CATS
No audition required. Everyone performs. Join us as we bring the Jellicle Ball to the brand new Waikato Regional Theatre!
In this OnStage Hamilton programme, you’ll rehearse each Sunday afternoon in your age group, working with our inspirational tutors in singing, dance and drama.
- Performances at the Waikato Regional Theatre in November
- Everyone performs in every show
- Multiple lead casts to maximise opportunities
About the Show
Don't miss Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic CATS - hitting the Waikato Regional Theatre Stage November 2026.
The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year—the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories to Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. Featuring famous numbers such as 'Memory', 'Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats' and 'Mr. Mistoffelees' with fabulous costumes that bring this production to life.
This is CATS – Young Actors Edition, a one-act version of the beloved musical that brings together all the best moments in a fast-paced show created especially for younger audiences.
About National Youth Theatre
National Youth Theatre is an all-access training programme for children and young adults. You don't need to audition to be part of the chorus, 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.
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.
Our programmes are open to performers aged 7 - 18 years old. To make sure you're informed of our upcoming shows, sign up for our newsletter!
Important Dates
Orientation Day: Saturday 8th August
1st Rehearsal: Sunday 9th August
Rehearsals continue every Sunday except for middle weekend of the school holidays, October 4th.
REHEARSAL TIMES: (ages are by cut off date 8th November 2026)
Juniors (7-9yrs) 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Intermediate - (10-12yrs) 1:45pm -3:00pm
Seniors - (13-18yrs) 3:30pm -4:45pm
Leads (As required) 4:45pm - 6:30pm
Leads - Thursdays 6.30-8.30pm (Leads are selected from within the cast during rehearsals)
Auditions for lead roles: Saturday 22nd August
First Lead rehearsal: Thursday 27th August
Lead rehearsals continue every Thursday except 1st and 8th October (School Holidays), and at the end of every Sunday rehearsal. Not all leads will necesarily be required at all lead rehearsals, a detailed schedule will be released closer to the start of the programme.
Theatre Week: Tuesday 3rd - Sunday 9th November (some time will be required off school this week)
Theatre Week takes place at the Waikato Regional Theatre.
Rehearsals: Tuesday 3rd - Wednesday 4th November (Timing TBC) - a full day will be required off school on Wednesday (Dress Rehearsal).
Performances: Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th November - full days will be required off school Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November
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