DISNEY'S "THE LITTLE MERMAID JR" - CHRISTCHURCH
NYT is back in Christchurch!
National Youth Theatre Production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr" is hitting the Isaac Theatre Royal Stage in August 2026.
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
"Disney's The Little Mermaid JR" is a 3 month training programme, building up to another season of NYT's dazzling performances at Ĺtautahi's Isaac Theatre Royal .
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.
National Youth Theatre is an all-access training programme for children and young adults aged between 7 - 18. 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.
From classic literature to the Academy Award-winning film and Broadway musical, Ariel’s undersea journey is a beautiful love story for the ages. Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture (featuring the enormously popular Academy Award- winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics).
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.
Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. features the hit songs “Part of Your World,” “She’s in Love,” and the Oscar®- winning “Under the Sea.” Register now to join our cast in bringing to life the much loved characters from this musical.
Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. is a One Act/One Hour version of the timeless musical, a must-see and is perfect for the whole family!
COURSE FEE: $480.00
At the end of the programme there will be four public performances (on Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August 2026) and three subsidised performances for schools, on Thursday 06th at 9.45 am & 12.15 pm, and Friday 7th August at 12 pm. If your school is interested in attending please get in touch.
Photographs from our 2014 Auckland Production:

Important Dates
1st Rehearsal: Sunday 17th May 2026
Rehearsals continue every Sunday except for middle weekend of the school holidays.
REHEARSAL TIMES: (ages are by cut off date 9th August 2026)
Juniors (7-9yrs) 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Intermediate - (10-12yrs) 1:45pm -3:00pm
Leads (As required) 3:30pm -5:15pm
Seniors - (13-18yrs) 5:15pm - 6:30pm
Leads (As required) - Thursdays 6.30-8.30pm (Leads are selected from within the cast during rehearsals)
Auditions for lead roles: Saturday 6th June 2026
First Lead rehearsal: Thursday 4th June 2026
Lead rehearsals continue every Thursday 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 4th - Sunday 9th August (some time will be required off school this week)
Theatre Week takes place at the Isaac Theatre Royal.
Rehearsals: Tuesday 4th August - Wednesday 5th August (Timing TBC) - a full day will be required off school on Wednesday (Dress Rehearsal).
Performances: Thursday 6th August - Sunday 9th August - full days will be required off school Thursday and Friday.