AJT (Asheville Junior Theater)
ages 8-18
Recreational Theater Ensemble
AJT is the perfect entry point for young performers eager to shine on stage! Designed for students who are new to theater, younger actors building their foundation, or developing performers ready to grow into larger roles, AJT provides a fun, supportive, and low-commitment pathway into the world of musical theater.
This program focuses on building confidence first. Students learn in an encouraging, age-appropriate environment where mistakes are part of the process and growth is celebrated. Whether a child is stepping onto the stage for the very first time or looking to strengthen existing skills, AJT meets performers where they are and helps them move forward with clarity and confidence.
With just one rehearsal per week until we get closer to the show (two for leads), AJT is intentionally structured to balance theater with school, sports, and family life. As performance time approaches, rehearsal frequency increases slightly to ensure students feel fully prepared and proud of their work on stage.
Throughout the season, performers explore the fundamentals of acting, singing, and dancing while also learning essential theater habits such as listening, teamwork, stage presence, and following direction. Students gain valuable performance experience in a positive, high-energy rehearsal room designed to nurture both skill development and a love for the arts.
Cost is $470 per show, plus the yearly membership fee of $50. This includes weekly rehearsals (with additional rehearsals closer to the performance). Costumes are included for use in this production and remain the property of AJT.
This is where confidence begins. This is where skills take root. This is AJT.
PACA's Fall 2026 All-Company Show
Trolls the Musical JR.
Trolls The Musical JR. brings the colorful world of Trolls the stage with pop music, comedy, dancing, and nonstop energy. As Trollstice approaches, Poppy, Branch, and the Trolls are preparing the ultimate celebration when the feared Princess Marie Bergenette arrives, threatening to throw the entire kingdom into chaos. Determined to save the day, the Trolls create a hilarious modern version of “Troll Hamlet,” leading to outrageous rehearsals, giant personalities, royal drama, and nonstop fun.
PACA is one of the first groups in the nation to perform this brand-new title! Perfect for both younger performers and high school students, Trolls JR. features hilarious roles, high-energy choreography, and tons of opportunities to shine! Join us for the glitter, chaos, music, and Troll-tastic fun!
This cast will fill up very quickly; spots are limited. Get yours today.
What You Should Know
Rehearsals: Begin Aug 30, 2026
Performances: 4 performances on January 16 & 17, 2026
Rehearsal Schedule: Rehearsals are Fridays from 4-7pm and Sundays from 1-6pm
Holiday Time Off: No rehearsal November 27, 29 or December 20, 25, 27 or January 1, 3 for the holidays
Rehearsal Location: South Asheville, NC
Auditions: Dance audition and parent meeting August 30, vocal auditions are September 4 by time slot, Callbacks are September 6
Fees: Full payment is due at the time of enrollment. No refunds are given for any reason, even if your junior actor does not get their desired role.
Other Information
Actors ages 8-18 are welcome to Apply for the show.
There is a mandatory parent meeting from 1-2pm on Aug 30.
Two scheduled absences/conflicts given ahead of time are permitted; Tech and Dress rehearsals are MANDATORY during show week. This will include MISSED SCHOOL DAYS.
Each family is responsible for helping sell tickets and spread the word about the show.
Each family is expected to volunteer ten hours of their time to help with costumes, sets, props or marketing
Each family is expected to volunteer during show week as a dressing room attendant, in hair/make up, or as an usher, etc. All families are asked to stay after the final show for load-out.
Opt-out fees are offered if volunteering presents a hardship
Check out our FAQs.
AJT Policy
AJT now includes a brief trial period during the first two to three weeks of rehearsals to ensure that our cast members are a great fit for our productions — and that AJT feels like the right home for each child. Because our program operates at a higher level than typical junior theater, we maintain clear expectations. Actors should be able to focus during rehearsal, respect personal space, care for equipment, and listen when directors are speaking. We ask that cast members demonstrate self-control, cooperation, and maturity appropriate for a rehearsal environment.
If our directors feel that AJT may not be the best fit, we will issue a refund (minus the non-refundable $100 deposit). During registration, we kindly ask families to share any behavioral, learning, or social challenges that may affect a child’s experience. This helps us ensure a positive, supportive environment for every performer.
AJT's Spring 2027 Show - The Little Mermaid JR
Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture (featuring the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics).
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.
In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.
The season will conclude with four performances on June 12 & 13, 2027 at PACA’s Black Box Theater.
Whether your child is taking their first bow or reaching for the spotlight, AJT’s The Little Mermaid is where their journey begins. Let the magic of theater take root and watch them shine!
Cost is $470, plus the yearly membership fee of $50, which is due upon enrollment. *This includes a show T-shirt.
What You Should Know
Rehearsals: Begin February of 2027
Performances: 4 performances on June 12 & 13, 2026
Rehearsal Schedule: Rehearsals are Saturdays from 2-7pm, Mandatory Tech Week Rehearsals June 10/11
Rehearsal Location: South Asheville, NC
Auditions: Auditions will be held on February 6
Fees: Full payment is due at the time of enrollment. No refunds are given for any reason, even if your junior actor does not get their desired role.
New AJT Policy
AJT now includes a brief trial period during the first two to three weeks of rehearsals to ensure that our cast members are a great fit for our productions — and that AJT feels like the right home for each child. Because our program operates at a higher level than typical junior theater, we maintain clear expectations. Actors should be able to focus during rehearsal, respect personal space, care for equipment, and listen when directors are speaking. We ask that cast members demonstrate self-control, cooperation, and maturity appropriate for a rehearsal environment.
If our directors feel that AJT may not be the best fit, we will issue a refund (minus the non-refundable $100 deposit). During registration, we kindly ask families to share any behavioral, learning, or social challenges that may affect a child’s experience. This helps us ensure a positive, supportive environment for every performer.
Other Information
Ages 8-18 are welcome to Apply for the show.
There is a mandatory parent meeting from 2:00pm on February 7.
ONE scheduled absence is allowed and will be strictly adhered to; tech and dress rehearsals are MANDATORY during show week.
Each family is responsible for helping sell tickets and spread the word about the show.
Each family is expected to volunteer during show week as a dressing room attendant, in hair/make up, or as an usher, etc. All families are asked to stay after the final show for load-out.
Check out our FAQs.
Ready to Join the Cast?
Apply to join AJT. Please expect a response within 1-2 weeks, which can extend longer if applying during show weeks. If accepted, register your child in our system, sign our policies, and “enroll” in the specific show.
Already registered? Parent Portal →