Synopsis

Imagine Theatre is honored to have been selected to perform at a national theatrical conference! This conference draws theatre-makers and organizations from across the country (including representatives from the licensing houses MTI, Concord, and Disney Theatricals) and features a dedicated sub-conference for youth - including youth productions and workshops. The conference this year is in Rochester, Minnesota, June 15th through 19th. 

 

See more below about the production we will be performing. After the performance, we will receive feedback and adjudication for award consideration. Throughout the week, youth would attend youth-dedicated theatrical workshops, watch other youth performances, or even watch/attend the adult performances! Older students will enjoy the chance to network with organizations and companies from across North America, really expanding their understanding of the national theatrical landscape. 

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We would also, of course, take some time to enjoy the beautiful city of Rochester!

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The hosting organization describes the conference as: 

• ... brings young theatre artists together from across the country to perform, learn, connect, and take part in AACT’s national theatre festival experience.

• Participating youth theatre groups will share their work, receive learning-centered adjudication, attend workshops, and experience the energy of the broader theatrical community.

• Participating groups present performances in a supportive, educational environment that emphasizes growth, collaboration, learning, and celebration of the theatrical arts. Each performance includes both open and private adjudication sessions designed to encourage reflection, discussion, and artistic development.

• In addition to performances and adjudication, participants can take part in workshops, festival activities, mentoring opportunities, and community-building experiences while connecting with theatre artists from across the country.

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The Production

Imagine Theatre is excited to be presenting the new(er) title from Disney, called Dare to Dream Jr.!

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"Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. is a 60-minute musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, Dare to Dream JR. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II. This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages."

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Imagine chose to request this title for a few main reasons

• Lots of Opportunities: The show is not centered around a few characters, but rather a larger group of 15 roles who get a lot of solo opportunities, in addition to a robust ensemble. 

• Songs: As mentioned above, the script has AMAZING songs! Some from movies that do not even have theatrical adaptations! Examples include: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, How Far I'll Go/Part of Your World, Just Around the Riverbend/Out There, Surface Pressure, Let It Go, Friend Like You, Dig A Little Deeper, Try Everything, Go the Distance, When I am Older, Bare Necessities, Remember Me, I've Got a Dream, Etc. 

• Possibilities: When I (Alec) attended the virtual presentation/release of this title, the Disney creators really leaned into how this is a show for everyone - meaning anyone can sing any song. For example, we know that the song "Just Around the River Bend" is from the Disney film Pochahontis and is sung by a Native American character. In Dare to Dream, the song is not sung by Pochahontis, but rather a group of Disney "trainees" who are reminiscing about the meaning and power of the song, and what it means to them. This also means songs like Let It Go, typically sung by the female character Elsa, could be sung by a boy! Again, the songs being sung are not about the characters who typically sing them, but about the power and meaning that song has in our own lives. 

 

Students who apply to join Imagine in this production would be cast based on what Imagine already knows about their skills. There is no separate or dedicated audition process. See more below about the application. 

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The Cast/Crew will perform twice at the Boring Damascus Grange before heading on the trip. 

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Dates

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REHEARSALS & MEETINGS (Location of rehearsals/meetings will be determined as they get closer but will be at either OGUMC or the BD Grange based on other Imagine programs). At the time of planning, these dates do not conflict with any Imagine programming, unless noted.

• Dec. 21st 2026, Monday, 2:30-5:30pm 

• Dec. 22nd, 2026, Tuesday, 2:30-5:30pm 

• Dec. 23rd, 2026, Wednesday, 2:30-5:30pm 

• Jan. 18th, 2027, Monday, 10am-3pm

• Feb. 2nd, 2027, Tuesday, 6-8pm - PARENT MEETING

• Feb. 15th, 2027, Monday, 12-5pm

• Feb 22nd, 2027, Monday, 6-8pm

• March 8th, 2027, Monday, 6-8pm

• March 10th, 2027, Wednesday, 6-8pm

• March 15th, 2027, Monday, 6-8pm - PARENT MEETING

• March 19th, 2027, Friday, 6-9pm (Little Women Auditions)

