Bellbird Heights girl in Hunter production of Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr

And while there’s plenty of excitement performing in this much-anticipated production, the cast will also travel to the United States in January to represent Australia at the International Musical Theatre Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.

The first group ever to represent Australia at this prestigious event, the Hunter Region Drama School students will perform a shortened version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the festival.

They will do theatre workshops at New York’s famed Juilliard dance, drama and music school and Hollywood movie auditions, which Emma says is an amazing opportunity.

Emma joined the Hunter Region Drama School in 2009, performed in the school’s production of The Witches that year and has also appeared in Beauty and the Beast.

She will be playing an octopus and a brolga in The Little Mermaid Jr. and with less than three months ‘til showtime, she said she’s getting nervous but excited.

While her role involves a bit of singing, dancing and acting, Emma’s passion is drama and she has enjoyed the experienced that she has gained from being part of this latest show.

Scoring the theatrical license to produce the Disney favourite for the first time in Australia was a major coup for the drama school.

Producer Daniel Stoddart said this production will be like nothing Newcastle has seen before.

“We’ve taken the Hunter’s outstanding young talent, secured an internationally-loved story and songs,” he said.

“We’ve combined these with innovative sets and costumes to deliver a show that would shine on Broadway.

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Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. will play at the Civic Theatre from October 9 to 11. Call Ticketek on 4929 1977 for tickets.