We’re thrilled to announce that Firefly Creative is taking a group of students to the 2026 Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta, Georgia—and YOU could be part of the team!

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🎭 Join us for an interest meeting on Friday, May 9th at 3:00 p.m. (right before our Wizard of Oz performance) to learn more about this unforgettable opportunity.

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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.

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This January, Firefly’s team will present a 15-minute adjudicated performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. for a panel of professional artists. But this opportunity is not limited to those who performed in our recent tour—any student who has participated in a Firefly program at least once is eligible to audition.

 

Who Can Participate?

This opportunity is open to students in 4th through 12th Grade who have participated in at least one Firefly program prior to JTF auditions.

 

Audition Info:

🎭 Audition Date: Monday, June 9th, 2:30–4:00 p.m.

**Students must have participated in at least one Firefly program to be eligible to audition.

Auditions will be held immediately following The Lion King camp day. If you are unable to attend, you may arrange a video audition - email oakley@memphisfirefly.org for information.

 

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Audition Preparation 

No need to prepare anything in advance—all audition material will be taught on the day of the audition. Just come with a positive attitude, a willingness to try new things, and be ready to have fun and work hard!

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Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, and bring a water bottle. We’re looking for energy, teamwork, and bold choices—not perfection.

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Festival Dates:

🗓️ Friday, January 16 – Monday, January 19, 2026
📍 Atlanta, GA

• Friday (Jan 16): Travel Day

• Saturday (Jan 17): Full day of festival programming

• Sunday (Jan 18): Full day of festival programming

• Monday (Jan 19 - MLK Day): Travel Day

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What to Expect:

✨ Perform a 15-minute cutting of Schoolhouse Rock Live! 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​

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REHEARSAL SCHEDULE 

Friday, December 12
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
📌 Actors must come memorized and know the choreography (dance videos will be sent ahead of time)

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Friday, January 9
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ​

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Tuesday, January 13
🕝 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

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Wednesday, January 14
🕝 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
🎭 Parent Preview Performance at 5:00 p.m.

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FAQs:​

Who can audition?
Any student currently in 4th–12th grade who has participated in at least one Firefly program.

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Is this only for kids who were in the Schoolhouse Rock tour?
Not at all! While we’re performing Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr., this opportunity is open to any eligible Firefly student, regardless of past roles.

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What does it cost?
 

A full cost breakdown will be shared at the interest meeting and will include your festival registration wristband, lodging, some meals, and required conference gear. Estimated individual costs typically range between $500–$600, depending on final lodging arrangements. Both JTF and Firefly offer payment plans to help manage these costs, as well. Payments typically include a $100 deposit upon casting, followed by four additional payments in September, October, November, and December, with the final payment due in December.  

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At Firefly, we’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to any student who wants to participate. We’ve already covered the $860 group registration fee upfront, so that cost will not be passed on to families. In addition, we’re planning several fundraising opportunities to help reduce the financial burden even further—because we believe this experience should be available to every dreamer!

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Can parents come?
Yes—and parents are encouraged to attend as chaperones! For students in 4th or 5th grade, a parent or guardian is required to attend. Chaperones are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and registration costs, which will be outlined in our information packet.

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Our Executive Director, Oakley Weddle, is a longtime JTF alum! As a student, Oakley participated in JTF for three years—acting, directing, and even leading their team in pod performances. More recently, Oakley has returned to the festival for the past two years as part of the Professional Development track. This year marks a full-circle moment as Firefly takes the stage for the very first time! If you're ready to dream big & perform boldly, we’d love to see you at auditions!

 

Firefly is going to JTF—and we hope you're coming with us.