Musical Theater
Our Spring 2026 Musical!
Into the Woods JR.
Be careful what you wish for, as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.
The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever.
With unforgettable roles, minimal dancing, and no chorus, Into the Woods JR. showcases a medium-sized ensemble of talented singers and actors. The sophisticated score has been adapted to make it more accessible to young performers.
Rehearsals every Monday after school, starting February 16th
Cast A (Ages 4 - 11) 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Cast B (Ages 12 - 18) 6:00 - 8:00 PM
13 weeks of rehearsal
Performance Dates:
Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th, 2026
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
All payments made for participation in our musical theater productions are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation by the participant for any reason, no refunds will be issued. However, a credit may be applied toward a future production at The Performer's Academy, subject to availability and approval. Credits must be used within 12 months of the original purchase date and are not transferable.
Musical Theater FAQ
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Yes. Both students with us and non-students can enroll in our musicals.
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Junior musicals are well-known musicals adapted for performance by students in grades K-9. These shows are usually 60/70 minutes long and feature music adapted for developing voices and kid-friendly scripts.
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Yes, every performer is required to audition. Auditions take place on the first day of rehearsal. Students should prepare 16 bars (approximately 30 seconds) of a song from the show or another musical.
In addition to singing, students will perform a short acting excerpt from the musical and learn a brief dance combination from the show during the audition.
Our directors will take notes and ask students which roles they are interested in auditioning for. While requesting a role does not guarantee they will be cast in that part, our creative team is committed to placing each child in a role that best suits their strengths and allows them to shine.
Please note: a positive attitude, preparedness, and consistently arriving on time to rehearsals are all taken into consideration throughout the rehearsal process and play an important role in casting decisions.
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Students need to have the appropriate footwear and dancewear for rehearsals. (Dance shoes, dance attire.)
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Parts are given out on week two of rehearsals. We want to emphasize that every role in the show is significant and valuable, and we aim to provide a positive and inclusive experience for all our performers.
We encourage all participants to be team players, open to exploring new roles and challenging themselves. While we understand that everyone has a specific part in mind, we encourage all participants to be open to exploring new roles and challenging themselves. We believe that each performer has the potential to shine in any role they are given.
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Yes we do! We are vendors with the following Charters:
Inspire [Pacific Coast Academy, Mission Vista Academy, Cabrillo Point Academy & Granite Mountain Charter School], Excel Academy, iLead, Blue Ridge Academy, Sky Mountain, & Suncoast Preparatory Academy.
Photos from previous productions
Meet the Directors
Sofia Barrera
Samantha Mirabal
Samantha and Sofia bring over a decade of experience in children’s theater, working together as dynamic co-directors dedicated to inspiring young performers. As the resident directors for the Jr. Conservatory at Orange Coast Educational Arts Academy, they have guided countless students through high-quality, confidence-building productions.
Known for their collaborative style, creative vision, and deep understanding of youth development through the arts, Samantha and Sofia create rehearsal rooms that are supportive, structured, and truly magical. They are currently directing a celebrated production of Wonka Jr., continuing their long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers.
Their passion for storytelling, education, and empowering young artists makes them an invaluable part of our creative team.