Purple Door Youth Theater is an educational division of the Northfield Arts Guild Theater
In Purple Door Youth Theater, students are led by our staff of theater artists to produce a quality theatrical production. Students receive training and hands-on experiences in acting, technical and administrative theater. Students may choose an acting or a technical theater track. In addition to mounting the show, PDYT emphasizes building character off stage with skills like collaboration, critical thinking and citizenship. Check out what’s coming up!
High School Musical, Jr performance dates: February 19 – 28, 2027
Based on a Disney Channel Original Movie
Book by David Simpatico
Written byPeter Barsocchini
Songs by Matthew Gerrard & Robbie Nevil
Ray Cham, Greg Cham & Andrew Seeley
Randy Petersen, Bryan Louiselle, & Kevin Quinn
Any Dodds, Jamie Jouston & Adam Watts, David N. Lawrence & Faye Greenberg
Music Adapted, Arranged and Produced
by Bryan Louisville
Purple Door Youth Theater is excited to present High School Musical Jr., the stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved hit film. Bursting with energy, humor, and unforgettable songs, this crowd-pleasing musical celebrates friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone—whether that means auditioning for the school musical or simply sitting at a new lunch table. Join the East High Wildcats as they challenge expectations, navigate cliques and callbacks, and discover that you don’t have to fit into just one box. Filled with catchy musical numbers, lively choreography, and enough Wildcat spirit to light up the stage, High School Musical Jr. is a fun- filled celebration of being yourself and finding where you belong.
Director: Rachel Haider, Music Director: Kat Middeldorp, Choreographer: Jana Hirsch
Technical Director: Kade Middeldorp, Costumer: Johanna Drentlaw, Stage Manager: Henry Hillemann
ACTOR AUDITION AND TECHNICIAN INTERVIEW DATES: Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1.
Register for a 30-minute slot between 6:30 and 8:30pm through this link: https://forms.gle/vbrSQ4L6bDJuo2zFA
AUDITION AND INTERVIEW LOCATION: Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street W, Northfield, MN
ACTOR AUDITION REQUIREMENTS (GRADES 5-12):
Those auditioning for the cast should prepare to sing a 1 minute selection of an upbeat song
similar in style to High School Musical Jr. Suggestions might include songs from Hairspray,
Legally Blonde, or Wicked, but other musical choices are great, too. The most important thing is
to find something you like to sing. You may bring a digital karaoke style track to accompany
you, or you can sing acapella (without accompaniment). Those auditioning will also have the
opportunity to dance and read for roles. Whatever you do, don’t stress out about auditioning.
Just relax and have fun.
TECHIE INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS (GRADES 6-12):
Those interviewing for a Dedicated Technician crew role need not prepare anything in advance.
REHEARSAL PERIOD: (Breaks may not follow the school schedule exactly.)
Actor Rehearsals are generally Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 4:00-6:30pm.
Technician Time is generally Mon, Tues, Thurs 6:30-8:00 and (some) Sat 9am-12 noon.
Please Note: the entire Cast and Tech Crew all begin together with a 4:00-6:30 Read
Through on Monday, January 4, 2027. All Cast and Tech Crew participate in mandatory
Tech Week Rehearsals and Performances. Tech Week rehearsals begin Saturday,
February 13. These rehearsals include cast and crew, and run longer than normal.
PERFORMANCES
First weekend of performances: Fri and Sat nights, February 19-20 at 7:00pm. Sunday matinee, February 21 at 2:00 pm.
Second weekend of performances: Fri night, February 26 at 7:00 pm. Matinees only on Saturday and Sunday, February 27-28 at 2:00 pm.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:
Gabriella Montez: A new student finding her confidence and voice. Alto A3–D5
Troy Bolton: A star athlete discovering his passion for music. Tenor/Baritone Eb2–Bb3
Sharpay Evans: A dramatic, ambitious musical theatre star. Mezzo A3–A4
Ryan Evans: Sharpay’s talented but overshadowed twin. Bass/Baritone G2–A3
Kelsi Nielsen: The shy but talented composer of the school musical. Soprano A4-D4
Chad Danforth: Troy’s best friend and basketball teammate. Tenor/Baritone G3-B2
Zeke Baylor: Basketball player with a hidden love for baking. Bass/Baritone G#3-G2
Taylor McKessie: Science Club leader with strong personality. Bariton A3-A2
Ms. Darbus: Passionate drama teacher with strong comedic timing.
Coach Bolton: Troy’s father and basketball coach.
Martha Cox: Science Club member with hidden dance talent. Alto B4-G3
Flexible and Dynamic Ensemble Groups:
BRAINIACS: headed by Taylor McKessie, are the smartest girls and boys in school, including
Martha Cox and the change-adverse KRATNOFF
JOCKS & CHEERLEADERS: the East High athletes, including Troy, Chad, and Zeke. Both
groups can be a mix of genders.
