DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID
Music by ALAN MENKEN, lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN & GLENN SLATER, book by DOUG WRIGHT.
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
"Disney's The Little Mermaid" is a 4 month training programme, building up to another season of NYT's dazzling performances at Auckland's Aotea Centre.
The National Youth Theatre is New Zealand's largest and longest running theatre programme for young people. We change lives from the stage, providing a space where you are embraced for who you are and encouraged to share your unique voice. This is a fantastic opportunity for young performers to be part of this spectacular production, as we bring the magic of this family favourite show to life.
Join us in bringing to life this larger than life show featuring all of your favorite characters and songs from the classic Disney film and stage show - featuring the music of 8 time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, you'll be bobbing along to "Under the Sea", "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World" before you know it!
Based on Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale, and the much loved Disney film, The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, who wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above. Ariel ends up bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
National Youth Theatre is an all-access training programme for children and young adults aged between 7 - 21. You don't need to audition to be part of the ensemble, once you register, you are part of the programme and will perform on stage in all performances. Our lead roles are auditioned from within the cast.
Rehearsals are broken up by age group and all of the skills you need to participate in the show are taught by our experienced tutors. Rehearsals are mostly on Sunday afternoons, with lead rehearsals on Thursday evenings. Rehearsals mostly take place at Bayfield School, in Herne Bay.
COURSE FEE: $595
(Needs-based scholarships are available, to find out more, click here)
REHEARSAL TIMES: Rehearsals are held each Sunday, at Bayfield Primary School Hall, 2-12 Clifton Road, Herne Bay.
(ages are by cut off date 28th June, 2026 - the final performance day)
Team Whero/Red - (7 - 9yrs) 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Team Kōwhai/Yellow - (10-11yrs) 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Team Kākāriki/Green - (12-13yrs) 2:45pm - 3:45pm
Team Kahurangi/Blue - Extension Dance (Selected by audition from Teams Green and Purple only) 3:45pm-4:45pm
Team Waiporoporo/Purple - (14-21 yrs) 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Leads on Thursdays: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Orientation Day, Saturday 14th February Schedule:
Team Whero/Red: (7-9 yrs) 1pm - 2pm
Team Kōwhai/Yellow: (10-11yrs) 2pm - 3pm
Team Kākāriki/Green: (12-13yrs) 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Team Waiporoporo/Purple: (14-21 yrs) 4.30pm - 5.30pm
At the end of the programme there will be four public performances (on Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026) and three subsidised performances for schools, on Thursday 25th at 9.45 am & 12.15 pm, and Friday 26th June at 12 pm. If your school is interested in attending please get in touch.
Important Dates
Note: Unless specified, rehearsals take place at Bayfield School.
Orientation Day for all cast: Saturday 14th February 2026
1st Rehearsal: Sunday 15th February
Rehearsals continue every Sunday except for Easter (April 5th), middle weekend of the school holidays (April 12th) and King's Birthday Weekend (May 31st)
Dance Extension Workshop: Sunday 22nd February
1st Round Auditions & Callbacks: Saturday 28th February - Sunday 1st March
Dance Extension Auditions: Sunday 8th March
Final Round Auditions: Saturday 14th March
Final Round Callbacks: Saturday 21st March
Weekend Intensive: Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd May, 2026 (Team Purple, dance extension team and selected leads required). Camp is an additional fee.
There will be rehearsal as usual for Red/Yellow/Green on this weekend
Runs: 16th and 18th June 6:30 - 9:00pm (Leads and older cast)
Runs: 20th and 21st June, Bayfield School (Full cast)
Theatre Week: Monday 22nd June - Sunday 28th June (some time will be required off school, particularly leads. All cast will require full days off school Wednesday 24th - Friday 26th June)
Performances to Schools:
Thursday 25th June, 9:45am & 12:15pm
Friday 26th June 12:00pm
Public Performances:
Friday 26th June, 7pm
Saturday 27th June, 1:30pm & 7pm
Sunday 28th June, 1:30pm
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