast. Actors cast as Manhattan newsies should plan to rehearse 4-7 days each week. Tap Dance experience preferred but not required.

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Katherine Plumber (portrays female, approx. age 14-22) - An ambitious, young, female reporter living in a world where a woman who wants to work is not taken seriously. Katherine is quick, funny, resourceful, and hungry for change. After choosing to report on the newsboys strike, she quickly finds her self attracted to Jack (the strike's leader), for his bravery, optimism, care, and willingness to fight for what's right. Tap dance experience preferred but not required. This character is based on the real life journalist, Nellie Bly. Important: CCT strives to cast actors age 18 and under in leading roles whenever possible. While actors over the age of 18 will be considered, it is likely that this role will be filled by an actor age 18 or under.

Joseph Pulitzer (portrays male, approx. age 45+) - A pompous businessman who owns the World newspaper and will do whatever necessary to keep circulation (sales) up, and money in his pockets. The secret father of Katherine, Pulitzer does not believe women should work and does not sympathize with the newsies.

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Seitz (portrays male, approx. age 30+) - An Editor for the World who advises Pulitzer but ultimately admires the tthe newspaper that the kids put out.

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Bunsen (portrays male, approx. age 30+) - Pulitzer's book-keeper who is invested in helping Pulitzer stay on top and has a quick mind for solving business dilemmas.

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Hannah (portrays female, approx. age 24+) - Pulitzer's practical and insightful secretary who deserves more credit than she gets.

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Nunzio (portrays male, approx. age 30+) - Pulitzer's barber. Comedic role.

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Wiesel (portrays male, approx. age 40+) - Known as "weasel" to the newsies, Wiesel runs the distribution window for the World where the newsies buy their papers. Assisted in his job by the Delancey brothers, Wiesel and his crew are instructed to keep order (even when things get bloody) in addition to simply selling papers.

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Oscar & Morris Delancy (portrays male, approx. ages 14-24) - A pair of tough brothers who work at the distribution window under Wiesel. Oscar and Morris expect to be treated as if they hold a higher position in the world than the newsies - however the newsies feel differently.

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Medda Larkin (portrays female, approx. age 35+) - A big voiced saloon singer and the star of the Bowery Beauties (who also owns the building they perform in). Medda hires Jack to paint banners for her shows and the newsies come to recognize the theatre as a safe space. Medda should be an astute performer with a great comic delivery and must be a strong singer. 

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Bowery Beauties (portrays female, approx. age 16-24) - Female performers at Medda's theater.

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Mr. Jacobi (portrays male, approx. age. 40+) - Owner of the local deli where the newsies congregate to plan their strike.

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Spot Conlon (portrays male, approx. age 16-24) - Proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies who boasts an intimidating reputation.

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Gov. Teddy Rosevelt (portrays male, age 50+) - A well respected lifelong public servant, who inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer, helps put an end to the strike, and looks into shady practices by homes that are supposed to protect orphaned youth.

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Nuns (portrays female, approx. age 18+) - A group of Nuns who help provide breakfast to the newsies.

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Policeman and Goons (any gender, approx. age 18+) - A group of police officers and goons (hired hands) who beat down the newsies and take Crutchie to the refuge (a dark, dirty home for orphaned youth).

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Scabs (any gender, approx. age 14-22) - A small group of "fresh" newsies brought in to sell papers after the Manhattan newsies strike, most of whom join the newsies in their cause.

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New York Newsies (any gender, approx. age 10-24, older actors may also be cast) - A large group of newsies from across New York who attend a rally and later decide to join the Manhattan newsies in their strike. Actors cast as New York Newsies will appear on stage briefly but will spend much of their time acting amongst the audience. Actors in this ensemble group will perform in three scenes/songs. Some actors may also be cast in smaller speaking roles or other ensemble roles. This ensemble group will have full-time and part-time roles available.

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Workhouse Kids (any gender, approx. age 8-12) - A group of child workers who help keep New York running, working without fair pay, safety, or rights. The Workhouse kids eventually choose to join the newsie strike. Actors in this group will participate in 1-3 songs. Some actors in this ensemble group will also be invited to participate in other scenes. Important: This is a small group of approx. 20 actors, meaning this show has very limited roles for actors age 8-10.

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Woman and Child (this role has already been cast) - A woman (and her child) who purchase a newspaper from Les. This role has already been cast with the actors who performed the part in CCT's 2019 production of Newsies as a tribute to the original performance. Several other roles with short featured parts are still available and are not listed above, including; Darcy, Bill, Stage Manager, and Guard.