THESPIANS: the drama lovers, including Kelsi, Sharpay, and Ryan, as well as the following
auditionees: CATHY, who belts like Ethel Merman, CYNDRA, the opera-lover, JAMES, who
can’t sing on pitch and SUSAN, the wannabe pop star.
PARTY KIDS: students in Troy and Gabriella’s karaoke flashback
REBELS: including Troy and Gabriella, don’t stick to the status quo, unlike the various school
cliques.
JACK SCOTT: the school announcer with a larger-than-life personality, longs to be a D.J.
DRUM MAJOR: who cheers on the Wildcats.
MS. TENNY: East High’s chemistry teacher.
MODERATOR: for the Science Decathlon
About Purple Door Youth Theater
Purple Door Youth Theater is an immersive educational theater experience. Elementary, middle and high school students are involved with every aspect of producing a show like performing, building, running, and ushering in a safe and supportive environment. Our actors are vital in telling the story onstage, and may also be involved offstage. Our dedicated technicians are passionate about the essential technical aspects of a production—like working with scenery, props, and assisting backstage during performances. While actors audition to join the cast, technicians interview to become part of the tech crew.
Who works with the students? Director Rachel Haider also manages PDYT and teaches acting, character and production skills. Depending on the production, she is joined by several other highly talented and good-natured theater professionals.
TUITION
PDYT is a tuition and audition/interview based educational theater program. Registration is available to those in the cast or crew following auditions/tech interviews. Scholarships may be available.
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
“Thanks for a great experience and a hilarious show!”
“(My daughter) had an absolutely fabulous time, and it’s been great to see her so happy and learning so much!”
“As a parent, I was beyond impressed and look forward to future experiences.”
“My daughter learned so much and made great friends! It is a safe and nurturing environment for her to take risks and try new things!”
“Seeing the friendships and cooperative spirit among the cast and crew was so inspiring!”
“The tour was a neat experience for the kids. The close friendships made/relationships built were a highlight. Wearing such elaborate costumes was fun. Leading audience members in activities after the shows gave the kids another chance to show their confidence.”
“These kids are so fortunate to have this opportunity!You do wonderful things! These kids lives are molded by your belief in their abilities and gifts.”
“Thank you so much for providing such exceptional opportunities for kids. Northfield is blessed by having the Arts Guild in our town. Our kids are so lucky to be able to learn and grow from your classes and the community you provide is supportive and fun! Excellent work!”
“Thank you so much for this program – it was a very positive experience for my child and for our family. I was SO proud on opening night!”
“I think the PDYT is a really great organization that fits in so well with Northfield and the arts that this town provides. It’s a bonus that children who are elementary age can participate and that they learn so much about theater as opposed to just performing in a play. We also really liked the fact that professionals were teaching the children. This just adds to the experience. PDYT is fantastic!”
QUESTIONS?
Contact PDYT Director Rachel Haider at rachel.purpledooryouththeater@gmail.com
GENERAL TIPS for both ACTORS and TECHIES
The audition/interview process is fun and low-pressure. However, the decision-making process begins the moment you walk through the door.
Be prepared, be nice, (never smug) and enjoy the opportunity to show your stuff. It’s okay… everyone is nervous. Try to stay positive, have a good attitude and enjoy the experience.
Previous acting or technical experience is not required.
We expect all artists with PDYT productions to be committed to doing and behaving their best – on and off stage.
It’s important that we’re able to assess each student’s independent abilities. Unless a special circumstance or need demands a parent’s assistance, this is your young artist’s time to shine. Parents will be asked to stay in another area.
ACTOR AUDITION TIPS
Pick a piece to perform as instructed. Memorize it and show us the appropriate emotion for the character. That face of yours is great for that. But keep it real. Crazy isn’t acting.
Move and speak simply, clearly and with confidence. Practice introducing yourself by name.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes in which you can freely move.
No need to use any props; just use your imagination.
Show us your best self, forget your nerves and have fun.
DEDICATED TECHNICIAN INTERVIEW TIPS
The interview won’t be scary; it’s more like a discussion. The tech director and costumer will chat with you about some of your strengths and about things you like to do. They might ask you about your ideas for things you imagine in the show. They might ask you why you want to be a technician. There’s not really anything to prepare in advance. Just relax and be yourself; that’s the best assessment as to if this will be a good fit.
Past Purple Door Youth Theater Productions
Winnie-the-Pooh – 2025
Legally Blonde, Jr. – 2025
The Hobbit – 2024
Disney’s Newsies, Jr. – 2023
It’s a Wonderful Life – 2022
The Importance of Being Earnest – 2021
Peter Pan – 2021
Prince and the Pauper – 2020
The Wizard of Oz – 2019
Matilda! – 2019
The Wizard of Oz – 2019
The King’s New Clothes (touring Project Purple Door show) – 2018
Les Miserables School Edition – 2018
A Chrstmas Carol – 2016
You Can’t Take it With You, a radio play (touring Purple Door show) – 2016
Robin Hood – 2016
Alice@Wonderland – 2015
