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Descendants: The Musical (13 and up only)

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Descendants: The Musical

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm

Summer 2025

Age Range: 13 years and up
Director: 
Kathleen Horrigan
Experience:  None required!
Non-Refundable:  $75 is non-refundable
Withdrawal/Refund:  If student withdraws before first rehearsal begins, the program fee, minus the non-refundable portion, will be refunded.  After first rehearsal beings, 100% of program fee is non-refundable.

Production Details

We are excited to welcome you to our youth theater program! As a parent of a theater student, you may be wondering what to expect from this enriching experience. Following is an overview of our youth theater program, what your child will learn and what you can look forward to during the production.

Our Productions

Our youth theater shows are licensed productions that include high quality musical orchestration recordings and scripts.  The shows are full, age-appropriate productions directed by our professional Directors with years of theater experience.  This is a “teaching program” that is inclusive of all students.  No experience required.  Every student who enrolls is guaranteed a role (or multiple roles).  Auditions are not required to join the production, but auditions are required in order for our Directors to assign roles.  Cold reading is done in the first rehearsal and singing auditions are usually held during the second rehearsal of most productions.  We limit our shows to 27 or fewer students.  If we have more than 27 students we will form an additional cast.  We do this so our Directors can dedicate more time to each student and improve their growth in the theatrical arts.  Multiple casts also provide us a built-in “under study” for every role in every cast should we need to fill a role along the way.  Multiple casts also means more opportunities for leading and secondary roles.  Students will have a great time, make friends, and build relationships while learning and growing in the theatrical arts.

Learning Experience

Participating in a theater production is a comprehensive educational journey. Your child will develop a variety of skills, including:

  • Acting Techniques:  Students will learn how to embody their characters, understand script analysis, and deliver lines with emotion and clarity.
  • Collaboration:  Theater is a team effort. Your child will work closely with peers, learning the importance of communication, trust, and support in a collaborative environment.
  • Creative Expression:  Students will explore their creativity through character development, improvisation, and storytelling, allowing them to express themselves in unique ways.

Costumes

Costumes play a vital role in bringing a production to life.  Costumes are not included in the program fee and must be obtained by the student family.  Most costumes can be purchased for under $50, custom made, or assembled with items around your home, thrift stores, or borrowing from friends and family.  Our Directors and production coordinators will offer guidance and suggestions to help with the look and feel for continuity with the show and other actors and actresses.  In certain situations the school might provide role-specific accessories or props.

Choreography

For productions that include dance or movement, students will learn choreography during rehearsals. They will learn how to integrate movement with their acting, enhancing their performance and adding depth to the storytelling. This aspect of theater encourages physical expression and helps build confidence.

Theater Tech

Behind the scenes, students will gain insight into the technical aspects of theater, including lighting, sound, and set design. They will learn how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere of the production. This knowledge is invaluable, as it fosters an appreciation for the collaborative nature of theater.

Microphones

To ensure that every performance is heard clearly, we provide microphones for each student. This allows them to focus on their performance without worrying about projection, enabling them to deliver their lines with confidence. Students will receive training on how to use the microphones effectively, which is an essential skill in modern theater.

Other Aspects of Theatrical Arts

In addition to acting, choreography, and technical skills, your child will also learn about stage management, audience engagement, improvisation, and the importance of rehearsal discipline. They will experience the thrill of live performance, understanding the hard work and dedication that goes into each show.

Private/Closed Rehearsals

Please note that per licensing contract and in the interest of safety, only actors/actresses, staff, crew, volunteers, and other production coordinators are allowed in the recital hall during rehearsals.

