
Announcing Disney’s Dare to Dream JR.
The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is proud to present 100 years of Disney magic with a BRAND-NEW musical revue created by the Disney On Broadway team that invites young performers to explore the dreams that live inside all of us!
Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. is a 60-minute, high-energy production that follows a group of eager new recruits on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As they embark on a journey of discovery, they learn how dreams—both big and small—can unite, inspire, and make the impossible possible.
Featuring a thrilling blend of timeless classics, contemporary hits, and fresh medleys, this heartfelt revue will delight Disney fans of every generation and aligns perfectly with The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s mission to empower youth through bravery and belonging.
For this special production, we are forming two exclusive, audition-based ensembles:
- Junior Advanced Musical Theatre Company (ages 8–13)
- Senior Advanced Musical Theatre Company (ages 14–18)
Together, these 40 talented students will dive into a rehearsal process filled with heart, humour, and high-energy choreography. With bold numbers like I Just Can’t Wait To Be King, powerful anthems like How Far I’ll Go and Just Around the Riverbend, and showstoppers like Be Our Guest, Friend Like Me, and Hakuna Matata, performers will grow as vocalists, storytellers, and ensemble members.
From emotional ballads like Part of Your World, Out There, and When You Wish Upon A Star to uplifting finales like Go The Distance and You’ve Got A Friend In Me, this revue reminds us that A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes—and it’s one worth chasing.
Mark your calendars:
Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. will take the stage for two performances only on January 18, 2026, at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge.
Rehearsals will take place separately for Junior and Senior Companies, leading to one unforgettable, collaborative performance experience. This opportunity is ideal for students seeking advanced-level musical theatre training in a professional setting.
Auditions for Dare to Dream JR. and Cinderella: The Panto will be held on July 13 at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo).
Please note: due to scheduling, students may only participate in one of those productions. Be sure to indicate your preference on the audition form.
Let Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. be where your performing dreams come true.
Term: Sunday, September 27th, 2025 – Sunday, January 18, 2026
Cost: $495 + HST
For schedule, please see dropdown below.
Why join the Advanced Musical Theatre Company
- Professional-Level Training: Participants receive 60 hours of advanced instruction in musical theatre, mirroring the standards and expectations of the professional stage.
- Performance Experience: Students will rehearse and perform in a full-scale production on a professional stage, enhancing their stage presence and confidence.
- Mentorship by Industry Professionals: Working under the direction of Chad McNamara, and with the support of industry professional guest artists, this program offers students expert guidance and insight into the world of professional theatre.
- Collaborative Environment: The program fosters teamwork and community, with two ensembles working toward a shared artistic goal.
- Creative Growth: Young performers are encouraged to explore their artistic voice, take creative risks, and develop as well-rounded performers.
- Resume & Skill Building: Participants leave with a major production credit, improved technical skills, and valuable audition experience for future opportunities.
Junior Musical Theatre Company Schedule
Senior Musical Theatre Company Schedule
About the Show
Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. is a 60-minute musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, Dare to Dream JR. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II. This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages.
Dare to Dream Jr. Song List
- A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
- Be Our Guest
- When You Wish Upon A Star / A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes (Reprise)
- How Far I’ll Go / Part of Your World
- Just Around the Riverbend / Out There
- I Just Can’t Wait To Be King
- Surface Pressure
- Let It Go
- Friend Like Me
- You’ve Got A Friend In Me
- Dig A Little Deeper
- Try Everything
- Go The Distance
- When I Am Older
- Hakuna Matata / Bare Necessities
- Nonsense Medley
- Remember Me
- I’ve Got A Dream
Preparing for your Audition
Times will be:
Slot 1: ages 8 – 13
12:00pm sign in
12:30pm – 2:30pm: Audition
Slot 2: ages 8 – 13
2:00pm sign in
2:30pm – 4:30pm: Audition
Slot 3: ages 14 – 18
4:30pm sign in
5:00pm – 7:00pm: Audition
Auditions will be held at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W., Waterloo) on July 13.
The audition process will include:
- Learning a section of choreography as a group
- Singing a portion of the material below as a solo audition
What to bring to your audition:
- Up-to-date resume
- Include any performance experience, vocal/dance/acting classes taken, or special skills you’d like us to know about!
- Up-to-date headshot
- This doesn’t have to be fancy—we just need to be able to put names to faces once the audition has finished. A recent school photo or quick close-up taken at home is perfect!
- Printed copy of the Youth Audition Form – download here
- Clothes you can move in
- Indoor sneakers/dance shoes
Audition Material
Junior Audition Form
Senior Audition Form
Cinderella: The Panto Schedule
Cinderella: The Panto will run from Thursday, November 27 to Sunday, December 28 at the St Jacobs Country Playhouse (40 Benjamin Rd E., Waterloo).
Rehearsal Schedule
Nov 14 5-9pm (location TBA)
Nov 15 10-4pm (location TBA)
Nov 16 10-4pm (location TBA)
Nov 23 10-4pm (location TBA)
Nov 25 2-9pm (St Jacobs Country Playhouse)
Nov 26 Dress #1 afternoon, Dress #2 evening (St Jacobs Country Playhouse)
St Jacobs Country Playhouse Performance Schedule
Opportunities
Not quite ready for our Advanced Musical Theatre Company? No problem—there’s something for everyone! Our Fall Session features a variety of exciting programs, including Musical Theatre, Acting, Improv, Technical Theatre, and more, designed to help students of all levels build their skills and confidence.
Looking for summer fun? Our popular Summer Camps run all summer long across four locations, offering engaging experiences in a creative and supportive environment.
For those seeking a more tailored approach, we offer one-on-one tutorials where students can receive specialized coaching to meet their individual goals.
DISNEY’S DARE TO DREAM JR. is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com.