Max Cast: 35 Performers; Auditions: October 21 & 23, 2026

We’re looking for student actors, teen stage managers, and student choreographers!

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.

Who Can Participate?

Enrollment is open to actors ages 8–18.

All students who enroll will receive a role in the production. Auditions are used to help the directors determine the best role for each performer.

All actors who receive a speaking or singing role should be able to read their script lines independently in front of the group beginning with the first rehearsal.

Cost

$200 per child for the performance season

• $50 deposit due at registration
• $150 balance due at the first rehearsal

The enrollment fee helps cover performance rights, stage rental for the performance and dress rehearsal, and other production expenses. Additional expenses are supported through playbill shout-out sales and ticket sales.

The enrollment fee includes:

• Group script read-through
• 28 rehearsals
• 2 dress rehearsals
• 2 performances

Costumes are paid for separately by families. We work hard to keep costume costs inexpensive, and many costumes are created with the help of our parent design team.

How to Register

Step 1: CLICK THIS LINK to complete the registration form for your child.

Step 2: Submit the $50-per-child deposit via Venmo to: Katie-Griffin-102

Registration will close on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after the first day of auditions.

Once registration and the deposit have been received, performers will receive access to selected music from the show. The director asks that students become as familiar as possible with the group musical numbers before auditions on October 21. This will allow us to spend more rehearsal time working on staging and other production elements.

Auditions

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Friday, October 23, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. both days

Location:
Harrisburg United Methodist Church
4560 State Hwy 49
Harrisburg, NC 28075

All participants are expected to attend both audition dates.

If your child cannot attend one or both audition dates because of extenuating circumstances, please contact the director, Trisha Lee, in advance to discuss possible options. Trisha can be reached at ChinaLees04@hotmail.com.

Group Read-Through

We will hold a group read-through of the script for the cast on:

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Rehearsal Location

Harrisburg United Methodist Church
4560 State Hwy 49
Harrisburg, NC 28075

Rehearsal Schedule

Regular rehearsals are held from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Certain cast members may be called as early as 9:00 a.m.

On occasion, certain actors or scenes may not be called for a rehearsal. Students who are not called are welcome to attend and observe, but they are not required to do so.

These instances will be the exception, so families should plan for students to be available on all scheduled rehearsal dates.

Rehearsal Dates

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Some cast members may be called beginning at 9:00 a.m.

October 2026
10/30

November 2026
11/4, 11/6, 11/11, 11/13, 11/18, 11/20

December 2026
12/2, 12/4, 12/9, 12/11, 12/16

January 2027
1/6, 1/8, 1/13, 1/15, 1/20, 1/22, 1/27, 1/29

February 2027
2/3, 2/5, 2/10, 2/12, 2/17, 2/19, 2/24, 2/26

Attendance at rehearsals is considered mandatory. Up to two absences can be accommodated when discussed with the director in advance.

Attendance at both dress rehearsals and both performances is mandatory without exception.

Dress Rehearsals

Dress rehearsal dates are still being finalized. We are tentatively planning for:

Wednesday, March 10, 2027
Thursday, March 11, 2027
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Location:
Central Cabarrus High School
505 State Hwy 49
Concord, NC 28025

Performances

Friday, March 12, 2027 at 6pm
Saturday, March 13, 2027 at 4pm

Location:
Central Cabarrus High School
505 State Hwy 49
Concord, NC 28025

Parent Participation

Parent participation is an important part of creating a successful experience for our students. Participation in Rise & Shine Players is a family commitment.

Parents will be assigned to serve on either the set design team or the costume design team. Families should anticipate approximately a 14-hour time commitment to their assigned role during the production season.

Please register your child only if your family is committed to following through with its set or costume team responsibilities.

One parent from each family is also required to attend the parent meeting during the first rehearsal:

Friday, October 30, 2026
10:00–11:00 a.m.

Parent service roles will be assigned during this meeting.

What to Expect at Auditions

We have a fun and encouraging audition process planned, and we want every child to feel confident. Every student who auditions will be cast in the show. Auditions simply help us place each performer in the role that best supports both the student and the production.

Check-In & Warm-Up

Students will sign in, turn in any required paperwork, and begin with a light group warm-up to help everyone get comfortable.

Group Dance Audition

Students will learn a short, simple dance combination and perform it in small groups. This helps the directors see each student’s general movement ability.

Individual Vocal Auditions

Each performer will sing 30–45 seconds of a prepared song. Other students will remain in the room as a quiet and supportive audience.

Script Reading

Performers will read scenes and sing short excerpts from the show to help the directors cast speaking and singing roles.

How to Prepare for Auditions

1. Prepare a 30–45 Second Song

The song may be from any musical except How to Train Your Dragon, please. Choose something that shows the performer’s personality and vocal ability, and practice it enough to feel comfortable performing it.

2. Bring Your Song Track Ready to Go

Please use an instrumental accompaniment track with no vocals. Performers may also sing a cappella without accompaniment. Please have the track downloaded and cued on a device before arriving. We will provide Bluetooth speakers for students to connect to.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes that are appropriate for movement. Hair should be pulled back and kept out of the face.

4. Have Fun!

Auditions are friendly and encouraging, not competitive. Everyone is learning, and everyone will be part of the show. The goal is to try, smile, bring energy, and enjoy the experience.

5. What to Bring

• Completed audition form (You’ll receive this via email after registration)
• Device with accompaniment track
• Water bottle

Parents are welcome, but not required, to stay with their students during auditions.