WE'RE GOING BACK TO THE JUNIOR THEATER FESTIVAL!
We’re thrilled to announce that Firefly Creative is taking a group of students to the 2027 Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta, Georgia—and YOU could be part of the team!
Last year, our incredible students earned the Excellence in Music award at JTF, and we’re excited to build on that momentum as we head back to the festival.
The Junior Theatre Festival is the largest celebration of youth musical theatre in the world. Hosted by iTheatrics and Music Theatre International, JTF brings together thousands of young performers, theatre educators, and Broadway professionals for a high-energy weekend of performances, workshops, and inspiration.
This January, Firefly’s team will present a 15-minute adjudicated performance of DreamWorks’ Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. for a panel of professional artists.
Who Can Participate?
This opportunity is open to students in 4th through 12th Grade who have been in two Firefly productions (including camps, classes, and shows; not including workshops.)
Festival Dates:
🗓️ Thursday, January 14 – Monday, January 18, 2027
📍 Atlanta, GA
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Thursday (Jan 14): Travel Day
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Friday (Jan 14): Rehearsals, photos, fun in ATL, possible performance, and festival kickoff
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Saturday (Jan 17): Full day of festival programming
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Sunday (Jan 18): Full day of festival programming
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Monday (Jan 19 - MLK Day): Travel Day
What to Expect:
✨ Perform a 15-minute cutting of Madagascar Jr. for professional adjudicators
🧠 Receive feedback from Broadway-caliber artists and educators
🎤 Attend interactive workshops in acting, singing, dancing, and tech
🌟 Watch top-notch performances by other youth theatre groups
🤝 Build friendships and confidence while representing Firefly on a national stage
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Saturday, December 19
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Actors must come memorized and know the choreography for the cutting (dance videos will be sent ahead of time)
Saturday, January 2
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 9
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 13
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friends & Family Performance and Send Off Party Performance at 7:30 p.m.
FAQs:
Who can audition?
Any student currently in 4th–12th grade who has participated in at least two Firefly productions (including camps, classes, and shows; not including workshops.)
Is this only for kids who were in the Madagascar tour?
Not at all! While we’re performing Madagascar Jr. again, this opportunity is open to any eligible Firefly student, regardless of past roles.
What does it cost?
Cost for students: $650
Cost for chaperones: $650
Payments:
Upon casting (early June): $50
July 1: $100
August 1: $100
September 1: $100
October 1: $100
November 1: $100
December 1: $100
*Cost includes lodging, admission to the conference, t-shirts, wristbands, and food for at least three meals.
The cast is encouraged to plan and host individual and group fundraisers! In the past, we've successfully held car washes, sold items at GlowFest, hosted lemonade stands, and asked friends and family for donations.
Can parents come?
Yes—and parents are encouraged to attend as chaperones, but it's not required. For students in 4th or 5th grade, a parent or guardian is required to attend.