Student Conduct

We strive to create a safe, positive and respectful learning environment for all participants and aim to foster creativity, collaboration, and personal growth while ensuring that all students understand their responsibilities and the expectations of behavior.  We expect students to arrive on time, prepared, and ready to engage in the lesson. Respect for the instructor, fellow students, and the learning space is paramount; this includes listening attentively, refraining from disruptive behaviors, and maintaining a positive attitude. Students are encouraged to express themselves and ask questions, but must do so in a manner that is considerate of others. Any behavior that undermines the learning experience, such as excessive talking, distractions, or disrespectful comments, will be addressed promptly. Our goal is to foster a supportive community where every student can thrive and develop their musical talents.

For all our policies please visit our polices page:

https://jieun-lee-music-academy.odoo.com/policies

Length of Show

Kids productions (7 to 12 year olds) are usually a single act show lasting 30 to 40 minute.  Junior productions (5th grade and up) are usually two act shows lasting 60 to 70 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Rehearsals

Fishers:  Rehearsals are in The Switch Theatre inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.  Final shows are in same theater.

Carmel:  Rehearsals are in Goodwin Hall inside Meridian Music School.  Spring and Fall shows are held at The Switch Theatre.  Summer camp shows are held in Goodwin Hall.

Auditions

Auditions are not required to participate in our theater programs.  Every student who enrolls in the program is guaranteed a role (perhaps multiple roles).  There is a cold reading audition during the first rehearsal and a singing audition during the second rehearsal.  The songs for the singing audition will be taught during the first rehearsal.  This approach allows our Directors to make the best decision for role assignments.  Our Directors make their decisions based on students’ performance during the first and second rehearsals and which students they believe best fit the unique needs of each character in the show.

Program Fee

Includes the following:

  • Script
  • Music tracks
  • Rehearsals
  • Shows (2 to 3 shows per production)
  • Show T-Shirt
  • Video (only when video license available).  Most shows have video license.

Audio/Video Recording

Please note these programs are copyrighted works of art.  Recording any portion of the show is prohibited, but most (not all) productions come with an optional video recording license. If such license is available we will secure the rights to video record the show.  Our theater in Fishers is equipped with professional recording equipment.  When allowed, we will provide a professionally recorded copy of the final show.

Tech Week

Tech week includes at least one regular rehearsal and one dress rehearsal followed by shows on Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday.

Call Time

60 to 70 minutes before showtime

Locations

Fishers:  The Switch Theatre inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.
Carmel:  Goodwin Hall inside Meridian Music School

Tickets

Final shows are ticketed events with assigned seating.  We will notify families multiple times before the start of ticket sales so everyone has equal opportunity to purchase tickets.  All sales are final.  NO REFUNDS!  Due to assigned seating and the fact most of our shows sell out, we do not refund ticket purchases.  Purchase tickets here:

Switch Theatre:  https://switchtheatre.simpletix.com
Goodwin Hall:  https://goodwinhall.simpletix.com/

The Switch Theatre

All productions (except Carmel summer camps) take place in The Switch Theatre in Fishers.  This black box style theater is located inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.  With comfortable seating for up to 175, our theater has a raised, 30′ x 20′ stage, theatrical lights and special effects, high quality audio, and back stage green rooms for our young actors and actresses.  When entering the theater you are greeted with a nice lobby featuring a concession stand serving many standard concession candies, cotton candy, popcorn, wide variety of drinks, and other concession items.

Enrollment in our youth theater production guarantees your young actress/actor will be cast in the production -- no audition required.  There is an audition (usually during second rehearsal) that Directors need to determine casting.  Students will receive basic audition prep and guidance before audition day.

How to prepare for an audition.

Preparing for a musical theater audition can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. To set yourself up for success, it’s essential to start with a solid understanding of the material you’ll be performing. Choose a song that showcases your vocal range and acting abilities, and make sure it aligns with the character you’re auditioning for. Spend time analyzing the lyrics and the emotions behind them; this will help you deliver a more authentic and compelling performance. Additionally, practice your song repeatedly, focusing on both technical aspects, such as pitch and rhythm, and expressive elements, like dynamics and phrasing. Remember, confidence is key, so the more prepared you are, the more comfortable you will feel on audition day.

