AJT'S SPRING SHOW Rising Stars
WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER: WE ARE SPLITTING OUR COMPANY INTO TWO GROUPS: MATILDA JR WILL BE OUR RISING STAR’S FIRST SHOW EVER!!
Rising Stars – Recreational Theater Ensemble
Rising Stars is the perfect entry point for young performers eager to shine on stage! Designed for kids who are new to theater, younger actors, or seasoned AJT students looking to grow into lead roles, this group offers a fun, supportive, and low-commitment way to build confidence and develop essential stage skills.
With just one rehearsal per week, students will explore the fundamentals of acting, singing, and dancing, all under the expert guidance of AJT’s Musical Director, Melena Dillingham. The inaugural Rising Stars production will be Matilda the Musical JR, a delightful and inspiring show that gives every performer a chance to shine.
Rebellion is high in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is the best show ever!!
The season will conclude with two performances on Saturday, May 9th at the newly outfitted AJT Black Box Theater.
Whether your child is taking their first bow or reaching for the spotlight, Rising Stars is where their journey begins. Let the magic of theater take root and watch them shine!
Cost is $350, plus the yearly membership fee of $50. *Costumes are included, but are for use in this musical only and will remain the property of AJT.
Info you need to know
Rehearsals: Begin February 7, 2026
Performances: 2 performances on May 9, 2026
Rehearsal Schedule: Rehearsals are Saturdays from 1-6pm beginning February 7.
Holiday Time Off: No rehearsal April 5 for Easter
Rehearsal Location: South Asheville, NC
Auditions: Auditions will be held on February 14.
Fees: Full payment is due at the time of registration. No refunds are given for any reason, even if your junior actor does not get their desired role.
New AJT Policy
AJT is adding a trial period for all actors in the first two to three weeks of rehearsals so that we can ensure that all of our cast is a good fit for our theater company and AJT is for them as well. Because our experience is far more than typical junior theater, we have high expectations of our actors. Some examples of what we expect is for children to be able to focus on a task at hand, keep their hands off other cast members, not destroy equipment, show respect to directors while they are talking and more. Cast members must be able to exercise self-control and maturity. If the directors determine that AJT might not be the best fit, we will refund your tuition, minus a non-refundable $100 deposit. While applying, please be honest and share any possible reasons that your child may struggle with behavioral issues, learning disabilities or social challenges because we are trying to make this experience positive for everyone involved.
Other Information:
- Ages 8-18 are welcome to Apply for the show.
- There is a mandatory parent meeting from 1:00-2:00pm on February 7.
- TWO scheduled absences are allowed and will be strictly adhered to; tech and dress rehearsals are MANDATORY during show week.
- Each family is responsible for helping sell tickets and spread the word about the show.
- Each family is expected to volunteer during show week as a dressing room attendant, in hair/make up, or as an usher, etc. All families are asked to stay after the final show for load-out.
- We are not just another junior theater company, but we strive to be the best! Being a part of Asheville Junior Theater is a commitment. We require all kids to practice dances, songs and lines at home.
- Check out our FAQs.
What is the Process to Join the Cast?
1) “Apply to Join” AJT on our web site
2) Schedule a ten-minute interview/informational call with Kelly
3) If accepted, register your child in our system, pay the fees, and get a parent portal account with our NEW software system. Yes, even those actors in our past shows still need to register in our new system.
4) Prepare for auditions by learning a song and be prepared to perform it for the directors on February 14.
Pricing
$25 Application Fee per Family
Mini Company $195
Includes:
- one hour rehearsal per week on Sundays from 12-1pm
This group will focus on introducing kids to movement, choreography and singing with theater games and repetition. The Mini Company helps kids develop confidence and provides the foundation necessary to step on the big stage once they get older.
Rising Stars $350
Includes:
- three – four months of rehearsals on Saturdays
Designed for kids who are new to theater, younger actors, or seasoned AJT students looking to grow into lead roles, this group offers a fun, supportive, and low-commitment way to build confidence and develop essential stage skills.
Conservatory $450
Includes:
- three – four months of rehearsal time on Fridays and Sundays and day-long rehearsals closer to performance time
AJT’s Conservatory is our most advanced theater group, designed for passionate and experienced young performers who are ready to fully commit to their craft. This elite ensemble is for students who take theater seriously and are eager to embrace the rigor, discipline, and artistry of professional-level productions.