Grow Up!
Music by Richard Oberacker | Book & Lyrics by Robert Taylor & Richard Oberacker
THIRD Street is casting all roles for the development of a brand-new musical from the writers of Broadway’s BANDSTAND. This casting call is for the reading taking place at THIRD Street on December 19, 2026.
A group of adults who should probably know better, that’s who. But they do it anyway.
What kind of people spend a day racing through every theme park at Walt Disney World to hit all the iconic attractions before the clock strikes twelve? A group of adults who should probably know better, that’s who. But they do it anyway — to celebrate the life of a friend who shared their passion for all things Disney, and create a “fantasmic” memorial that is as profound as real life demands.
Navigating obsessions and eccentricities on an increasingly desperate mission, are they ambassadors of a beloved worldwide brand, or are they delusional nostalgia addicts in arrested development who just need to grow up?
Created by veterans of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL and Disney’s THE LION KING, GROW UP! — The Disney Adults Musical is inspired by actual events and written by the authors of Broadway’s BANDSTAND, Denmark’s hit musical THE SANDMAN and the upcoming ANGEL OF ARKANSAS directed by Susan Stroman.
Seven Roles
We are casting all seven roles. Please review the descriptions and vocal information below when preparing your application.
Skip
Skip, a man of indeterminate age, is from America’s Midwest and the ringleader of this band of Disney aficionados. As a theater professional, his closest friends live in the center of a Venn diagram between Disney and Broadway fandom. Charismatic and witty, he retains a childlike positivity.
Meghan
Meghan, a mother in her mid-40s and Skip’s best friend, takes on the role of wrangler and tour guide as a way to handle her grief. She is helped by her one passion greater than Disney: her daughter. She has a warm and grounded humor that masks an overly cautious, slightly fearful outlook on the world.
A rich, solid pop theater alto.
Maeve
Maeve, the 18-year-old daughter of Meghan, is a newly minted Disney Adult and her mother’s closest remaining friend.
Seamless connectivity from belt through mix and into head.
Troy
Troy, a mid-20s budding YouTuber/content creator, has recently abandoned an unsuccessful acting career. Flamboyantly gay and a person of color, he struggles to find an audience online for his Disney-themed social media.
An indie, singer-songwriter style.
Emmy
Emmy, a woman in her late 30s from London, works in a rare book shop and is a recent divorcée. Self-deprecating and somewhat insecure, she struggles with substantial debt from an addiction to Disney travel and merchandise.
An easy, folk-forward style and a flexible mix/legit.
Jared
Jared, a man in his early 30s from Atlanta, is the successful owner of a corporate catering company that specializes in Disney-themed food and events. As a Black, straight man, he is a proud rarity in the Disney Adult demographic. His joy and enthusiasm when in Disney World are infectious.
Ashley
Ashley, Jared’s wife, is also from Atlanta and in her early 30s. As a public school teacher, she is confronted by the realities of modern childhood and the failings of the education system. She has a sharp wit and a fierce intelligence that make her a good foil to Jared’s relentless cheer. While supportive of her husband, she finds herself less and less able to maintain the illusions of Disney obsession.
A unique character alto with style and flexibility for comedy.
Four Stages.
Each development engagement will be cast independently but performers may have opportunities to continue with the project. Casting for one engagement does not guarantee casting in another. This submission is for the reading at THIRD Street on December 19, 2026.
Reading — Las Vegas
This fundraising reading will introduce the musical to audiences and build support for its continued development. Performers will be offered a stipend for their time, with specific terms confirmed before engagement.
Individual music rehearsals will also be scheduled following casting. Availability will be coordinated with performers.
Workshop Production — Las Vegas
The next development stage is a three-week workshop production with 16 public performances. Rehearsals and performances are paid; specific terms will be confirmed.
California Workshop
This engagement will include approximately two weeks of rehearsal and refinement, followed by limited public presentations.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
A planned Edinburgh Fringe Festival engagement.
Participation is subject to casting, scheduling, travel arrangements and confirmation of the production plans.
Submit Online
All submissions must be made through the online casting form. Applicants will be asked to provide:
- A résumé
- A headshot
- A link to an approximately 60-second audition video featuring a contemporary pop or musical theatre song
- Their name and the role or roles for which they wish to be considered
- Confirmation that the audition video can be accessed by the casting team
Please submit all materials through the casting form rather than by email.
Submit Your Casting ApplicationCallbacks
November 18 or 19, 2026 · Las Vegas
Selected performers may be invited to an in-person callback in Las Vegas.
Selected applicants will be contacted by the end of the day on November 13 to arrange a callback time.
Please provide your availability and any scheduling restrictions for both dates in your application.
Ready to Be Part of Grow Up!?
Help bring a new musical to life through its development journey, beginning with a staged reading in Las Vegas and continuing through further workshop opportunities and a planned international festival engagement.
Submission deadline: November 8 · 11:59 PM PT
Submit Your Casting ApplicationQuestions? Reach out to the team at
growupmusical@gmail.comGROW UP! — The Disney Adults MusicalMusic by Richard Oberacker. Book and lyrics by Robert Taylor & Richard Oberacker.