• March 20th, 2027, Saturday, 9-2pm (Little Women Callbacks)

• March 22nd, 2027, Monday, 2-6pm

• March 23rd, 2027, Tuesday, 2-6pm 

• April 2nd, 2027, Friday 6-9pm (LW rehearsal, Thespian Conference)

• April 3rd, 2027, Saturday 2-6pm (LW rehearsal, Thespian Conference)

• May 17th, 2027, Monday, 6-8pm - PARENT MEETING

• May 31st, 2027, Monday, 12pm-5pm

• June 1st, 2027, Tuesday, 6-8pm - LAST PARENT MEETING

TECH (At BD Grange)

• June 7th-10th (Mon-Thurs), 6-9pm

OREGON PERFORMANCES

• June 11th at 7pm, Call time 6pm

• June 12th at 2pm, Call time 1pm. 

CONFERENCE DATES

• June 14th, Monday - LEAVE OREGON (Expected afternoon flight, arrive in Minnesota late)

• June 15th, Tuesday - Explore Rochester (Art Museum, music concert, pool, etc.) Conference kickoff in the evening. 

• June 16th-19th - Conference Happenings

• June 20th: Return home!

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CONFLICTS: In the application, students and families will be asked to declare any known conflicts. We understand that some conflicts may arise that were unknown due to how far out this is planned, but it is expected and required that you prioritize the limited number of rehearsals we have planned, even if it means missing out on other opportunities that may not be known at the moment.  Number of conflicts will be a determining factor in the application process. ​

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Cost

Imagine is always dedicated to expanding opportunity and reducing barriers, but this is an offering that does come with a high cost both time-wise (rehearsals December through June) and money-wise.

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An opportunity like this has many costs: staffing, licensing, sets/props/costumes, room & board, food, and airfare. Imagine has an outlined plan below to mitigate these costs through shared group fundraising, as well as some opportunities for individual fundraising. 

• Youth Cost Breakdown

  • Conference Registration Fee: $250 ​

  • Air & Minnesota Transportation: $780 (Airfare plus travel to and from the airport)

  • Room (Hotel): $270 (Assumes 4 youth per room)(Youth may request a room with only one other youth for a total of $540) (Doubles are based on request only. No singles.)

  • Food: $250 (Breakfast of oatmeal cups, yogurt, fruit, pancakes to-go, etc. Lunches include a variety of sandwich options to take to the conference. Dinners include easily shared meals like pizza, Chipotle, etc.)

  • Staffing: $370 (Artistic Team, supervision, etc.)

  • Materials: $200 (licensing, sets, costumes, props, etc.)

• Shared Group Fundraising

  • Each student is promised at least a $550 credit towards their cost from the start. This will be achieved through group fundraising, including: 

    • 2 Ticketed performances in Oregon

    • Minute-To-Give-It Funds from Imagine's Spring '26 Term

    • Grants

    • Concessions Sales at Imagine's Season Announcement, etc.

    • *If these fundraising efforts fall under the anticipated goal, Imagine will eat the cost. If they exceed the goal, additional funds will be credited to accounts/balances.

• Individual Fundraising Opportunities

  • Students can opt to have a personal fundraising page created for this opportunity so that friends and family can have their support be tax-deductible through Imagine. This would be great for sharing in a "GoFundMe style" with a video from the youth sharing why this opportunity is important to them, etc. Imagine would roll this opportunity out in Jan. 2027 for those interested. ​

  • Youth could do individual fundraisers like collecting cans & bottles - which Imagine could then take and credit funds to their account through the Blue Bag program. Because we can't directly track which bag is which when deposited, a base amount of $8 per bag will be credited.

  • Other Individual Fundraisers? Imagine could offer something like selling Jamba Cards as a fundraiser in April 2027, and is open to other ideas that do not create a lot of admin work, etc. 

