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 11 very successful seasons, we are happy to announce that this year’s BrightSide Theatre Youth Project production will be Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.
2024 Fall 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 original Broadway production that ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. is a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. features some of the most popular songs ever written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
Auditions will take place Aug. 16 6pm-8pm and Aug. 17 3pm-6pm
Rehearsals will take place September 3- October 17, 2024.
Performances will be held from October 19 to October 27, 2024.
Rehearsals will be held at BrightSide Theatre’s Rehearsal Studio 1989 University Lane, Unit D, Lisle, IL 60532.
The Performance will be at the Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College 31 S Ellsworth, Naperville, IL 60540.
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 40 participants aged 8-18 years.
Fall Youth Program Tuition is $425. If you have siblings, please call 630.447.8497 to receive the sibling discount. A commemorative T-Shirt is provided to each student.
MEET THE STAFF
Director
Music Director
Choreographer
Take a Look at Past BrightSide Theatre Youth Project Photos
De Haddard – Director
De holds a BFA in Musical Theater with a dance minor from Millikin University. She has been a theatrical director in the Naperville and surrounding area for 16 years. 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.
Meghan Kessel – Music Director
Meghan holds a degree of Music Education from Loyola University New Orleans. She joined BrightSide in 2021 as a performer in Promises, Promises. Most recently she was onstage in A Little Night Music. Meghan also teaches voice and piano at Old Town School of Folk Music and performs in TYA musicals with AlphaBet Soup Productions. As a music director, some of her favorite shows have been Joseph…Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia, and Sister Act Jr.
JJ O’Connell – Choreographer
JJ took dance classes for 10 years, ranging from classical ballet and pointe to modern and tap. She emerged as a choreographer in 2017 when she choreographed Center Stage Players’ production of Bare: A Pop Opera. Since then, she has choreographed several productions for kids as well as young adults, including Seussical, Zombie Prom, The Lion King, and Spring Awakening.