Rising Stars at Little Theatre of Manchester Announces Auditions

Press release

Little Theatre of Manchester's Rising Stars at Cheney Hall Announces Auditions for Newsies, Jr. on Saturday, April 26

Manchester, CT...Little Theatre of Manchester's fun and engaging Rising Stars at Cheney Hall has announced auditions to be held on Saturday, April 26 from 12pm to 4pm for their summer youth production of Disney's Newsies, Jr. Young actors ages 8 to 14 are encouraged to sign up for audition slots to participate in the two-week rehearsal intensive August 11-22, 2025 that will culminate in two fully-staged public performances of the family-friendly musical on August 23, 2025. Tuition is $400; $375 for Manchester residents. Need- and merit-based scholarships are available. The auditions, rehearsals and performances will be held at Little Theatre of Manchester's (LTM) home at historic Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Road in Manchester, CT.

For more information and to register for one of the one-hour audition slots, interested parents/guardians should visit cheneyhall.org/rising-stars.

Little Theatre of Manchester’s Rising Stars offers a dynamic and engaging experience designed to nurture young talent and build confidence through the magic of musical theatre. Rising Stars main focus is a two-week intensive program designed for young actors, singers, and dancers. Participants will work with experienced professionals to learn acting techniques, improve their vocal skills, and master dance choreography.

Rising Stars is designed to provide new performers with an introduction to musical theatre performance and experienced performers with an opportunity for further training. For less-expereinced performers, auditioning for the ensemble or dance team is a great place to start! Students in these ensembles will learn to sing, dance and act onstage in high energy group numbers. If your student is auditioning for an ensemble or dance team role only, they are invited to sing as a group during their audition slot.

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.

The LTM Rising Stars production of Newsies, Jr. will be directed and choreographed by Cecilia Stallone and music directed by Bailey McKiernan.