• Total Youth Cost

  • In Room of 4: $2120 - $550 Group Fundraising Credit = $1570

  • In Room of 2: $2390 - $550 Group Fundraising Credit = $1840

• Payment Plans/Options: During the application process, families will be asked which option they prefer. There are higher costs in the initial months as we need immediate funds to purchase airfare, reserve the hotel, etc. 

  • Pay-Now: Pay the full cost at once ($550 Group Fundraising credit applied to invoice)

  • Bi-Monthly Pay: $560 12/1/27, $500 2/1/27, $255 4/1/27,  $255 6/1/27 ($550 Group Fundraising credit applied April & June)

  • Monthly Pay: $400 12/1/27, $300 1/1/27, $300 2/1/27, $200 3/1/27, $200 4/1/27, $85.5 5/1/27, $85.5 6/1/27 ($550 Group Fundraising credit applied March through June)

• Under Budget? If line items like Airfare come under budget, then a credit will be applied to a future bill, or refund will be processed if applicable.

• Other costs? 

  • Airport food, souvenirs, cost for travel supplies if you do not have some, like luggage; cost for extra luggage, funds if students want something other than what is provided (allergies will be accommodated); students who are 18 need a Real ID or Passport; etc. 

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Unfortunately, Imagine does not have the capacity to offer scholarship funds for this opportunity. Additionally, Imagine-Credit accrued from working camps is not eligible for use due to the hard costs. 

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*Once your application has been accepted, families have accepted the offer email, and the first payment has been made, funds are non-refundable. If a student drops for any reason, Imagine will attempt to recover any and all funds from costs already incurred, but no refunds are promised. If a student drops, they/the family must still pay for the costs already incurred by Imagine on their behalf, including materials and staffing costs. The amount due would be determined by when they drop and what has been paid on their behalf. A final invoice would be sent over and due within 15 days of receipt. Any funds Imagine recovers would be refunded as able. Students with unpaid invoices will not be allowed to participate in any future programming or auditions until the travel invoice is paid in full. Dropping this opportunity may also impact future casting opportunities. This policy applies to students who are cut from the cast due to their own actions - which could include behavior issues, major rehearsal attendance issues, etc.

**This policy applies to all circumstances. This also applies to adult chaperones who are paying to attend. 

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Adult Chaperones

The financial plan accounts for 3-4 chaperones (assuming 15-20 youth attend), whose travel costs are completely paid for. Some of these will be taken by Imagine Staff. During the application process below, adults can select if they: 

• Would like to be considered for a cost-paid-for position (shared room with one other adult) - VERY COMPETITIVE

• Would pay half their way ($850 shared room, $1334 single room) - HELPFUL!

• Would like to pay their own way ($1700 shared room, $2180 single room) - VERY HELPFUL!​

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If covering all or a portion of the fees, payment plans would be offered in a similar manner to the youth offerings with a bulk amount due in sooner to secure flights, etc. 

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Chaperones will be expected to supervise students at all times, share overnight duties on a rotating basis, support with student behaviors/needs, be VERY organized and communicative, pass a background check (if Imagine does not already have one on file), and attend a few extra meetings as we get closer to June. 

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Application ​

• To be considered, youth must be at least 10 years old by April 2027, with priority given to those who are 11 by April 2027. Youth must have been in at least one production. We intend to limit this experience to around 20 youth. 

• One application per student. 

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What is considered when selecting the cast:

• Age

• Travel/Away from home experience

• Past behavior/actions in programs

• Essay questions

• Conflicts/Availability

• Etc. 

 

What is requested in the application? ​​

• Basic Student Info (including health info)

• Basic Adult info

• Past travel & overnight experience info

• Date Availability & Conflicts

• Cost Breakdown Understanding

• Cost Payment Method/Plan Preference

• Adult Chaperone Interest

• 3 Student Essay Questions - Why do you want to be a part of this opportunity? What do you hope to gain from this experience? How will you help make sure this is a positive experience for all youth? 

• Space for questions you have!