JTF Europe 26
Intense residential rehearsals prepared our Newsies Jr cast for our first performances from this incredible show. We joined over 3000 youngsters in Birmingham to celebrate youth theatre at the Music Theatre International Junior Theatre Festival 2026. The jammed packed day will be remembered for lots of laughs, new friends made, Inspiring performances and more award success for our talented young performers.
We had the opportunity to perform 15 minutes of Newsies to fellow orange pod groups and professional adjudicators who included; Mary-Catherine Zimmerman (iTheatrics), Debbie Isitt (Writer/Director of NATIVITY!) and Chris Ma (Musical Director – Wicked, The Great Gatsby and NEWSIES!).
The reception from the talented youngsters and teachers in orange Pod, and also the adjudicators was overwhelming. The comments about the cast and their performance were so complimentary and Chris Ma cried – twice!
The cast were recognised with a staggering 4 awards! They included:
Outstanding Adjudication Orange Pod
Excellence in Dance
Outstanding Individual – Finn Walker
Youth Creative Team Awards – Adali Strayer