In addition to your song, be ready to demonstrate your acting skills and movement abilities. Many auditions will include a cold reading or a dance combination, so familiarize yourself with the material and be open to direction from the audition panel. Always remember to shake the director's hand when you first meet them; this simple gesture shows professionalism and respect. Warm up your body and voice before the audition to ensure you’re in peak condition. It’s also helpful to research the production and its characters, as this knowledge can inform your choices and help you connect with the material on a deeper level. Finally, remember to bring your unique personality to the audition; casting directors are looking for individuals who can bring characters to life in a way that is fresh and engaging. Embrace the experience, and no matter the outcome, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a performer.

### Things to Do at Home to Prepare for the Audition:

  • **Choose Your Song:** Select a song that fits the character and showcases your vocal strengths.
  • **Practice Regularly:** Set aside time each day to practice singing your chosen song, focusing on both technique and emotion.
  • **Learn the Lyrics:** Memorize the lyrics thoroughly to ensure you can perform confidently without looking at the music.
  • **Record Yourself:** Use a phone or camera to record your practice sessions. This will help you identify areas for improvement.
  • **Work on Acting:** Practice delivering the song with emotion and character. Consider how the character would feel and express that in your performance.
  • **Warm-Up Exercises:** Incorporate vocal and physical warm-up exercises into your routine to prepare your body and voice.
  • **Research the Show:** Learn about the musical and its characters to better understand the context of your audition piece.
  • **Mock Auditions:** Have family members or friends act as the audition panel and perform your song for them to simulate the audition experience.
  • **Prepare Your Outfit:** Choose an outfit that is appropriate for the audition and makes you feel confident.
  • **Stay Positive:** Practice positive affirmations and visualization techniques to build your confidence and reduce anxiety before the audition.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to shine in your musical theater audition!

Our youth theater productions conclude with 2 or 3 shows on the same weekend.  The shows are ticketed with assigned seating, but unlike many theater companies in the area, we do not have mandatory or minimum ticket purchase requirement.

The enrollment fee includes the following:

  • Rehearsals (Kids -12 weeks; Jr. - 15 weeks)
  • Professional script
  • Professionally recorded practice song tracks with sing-a-long vocals
  • Professionally recorded song tracks with no vocals (used during the shows)
  • T-Shirt
  • Video:  Recording of final show.  Only when video license is available.  Most shows have a video license

Once upon a time, Belle and the Beast united all the Disney fairy tale kingdoms in an idyllic land called Auradon. To ensure peace in Auradon, villains and their sidekicks were banished to the Isle of the Lost, a wretched, magic-free island. Separated by a magical portal, the citizens lived isolated from each other for many years.

Twenty years later, in present day Auradon, Ben - the teenaged son of Belle and the Beast - prepares a speech for his upcoming coronation ("Better Together - Prelude 1"). Ben reveals his first official decree to his parents: the children on the Isle of the Lost will come to live in Auradon. As a test run, Ben has chosen the children of Maleficent, Evil Queen Grimhilde, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil to leave the Isle to attend Auradon Prep. Terrified of this plan, Belle and the Beast tell their son that this will be his one chance to bring villains into their world; if it fails, the portal between the two worlds will be closed forever.

On the Isle of the Lost, Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos - the troublemaking teenaged offspring of those four infamous villains - receive their invitation to leave the Isle to attend school in Auradon. Mal, the leader of the pack, ensures her friends they can stay on the Isle, where they rule the streets ("Rotten to the Core").

Maleficent, Jafar, Grimhilde, and Cruella arrive to discuss the news with their children. Maleficent identifies an opportunity for revenge: If their children are released into Auradon, they can help the villains take over the free world. Maleficent persuades Mal to go to Auradon, steal Fairy Godmother's wand, and use it to open the portal so that they can rule both worlds together ("Evil Like Me"). Mal agrees, and the four friends (the "Evils") step through the portal to Auradon.

