Wharton Arts
Located in Northern New Jersey
Get ready to sing, dance, and shine! In this high-energy class, children will explore voice, acting, and dance through imagination, creativity, and play. Each week brings new opportunities to build confidence, express themselves, and step into the spotlight.
At the end of the session, families are invited to a special “Share Day” where they can peek into the classroom, watch their performers in action, and enjoy a short, joyful presentation of all they’ve been working on!
ENROLLMENT PENDING AUDITIONS!
In just 10 exciting weeks, students dive headfirst into the world of musical theater! From the very first rehearsal, performers will sing, dance, and act their way toward the stage, building skills, confidence, and unforgettable memories along the way.
Rehearsals take place Fridays from 4–6:30 PM, with additional sectional rehearsals on select Fridays and Saturdays—all leading up to three amazing performances of Matilda JR this November!
Step into the spotlight and become one of our “players” in this thrilling, high-energy production. It’s a magical theater experience you won’t want to miss—sign up to audition today!
Director/Choreographer: TBA
Assistant Director/Music Director: Emalina Thompson
Performances:
November 20 and 21 at 7pm
November 22 at 2pm
Mandatory Dress/Tech Rehearsals:
November 16: 6-9pm
November 17: 6-9pm
November 18: 6-9pm
November 19: 6-9pm
Please note: your $25 audition fee will be automatically applied to your tuition upon registration for Wharton Players.
Show Description
Matilda, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, lives with cruel parents who find her to be a nuisance, a lousy little worm, and a bore. When Matilda enters her first term at school, she captures the attention of Miss Honey, a kind teacher, and the two form a wonderful friendship. Unfortunately, the school is ruled by a tempestuous and mean headmistress named Miss Trunchbull, who hates children and delivers cruel and unjust punishments to all her charges. Matilda is determined to change her story, but will her cleverness and courage be enough to withstand the reign of Miss Trunchbull?
Matilda JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Sign up now to audition for Wharton Players!
September 4, 2026 5pm – 8pm
September 5, 2026 12pm – 3pm
Callbacks:
September 8, 2026 6pm – 8pm
September 9, 2026 6pm – 8pm
$25 (fee to be applied to cost of tuition upon enrollment)
Detailed audition materials will be sendt to you once you have registered to audition and paid the audition fee.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Each audition block will last one hour, split between individual vocals and group acting and dance auditions. For the vocal audition, you will be asked to choose and prepare an audition cut from selections provided by directors. The acting audition will include reading sides. You will also learn a short dance combination that will be taught at the audition. If needed, we will hold callbacks with a smaller group to have them sing and read additional sides. Auditioners will be notified if they are being asked to a callback, after their audition.
“Matilda, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, lives with cruel parents who find her to be a nuisance, a lousy little worm, and a bore. When Matilda enters her first term at school, she captures the attention of Miss Honey, a kind teacher, and the two form a wonderful friendship. Unfortunately, the school is ruled by a tempestuous and mean headmistress named Miss Trunchbull, who hates children and delivers cruel and unjust punishments to all her charges. Matilda is determined to change her story, but will her cleverness and courage be enough to withstand the reign of Miss Trunchbull?
Matilda JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
The NJYS Percussion Ensemble program offers talented percussionists the opportunity to perform advanced repertoire while receiving intensive, personalized instruction across a wide range of percussion techniques. The program includes three levels—Percussion Ensemble 1, 2, and 3—designed to match students’ experience and skill levels. Ensemble members have performed at festivals, in concert settings, and on tour, showcasing their versatility and musical growth. All percussionists accepted into the Percussion Ensemble program will also be placed in one of NJYS’s three full symphony orchestras—Philharmonia, Youth Orchestra, or Youth Symphony—and are expected to participate fully in those ensembles.
Theater Explorers introduces campers to musical theater in a fun weekly camp. from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day campers work together to rehearse a showcase based on the theme of each week.
In the afternoon hours campers enjoy guest artist workshops from our talented Wharton Faculty. Monday through Thursday, campers attend the YMCA Pool across the street from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. All campers stay in the afternoon on Friday for a final dress rehearsal. The week culminates with a fun showcase on Friday at 5:00 p.m. for friends and family featuring a song, dance, and scenes from camp!
6/29-7/3 Alice in Wonderland
7/6-7/10 Harry Potter
7/13-7/17 High School Musical
7/20-7/24 Willy Wonka
7/27-7/31 Greatest Showman
8/3-8/7 Broadway Week
8/10-8/14 Toy Story
📍 2026 Summer Camps will be held in Berkeley Heights. Learn more → Wharton Performing Arts School Summer Camps Return to Berkeley Heights
Additional Option
Early Drop Off Registration
Full Day: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Registration)
Half Day: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Registration)
*Prelude Flutes will not run during the 2025–2026 season. We do, however, plan to bring both programs back for the 2026–2027 season and look forward to welcoming students at that time.*
Nurturing and educational, Prelude Flutes offers a first flute ensemble experience for students. In an ensemble setting, students will work on honing the fundamentals of good ensemble playing including intonation, blend, balance, and articulation. Prelude Flutes rehearses for 75 minutes each week and performs twice a year, in addition to participating in the NJYS Playathon concert.
The NJYS Percussion Ensemble program offers talented percussionists the opportunity to perform advanced repertoire while receiving intensive, personalized instruction across a wide range of percussion techniques. The program includes three levels—Percussion Ensemble 1, 2, and 3—designed to match students’ experience and skill levels. Ensemble members have performed at festivals, in concert settings, and on tour, showcasing their versatility and musical growth. All percussionists accepted into the Percussion Ensemble program will also be placed in one of NJYS’s three full symphony orchestras—Philharmonia, Youth Orchestra, or Youth Symphony—and are expected to participate fully in those ensembles.
Everyone can sing! Learn the fundamentals of singing including posture, breathing, vowel shaping, voice registration, and communicating through song. Whether you are a beginner or are looking to brush up your skills, group voice class will provide the tools for healthy and beautiful singing within a fun and supportive environment.
Theater Explorers introduces campers to musical theater in a fun weekly camp. from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day campers work together to rehearse a showcase based on the theme of each week.
In the afternoon hours campers enjoy guest artist workshops from our talented Wharton Faculty. Monday through Thursday, campers attend the YMCA Pool across the street from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. All campers stay in the afternoon on Friday for a final dress rehearsal. The week culminates with a fun showcase on Friday at 5:00 p.m. for friends and family featuring a song, dance, and scenes from camp!
6/29-7/3 Alice in Wonderland
7/6-7/10 Harry Potter
7/13-7/17 High School Musical
7/20-7/24 Willy Wonka
7/27-7/31 Greatest Showman
8/3-8/7 Broadway Week
8/10-8/14 Toy Story
📍 2026 Summer Camps will be held in Berkeley Heights. Learn more → Wharton Performing Arts School Summer Camps Return to Berkeley Heights
Additional Option
Early Drop Off Registration
Full Day: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Registration)
Half Day: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Registration)
Wharton Arts is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is committed to being accessible to all patrons, students, parents and visitors. All programs, classes, events and concerts are accessible ensuring that everyone can participate in a diverse range of arts programming and classes.
| info@whartonarts.org | |
| Phone | 908.790.0700 |
| Address | 60 Locust Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 |
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