Theatre Aspen Education

Actors in Newsies will work with peers to bring to life the struggles and triumphs of a rag-tag group of scrappy newsies, bent on making a better life for themselves. With specialized training in acting, vocal technique, and dance, led by industry professionals visiting Aspen to bring their vision and experience to the conservatory company, this program is designed for actors to bond as a summer company, take the next step in their journey as performers, and gain professionally led stage experience. 

New York City, 1899. Jack Kelly and his ragtag team of newsboys make a meager living selling newspapers on the city streets. But when the prices of “papes” are hiked and the newsies are hung out to dry, there is nothing left to do but open the gates and seize the day! Led by charismatic Jack and independent, young newspaper reporter Katherine Plummer, the Newsies form a union and organize a strike against the greedy publisher of the New York World. Can a group of idealistic newsboys win against a foe as powerful as acclaimed publisher Joseph Pulitzer? 

Inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike, Newsies is an ebullient, joyful, and entertaining musical capturing the strength that young people have when they join together and stand up against injustice. Funny, poignant, and timeless, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the show-stopping power ballads like “Seize the Day,” “Santa Fe,” “Carrying the Banner,” and “Watch What Happens,” Newsies is a classic with the power to inspire. 

Please only register for this production if you have been accepted into the program!