In Auradon, the Evils are greeted by the students of Auradon Prep ("Be Our Guest"). Despite their cheery welcome, there is immediate tension between the students and the newcomers. Fairy Godmother, the headmistress, welcomes them to the school, reminding them that magic is illegal on the premises and that they must follow the rules ("Good Is the New Bad - Preprise"). They meet Ben, his girlfriend, Audrey (Sleeping Beauty's daughter), Chad (Cinderella and Prince Charming's son), Doug (Dopey's son), and Jane (Fairy Godmother's daughter).

The Evils briefly pretend to fit in, but surreptitiously return to their troublemaking ways, wreaking havoc in the school hallways ("Good Is the New Bad - Part 1"). Evie has developed a crush on Chad, and tries to get his attention by cheating off her magic mirror in Professor Maurice's Chemistry Class. Tensions between the students and the Evils escalate, as Audrey and Maurice confront Ben about how poorly the Evils are assimilating into society ("Good Is the New Bad - Part 2").

In their dorm room, the Evils craft a plan to steal Fairy Godmother's wand from the Museum of Cultural History. As they sneak out, they are spotted by Fairy Godmother and Jane, who decides to follow them to the museum.

At the museum, Mal recites a spell from her mother's spell book, causing the guard to fall asleep. After a rare moment of indecision ("Evil Like Me - Reprise 1"), Mal grabs for the wand, but a forcefield protects it. Jay attempts to lunge for the wand, setting off the museum alarm. Carlos turns off the security system and the Evils sneak out of the museum uncaught - though followed by Jane.

In Remedial Goodness class, Fairy Godmother allows the Evils to video chat with their parents back on the Isle, who are dreaming about their impending takeover ("Rotten to the Core - Parents' Revenge"). Later, Jay and Carlos join the Tourney team, showing off skills they didn't know they had ("Goal"). Despite their athletic success, the Evils still face difficulties fitting in; Audrey insults Mal, Chad scams Evie into doing his homework, and Jane unsuccessfully attempts to tell a distracted Fairy Godmother about their visit to the museum. In spite of this, some Auradonians begin to appreciate the newcomers ("Good Is the New Bad - Reprise 1").

Ben visits the Evils in their dorm room, and Mal tries to get information on the wand. Ben tells Mal that his girlfriend will stand with him at the coronation, near Fairy Godmother as she uses her wand to crown him. With a tear from a lonely Jane, the Evils use Mal's spellbook to whip up a batch of love-spelled cookies, crucial to their new plan of making Ben fall for Mal so she can be within arm's reach of the wand at the coronation ("Ways to Be Wicked - Preprise").

Mal offers the potioned cookies to Ben, who instantly falls under the spell, professing his love for her in front of the whole school and inviting her to the coronation ("Did I Mention"). In response, Audrey takes Chad as her new boyfriend, much to Evie's dismay.

On their first date, Mal and Ben share the obligations and pressures of their lives, causing Mal to feel real feelings for him ("Better Together - Prelude 2"). Ben finds Maleficent's spellbook in Mal's bag and explodes in anger, mad at her for disobeying the rules of the kingdom and leaning into her villainous impulses. Mal storms off.

Back in the dorm, Mal announces that she is leaving for the Isle and asks Evie to come with her. Evie admits that, while heartbroken over Chad, she doesn't want to leave Auradon. The best friends promise they will always care for each other, no matter the world they choose ("Space Between"). Mal sets off for the Isle.

When Ben comes looking for Mal, Evie agrees to take him to the Isle to find her, but insists he follow her lead to fit in ("Chillin' Like a Villain"). Meanwhile, back in Auradon, the school erupts in chaos; Audrey and Chad happily tell Ben's parents that the Evils are the cause of the disorder ("Good Is the New Bad - Reprise 2").

