Theater Program
Discover the Magic of Our Student Theater Program
Welcome to a world where creativity, confidence, and collaboration take center stage! Our Theater Program is a vibrant hub for aspiring young performers, offering a supportive environment to explore the art of theater and develop essential life skills.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Inclusive Opportunities: Whether your child dreams of being in the spotlight or working behind the scenes, we have a place for everyone. Our program fosters an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere.
- Professional Instruction: Our instructors are seasoned theater professionals dedicated to nurturing talent and inspiring creativity.
- Diverse Productions: From classic plays to contemporary musicals, our productions provide students with a well-rounded theatrical experience.
Benefits of Joining Our Theater Program
- Build Confidence: Performing in front of an audience helps students overcome stage fright and develop self-assurance.
- Enhance Communication Skills: Through dialogue, expression, and teamwork, participants learn to communicate effectively.
- Foster Teamwork: Theater is a collaborative art form that teaches the value of working together toward a common goal.
- Develop Creativity: From improvisation exercises to character development, our program encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
Registration for our Fall 2025 season is open. Sign up today to get your registration fee waived! Please see the FAQ section for details regarding the program!
Fall 2025 Theater Program
We will be producing two musicals for the fall season: Aladdin Jr. and Aladdin Kids.
Read the FAQ section for information on tuition fees, auditions, mandatory dates, and more!
Aladdin Jr.
Disney’s Aladdin JR. is based on the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for your young performers!
Aladdin Kids
Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Disney’s Aladdin KIDS is sure to send audiences soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with romance and adventure. When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a genie’s magic power to become a prince in order to marry her. Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more are here in Disney’s Aladdin KIDS, a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love. Specific to Disney’s Aladdin KIDS are the Djinn, a group of unique stage magicians who execute the magical moments of the show. Casting many Djinn to create the Genie’s magic allows you to involve more young performers. A large ensemble of Agrabahns round out the cast, ready to fill your stage with the magic of Aladdin KIDS. In order to further dazzle audiences, simple instructions for the magic flying carpet are included in each ShowKit®.
Leadership Team: We have a great team of directors and producers who are excited to pour their time and expertise into their students. Click here to read bios and learn more about our theater program directors.
Theater Program FAQs
What's the difference between the Kids and Junior shows?
We will be targeting students ages 13-17 for the Junior show and students 5-12 for the Kids show, but age will not be the only casting determination. Younger students may be cast for the Junior show and vice versa.
- Jr. Show - 1 hour, 11 songs, 12 principal roles
- Kids Show - 30 minutes, 10 songs, 14 principal roles - We will enhance the experience by adding a pre-show, audience-interactive segment hosted by cast members, creating a total show experience of 45 to 60 minutes.
Read more about principal and ensemble roles and songs on the MTI International website.
Can my student participate in both the Kids and Junior shows?
No. One of the goals for doing two shows is to give more students more performance and growth opportunities.
What are the key dates I need to commit to?
Commitment to key dates is an absolute essential for cast members and families who participate in our program. Because we have such a streamlined schedule, our required events and meetings must be mandatory. Please read carefully before signing up.
Click here to access rehearsal and show dates for the Fall 2025 season.
My student is returning. Do I have to register on Procare?
Yes. Parents/guardians need to register their students each season through Procare (select the register button on this page). Your updated information helps us keep track of any changes that may occur regarding your grade, health, address, contact information, and more. The new registration will be merged with your existing account.
Where are the rehearsals held?
Weekly rehearsals are held at World Upside Down Arts Studio. Tech rehearsals are held at the performance venue the weeks of shows. Attending rehearsals and performing in the Meet the Cast event are mandatory for participation in our theater program.
How do auditions work?
Every student in our program participates in the show. We hold auditions to determine cast roles. An audition signup link will be emailed to you as soon as you fill out the Procare registration form. Check out that email for audition recommendations. We will take a deep dive into the audition process at our Mandatory Orientation Meeting at the launch of the season. You can find audition dates under the Key Dates section in FAQs.
What is the age range for cast members?
Students ages 5-12 are invited to audition for our Kids show. Students ages 13-17 are invited to audition for our Jr. show.
How many casts will you have?
We will have one cast for each show with understudy opportunities for principal roles in the Junior show. Depending on how they develop during the season, understudies may perform in the second weekend of shows.
What do I need to know about performances and tech week?
The shows will be performed at the Simpsonville Arts Center in Simpsonville, SC, on November 14-15 and 21-22. There will be tech rehearsals at the Simpsonville Arts Center in Simpsonville, SC, Mon-Thurs before the shows for both weeks.
What is the tuition fee schedule?
The tuition fee for the musical theater program is $120/month per student.
Fall Season – August – November (four months of $120/month)
Spring Season – January – May (five months of $120/month)
**Monthly payments are due before the 1st of each month to avoid a late fee.**
Registration Fee $50 (per semester)
**Avoid registration fees by starting your seasonal payment plan on Aug 1 and Jan 1.**
Additional Costs: Parents are responsible for costumes. We will try to keep these costs to a minimum. If your family is going through financial hardship, we can help you raise funds to cover the costume costs.
Do you offer any discounts or scholarships?
We offer 5% discounts for siblings, veterans, and full-semester payments.
See the Policies & Pricing page for details on payment dates, pricing, discounts, and scholarship applications.
Do you have a referral program?
Earn $50 off your tuition for each student who enrolls in our program thanks to your referral. Make sure your referral lists you on their registration form.
Musical Theater Program Shows
Support Our Musical Theater Program
World Upside Down Arts Studio is proud to offer a robust and growing theater program. We are currently funded with tuition payments and generous donations. You can support our theater program by volunteering, sponsoring a show, and/or giving a 501(c)(3) charitable contribution to cover production costs for set design, costumes, props, and more!
