Let’s Dare to Dream Together.
Enter the magical world of Disney with Rise this summer! Our first ever production is Disney’s Dare to Dream JR, which takes audiences on an adventure into a fictional Imagineering Studio through the eyes of an eager group of trainees. There couldn’t be a better show for our beginning — and there couldn’t be a better time for you to step onto the stage.
A high-caliber, high-fun production experience.
From the moment your audition begins until the final curtain call, Rise productions are shaped by our values: respect, integrity, support, and encouragement. All casting decisions are made thoughtfully and communicated clearly. When rehearsals begin, you’ll find that our time together is full of opportunities to try new things, make mistakes, and grow.
Please note: The Director, Choreographer, and Music Director will make all casting choices. There are no parents of auditioning students involved in casting this show.
Production Details
- ✦Disney's Dare to Dream JR
- ✦Open to students ages 10–18
- ✦Auditions: May 30, 12–4 PM at Groundworks Dance Company in Richardson
- ✦Rehearsals: June 30–July 23, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10 AM–1 PM at Groundworks Dance Company in Richardson
- ✦Tech week: July 27–30, 4–8 PM at The Winston School Theater in Dallas
- 🎭Performances:
July 31 at 7 PM
August 1 at 7 PM
August 2 at 2:30 PM
The Winston School Theater, Dallas
Meet the Dream Team.
Andrea Connor
Director & Stage Manager
Andrea is an experienced stage manager and teacher who loves working with and empowering young people. She believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of an uplifting and encouraging theater environment. With a theatre degree from Vanderbilt and years of post-grad work in youth and community theater, Andrea is thrilled to be working on the inaugural Rise production!
Jennifer Ross
Music Director
Jennifer brings 21 years of music teaching experience and a genuine love of performance to her role as Music Director. A proud alumna of the University of North Texas, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Jennifer has taught in both public and private schools — inspiring young musicians every step of the way. Her love for the stage began during her time at UNT, when she performed in a summer production of The Magic Flute, and at Lamar University where she sang her heart out as part of the chorus in Oklahoma! Jennifer knows firsthand the joy and magic that come from being part of a musical production — and she can't wait to share that experience with every child on this stage.
Katie West
Choreographer
Katie grew up in Dallas and trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary at Dallas Ballet Center. She was a member of Dallas Ballet Company and performed in many ballets including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Don Quixote. She participated in theater at Trinity Christian Academy and Highland Park High School where she played Sandy in Grease and served as student choreographer and dance captain. She continued her training at Collin College's Dance Ensemble. Since 2005, Katie has choreographed more than 25 musicals. She loves getting to work on musicals and enjoys passing on the joy of dancing to another generation of performers. She is excited to join the new team at Rise this summer.
Courtney Arnold
Assistant Stage Manager
Courtney has had a love for theatre since she was seven years old. She has a passion for all things musical theatre, with youth theatre occupying a special place in her heart. Courtney has worked as a stage manager, teacher, and choreographer around the DFW area and is currently pursuing a theatre degree at Samford University. Over the past year, she has loved exploring classical and contemporary voice training methods. Courtney just made her college theatre debut in Oklahoma! She cannot wait to join the amazing team at Rise and is incredibly excited to share her passion for musical theatre with young people!