Evie, Jay, and Carlos find Mal on the Isle. They reveal that Ben is with them, eager to convince Mal to return to Auradon. Suddenly, Maleficent appears and Mal distracts her, allowing her friends to safely escape. Ben lingers and overhears Mal telling her mother about the love spell and their intent to steal the wand. Torn between two worlds, Ben and Mal wonder what the future holds and what their obligations are to their respective communities ("If Only").

Back in Auradon, Maurice confronts Evie about cheating in class with her magic mirror. Doug, who has developed a crush on Evie, stands up for her, and Maurice agrees to return the mirror if Evie can pass a test without it. Audrey and Chad rile up the Auradonians against Ben and the Evils ("Ways to Be Wicked"). Mal returns to Auradon, and, seeing the way the Evils have been vilified, the foursome commit to their plan to steal the wand.

On the day of the coronation, the Evil Parents watch the proceedings on TV until Maleficent reveals that she plans to rule the world solo - without the other villains. Evie learns she aced her make-up test and invites Doug to the coronation as her date. Meanwhile, Ben admits to Mal that he hasn't been under the effects of the love potion since going to the Isle, where magic doesn't work, and that he truly cares about her.

The coronation commences ("Go the Distance - Chorale") and just as the Fairy Godmother moves to anoint Ben, Jane snatches the wand out of her hand, inadvertently opening the portal between lands. She revels briefly in her power, until Mal snatches the wand, pointing it at the crowd. Ben encourages Mal to make the right choice, but before she can decide her next move, Maleficent bursts through the window and takes the wand from her daughter. As Maleficent points the wand at Ben, Mal realizes her deep feelings of love for him - feelings her mom never showed for her. Maleficent revels in her evilness, towering over the Auradonians ("Evil Like Me - Reprise 2").

Working together, Jay, Carlos, Evie, and Mal use their once-evil plans to steal the wand back from Maleficent. Encanting a spell from memory, they cause Maleficent to shrink to the size of the love in her heart. Mal returns the wand to Fairy Godmother. Having used their powers for good, the Evils are welcomed fully by the Auradonians ("Better Together"), and Ben declares that the portal between the two worlds shall be opened forever ("Break This Down").

Mal

Our hero and Maleficent’s daughter. Under her hardened, sarcastic exterior, she has a sense of justice and a heart of gold.

Gender: female. 

Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: G3

Evie

The Evil Queen Grimhilde’s daughter. She hides her brilliance behind a superficial, image-obsessed attitude.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: G3

Jay

Jafar’s son—an outwardly arrogant thief. He conceals a strategic, collaborative nature.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: Eb3

Carlos

Cruella de Vil’s son. Despite a fear of dogs and just about everything else, he has the capacity to be brave and kind.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: Eb3

Maleficent

The infamous evil fairy. She is a profoundly selfish absentee parent with an unquenchable taste for vengeance.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: A3

Grimhilde

Snow White’s wicked adversary. An aging beauty queen, she is still desperate to be the fairest of them all.

Gender: female

Jafar

Aladdin’s nemesis. He is a slimy, washed-up crime lord desperate for a way back to the top.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: E4. Vocal range bottom: B2

Cruella de Vil

A Dalmatian-loving dog-snatcher. She is an obsessive, eccentric, and overbearing helicopter mom

Gender: female

Vocal range top: B4. Vocal range bottom: B3

Ben

Son of the Beast and Belle. He is a classically regal, optimistic kid who bears the weight of soon becoming King of Auradon.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: Bb4. Vocal range bottom: Ab2

King Beast

Ben’s father and King of Auradon. Royal and rule-driven, he knows a bit about being marginalized.

Gender: male

Queen Belle

Ben’s mother and Queen of Auradon. Warm, but cautious, she doesn’t understand her son’s generation.

