JCC Performing Arts Youth Theater Announces Oliver! Jr. as Its 2026–2027 Production

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center has announced that its Performing Arts Youth Theater will present Oliver! Jr. as its 2026–2027 production.

Open to students in grades 3–10, the program welcomes young performers of all experience levels. Participants will receive instruction in singing, acting, and dance while working together to bring a full-scale musical production to the stage.

The Youth Theater program has previously brought popular productions including The Little Mermaid Jr., The Lion King Jr., Shrek Jr., Annie Jr. and The Wizard of Oz Jr. to the JCC stage. Through each production, students have the opportunity to develop their performance skills, build confidence and form lasting friendships as part of a supportive theater community.

Auditions for Oliver! Jr. will take place on Tuesday, September 22, and Thursday, September 24. Students must attend both audition dates. Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., beginning in October and continuing through January.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, and Sunday, February 7.

“Whether a student is stepping on stage for the first time or has participated in previous productions, our Youth Theater provides a welcoming environment where young performers can build confidence, develop their skills and experience the excitement of creating a show together,” said Paige Silberfein, JCC Chief Operating Officer.

Tuition is $625 for JCC members and $675 for the community. Tuition includes singing, acting and dance instruction, participation in the full production, costumes and a show T-shirt.

Two Student Director positions are also available for students in grades 9 and 10. Student Directors will gain hands-on leadership and backstage experience by assisting the directors, supporting fellow cast members, tracking props and costumes and helping manage the production. Tuition for Student Directors is $250.

Registration, audition materials, character descriptions, rehearsal information and additional program details are available at jcccampruach.org/oliver-jr/.

For questions, contact Co-Directors Sheri Smith and Emily Bengels at musical@jcccampruach.org.

About the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center

The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center serves Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties by providing educational, cultural, recreational, wellness and social programs for individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds. The JCC is located at 775 Talamini Road in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Media Contact: Topaz Brown Director of Marketing & PR tbrown@ssbjcc.org 908-443-9019