2025-2026 Studio Season
From MTI:
Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including “The Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Oompa Loompa Song,” and “Pure Imagination.”
The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is your golden ticket to producing a crowd-pleasing, outrageous ensemble musical with plenty of delicious roles!
Auditions/Callbacks: Sept. 26-28, 2025
Performances: Dec. 12-14, 19-21, 2025 (two weekends)
Ages: 8-19
Location: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University
From the creators who brought you Grimm and The Girls of Summer comes a brand new, infectiously fun musical that has a lttle bit of history and a little bit of legend, wrapped up with a lasso and arriving the Spring of 2026 riding on the back of a tornado.
Tall Tales brings the stories of the Wild West to life through a Night at the Museum-style plot, unforgettably big characters, and countrified toe-tapping music that you’ll be whistling on the car ride home. Hear the tales of how the Grand Canyon was made, how a man working the timber and the rail bore his way through a mountain, and how behind every bang-tailed swaggerin’ man, there’s a woman who’s rollin’ her eyes.
This brand new musical has everything you need—wild heart men and sharp-shootin’ women, and jus’ about ever’thing in between 🙂
With Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Davy Crockett, Annie Oakley, Slue-Foot Sue, John Henry, and Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett . . . among a host of other larger than life characters, Tall Tales is bound to be your latest favorite from Adam & Courtney Walsh!
Auditions/Callbacks: January 9-11, 2026
Performances: March 13-15, 2026 (includes School Day Matinees on March 13)
Ages: 8-19
Location: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University
Welcome to Agrabah! City of mystery, of enchantment . . . and the finest merchandise this side of the river Jordan! On sale today! Come on down!
W’re so thrilled to be able to bring this magical Disney musical to the Studio stage—and we hope you’re just as excited to soar above the rooftops on a magic carpet ride!
From MTI:
“Disney’s Aladdin JR. is based on the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within.
The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for your young performers!”
Auditions/Callbacks: April 10-12, 2026
Performances: June 12-14, 19-21, 2026
Location: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University
Ages: 8-13
Stop the presses! Newsies is coming back to The Studio stage!
From MTI:
“It’s time to carry the banner on your stage with Disney’s Newsies! Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.”
Auditions/Callbacks: May 1-3, 2026
Performances: July 10-12, 17-19, 2026
Location: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University
Ages: 14+