Gender: female

Fairy Godmother

Headmistress of Auradon Prep. Busy and bubbly, she’ll do anything to keep the school afloat.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: D5  Vocal range bottom: D4

Jane

Fairy Godmother’s daughter. Meek and mousy, but hungry for attention, she’s looking for her moment to shine.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: E4

Chad

Cinderella and Prince Charming’s son. An arrogant and spoiled blockhead, he’s never wanted for anything.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: D4. Vocal range bottom: B2

Audrey

Sleeping Beauty’s daughter. The malicious queen bee of Auradon Prep, she has her eye on the throne.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: B4. Vocal range bottom: A3

Doug

Dopey’s son. Nerdy and sweet, he does all the work that his fellow students don’t want to do.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: E4. Vocal range bottom: C4

Royal Page

Auradonian messenge, enormously nervous.

Royal Guard

Museum employee, less than vigilant.

Maurice

Chemistry teacher and Belle’s father. He is kooky and stuck in his ways.

Gender: male

Coach

Tourney coach, resigned to the team’s mediocrity until meeting a surprise star player.

Snow White

Red carpet reporter. She is the voice of the masses.

Gender: female

Ensemble

Roles include: Isle Ensemble (including Smitten Kids 1 & 2), Auradonians (including Auradonians 1 & 2), Coronation Crowd (including Crowd Members 1, 2 & 3), Auradonian Choir

  • Better Together (Prelude 1)
  • Rotten to the Core
  • Evil Like Me
  • Be Our Guest
  • Good Is The New Bad (Part 1)
  • Good Is The New Bad (Part 2)
  • Evil Like Me (Reprise 1)
  • Rotten to the Core (Parents' Revenge)
  • Goal
  • Good Is The New Bad (Reprise 1)
  • Ways to Be Wicked (Preprise)
  • Did I Mention
  • Better Together (Prelude 2)
  • Space Between
  • Chillin' Like a Villain (Part 1)
  • Chillin' Like a Villain (Part 2)
  • Good Is The New Bad (Reprise 2)
  • If Only
  • Ways to Be Wicked
  • Go the Distance (Chorale)
  • Evil Like Me (Reprise 2)
  • Better Together
  • Break This Down

Timeline

Week-by-week timeline with basic info of what is covered each week.

June 3

Rehearsal 1

15 min Parent Meeting & Greeting

Cold Reading, learn about singing audition and song selections.

June 5

Rehearsal 2

Singing audition and possibly brief dance audition.


June 10

Rehearsal 3

Blocking 1

June 12

Rehearsal 4

Blocking 2

June 17

Rehearsal 5

Blocking 3

June 19

Rehearsal 6

Start adding Choreography with Blockings.

June 24

Rehearsal 7

Costume ideas

June 26

Rehearsal 8

Off the book - students need to memorize their lines and songs 100% by this rehearsal!!!

July 1

NO Rehearsal

Break

July 3

NO Rehearsal

Break

July 8

Rehearsal 9

Review

July 10

Rehearsal 10

Run Through 1st Half

July 15

Rehearsal 11

Run Through 2nd Half

July 17

Rehearsal 12

Run through with lights and costumes.

July 22, 6pm-9 pm (3 hours)

Tech Rehearsal 1

July 24, 6-9pm (3 hours)

Tech Rehearsal 2

Costumes, lights, set, Mics.

7/25/25 - 7:30PM

Show 1

Call Time:  6:15PM

All Cast members should be in the backstage with their costumes on and ready for the mics by the call time.

Show Time:  7:30PM

All shows are ticketed events with assigned seating. The tickets will be available about a month prior to the show dates.

7/26/2025 - 2:30PM

Show 2

Call Time:  1:15PM

All Cast members should be in the backstage with their costumes on and ready for the mics by the call time.

Show Time:  2:30PM

All shows are ticketed events with assigned seating. The tickets will be available about a month prior to the show dates.

Check Out Our Previous Shows!

Click on a show for photos and synopsis of a previous show!

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