Junior musicals for kids in Newcastle, Lake Mac & the Hunter

What Theatre Company stages junior musicals for kids and teens aged 7–18. Our studio is in Holmesville, and our major seasons perform on the Civic Theatre Playhouse stage in Newcastle. Families join from across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the Hunter, and you don't need to be enrolled in our weekly classes to audition.

Our shows →

What is a junior musical?

Junior musicals are versions of well-loved Broadway and West End shows, adapted for young performers. The songs, story and characters are all there, in a length and style that suits kids and teens. At What Theatre Company, a junior musical is a full production: auditions, a rehearsal season, costumes, a real theatre and an audience.

How WTCo junior musicals work

• Large casts. There's room for leads, featured roles and a lively ensemble.

• Often double-cast. More young performers share the season and get real stage time across multiple performances. Beauty and the Beast JR (November 2026) runs with two casts.

• Real stage, real audience. Our major seasons perform at the Civic Theatre Playhouse in Newcastle.

• Open auditions. You can audition without being in weekly classes.

• Seasons through the year. There's usually something to audition for or come and watch.

Who it's for

• Kids and teens aged 7–18

• Young performers who want to be part of a show, not just a weekly class

• First-timers who'd love to give it a go, and experienced performers looking for their next role

• Families in Holmesville, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland and the Hunter

What's on and what's casting

• Beauty and the Beast JR — 25–29 November 2026 · Civic Theatre Playhouse. Tickets on sale: see Shows.

• Legally Blonde JR Musical in a Week — 11–15 January 2027 · Holmesville studio · ages 11–18. Casting now, places limited. Lead & supporting auditions close 14 December 2026. See Auditions.

• Shrek The Musical JR — 13–17 May 2027 · Civic Theatre Playhouse · ages 7–18. Casting now: see Auditions.

• 13 JR Musical in a Week — 19–24 January 2026 · Holmesville studio. Past show, see the photos: 13 JR.

Junior musical, weekly classes or Musical in a Week?

• Junior musical. A full production with a rehearsal season and performances on the Civic Theatre Playhouse stage. Best for kids who want to be in a real show with a big cast. How to join: audition. No class enrolment needed. On now: Shrek The Musical JR (May 2027). Next step: Auditions.

• Weekly classes. Ongoing training through the term. Best for building skills and confidence week by week. How to join: enrol in a class. See Classes.

• Musical in a Week. One intensive week to learn and stage a complete show. Best for kids who love a short, full-on holiday challenge. How to join: audition. No class enrolment needed. On now: Legally Blonde JR (January 2027). Next step: Legally Blonde JR.

Lots of our performers do more than one. They might train in weekly classes and audition for the next show. Pick whatever suits your family.

How to join a WTCo junior musical

1. Check what's casting on our Auditions page.

2. Submit an audition. No class enrolment is needed.

3. Rehearse and perform with the WTCo company.

4. Keep growing. Weekly classes are there if your young performer wants to build skills between shows.

Visit us

What Theatre Company
22 George St, Holmesville NSW 2286, in Lake Macquarie and an easy drive from Newcastle, Maitland and the Hunter.
info@wtco.au · 0493 391 669

FAQ

Is it only for students already at WTCo?

No. Anyone aged 7–18 can audition for our junior musicals, and you don't need to be enrolled in classes.

Where are the shows performed?

Our major junior musicals perform at the Civic Theatre Playhouse in Newcastle. Our Musical in a Week intensives run at our Holmesville studio.

What does double-cast mean?

It means a show has two casts who share the performances, so more young performers get a role and real time on stage.

What's casting right now?

Shrek The Musical JR (May 2027) and Legally Blonde JR Musical in a Week (January 2027). Find both on our Auditions page.

What Theatre Company is a youth theatre company in Holmesville, Lake Macquarie, staging junior musicals for kids and teens aged 7–18 from Newcastle, Maitland and the Hunter. Major seasons are performed at the Civic Theatre Playhouse, with large, often double-cast companies so more young performers get on stage.

You don't need to be enrolled in weekly What Theatre Company classes to audition for a junior musical. Families across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie submit auditions online when casting is open.

What's casting now: Shrek The Musical JR (13–17 May 2027, Civic Theatre Playhouse) and Legally Blonde JR Musical in a Week (11–15 January 2027, Holmesville studio).