The BrightSide Theatre Youth Project was developed to provide a professional and educational learning experience for grade school to high school students interested in exploring musical theater. In this program, children work directly with professional directors, musical directors, choreographers, designers, and artists to develop their own theatrical skills.
After 14 very successful seasons, we are happy to announce that this spring BrightSide Theatre Youth Project production will be How To Train Your Dragon The Musical Jr.
2027 Spring Youth Program
Participants will learn the art of musical theatre acting, including what it means to be a character and how to portray their character through dialogue, choreography, and song.
Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage.
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation.
Rehearsals:
Jan. 5 through Feb. 6, 2027.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6pm-7:30pm
Some Thursdays 6pm-7:30pm
Saturdays 12pm-2pm & Sundays 1pm-4pm
Tech Week: Feb.7-11 5pm-8pm.
Performances will be February 12-20, 2027.
Rehearsals will be held at BrightSide Theatre’s Rehearsal Studio 1989 University Lane, Unit D, Lisle, IL
The Performance will be at The Yellow Box Theatre, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL
Roles will be assigned based on an audition after registration and fees are paid. There will be no refunds based on casting decisions.
Cast size is limited to 45 participants aged 8-18 years.
(there is a $25 sibling discount).
A commemorative T-Shirt is provided to each student.
Director
Music Director
Choreographer
Take a Look at Past BrightSide Theatre Youth Project Photos
Thomas McMahon – Choreographer
Thomas is ecstatic to be Choreographing How to Train Your Dragon Jr. having just directed and choreographed Trolls Jr. He has also choreographed BSTYP Legally Blonde Jr. and The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition! Thomas was last seen on the BrightSide stage in The Rocky Horror Show and Jesus Christ Superstar. Recent choreography credits include: Six the Teen Edition, Once Upon a Mattress, The Music Man, Joseph…, Little Shop of Horrors, Disaster, Annie and Willy Wonka Jr.
SADIE WYNNE – Music Director
Sadie has previously music directed The Music Man Jr. at the Beverly Arts Center and she is the Youth Choir director at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Naperville. She has appeared on the BrightSide stage in A Little Night Music (Mrs. Segstrom). Other credits include The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess) and All Shook Up (Mayor Matilda) with Summer Place Theatre, and The Christmas Schooner (Martha, Enid).
DE HADDAD – Director
De is happy to be continuing with BrightSide for another great season and recently directed for our Subscription Season production of The Addams Family Musical and for the Youth Project she has directed Legally Blonde Jr., Beetlejuice Jr., Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr., Mean Girls Jr., Sister Act Jr. and the summer camps of Willy Wonka Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo, Jr. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. and The Lion King Jr./Kids. De holds a BFA in Musical Theater with a dance minor from Millikin University. She has been a director in the Naperville area for 15 years. Other favorite Directing credits: Spamalot, Addams Family, She Kills Monsters, The Hobbit. Favorite acting roles: Gabriella – High School Musical, Mother Superior – Sound of Music, and Marty – Grease.