Entertainment
13 September, 2026
Disney magic hits the stage
WHITFIELD State School will bring 122 young performers to the stage this month for its 2026 whole-school musical ‘Disney’s Dare to Dream Junior’.
Students from prep to year 6 will perform in three shows on 16–17 September 2026 at the Trinity Bay State High School Performing Arts Centre.
Evening performances have already sold out, leaving only a limited number of matinee tickets.
Director Katie Quinn said six staff members had served on the production team, with students rehearsing before school and during lunchtimes over the past three terms.
“We’ve had six members of staff working together as our production team, and coordinating them has been quite a challenge,” she said.
“But they’ve absolutely risen to the challenge and turned up every week, week in, week out, for the last three terms.
“So yeah, it’s been tricky, but absolutely worth it in the end.”
The production features Disney songs, including ‘Be Our Guest’ from Beauty & the Beast, ‘Just Can’t Wait To Be King’ from The Lion King, ‘How Far I’ll Go’ from Moana, ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen and ‘Try Everything’ from Zootopia.
Ms Quinn said that involving children from every year level helped build an ongoing musical culture at the school.
“I think starting them young means we have that fantastic culture growing across the school as the years go on,” she said.
She said rehearsals had also helped students form friendships across year levels.
“Their confidence has gone above and beyond. I can see friendships developing, with the little ones making friends with the big kids,” she said.
“Their singing has improved. Their dancing has just become amazing. They’re really rising to the opportunity.”
Ms Quinn said audiences could expect some emotional moments throughout the production.
“We’re doing a song from Frozen, ‘Let It Go’, and it brings a tear to my eye just from the passion they’re putting into it,” she said.
With the evening performances sold out, Ms Quinn said students were looking forward to performing for their families and friends, while organisers hoped the Thursday matinee would also sell out.
