Dunedin Community Center

Golden Tickets, Pure Imagination, and a
Stage Where Every Child Belongs
Progressive Arts Theater Presents an
Interactive, Sensory-Friendly Production
of
Willy Wonka Jr.
Friday, July 10, 2026 • 7:00 PM • MainStage Theater at the Dunedin
Community Center
DUNEDIN, FL — What happens when a magical chocolate factory, a cast of extraordinary
young performers, and an audience ready for adventure come together? Pure imagination
comes to life.
Progressive Arts Theater is proud to present Willy Wonka Jr., an exciting, interactive,
sensory-friendly theatrical event that invites audiences of all ages to step inside the world of
Charlie Bucket, Willy Wonka, and the most famous chocolate factory ever created.
This is not your typical children’s theater production.
Featuring a cast of neurotypical and neurodivergent performers working side-by-side, Willy
Wonka Jr. celebrates inclusion, creativity, and the belief that every child deserves the
opportunity to shine. Supported by a team of professional directors, teaching artists, mentors,
and volunteers, these young performers have spent weeks bringing this beloved story to life in a
way that is joyful, accessible, and uniquely Progressive Arts Theater.
Adding even more excitement, this production includes special audience participation
moments, turning theatergoers into part of the adventure. Families won’t just watch the story
unfold—they’ll help create the magic along the way.
Designed as a sensory-friendly performance, the event welcomes audience members who
may benefit from a more relaxed and inclusive theater environment. Progressive Arts Theater iscommitted to making the arts accessible to everyone and creating a space where all families
feel comfortable, celebrated, and included.
Audiences can expect beloved songs, colorful characters, larger-than-life storytelling, plenty of
surprises, and all the wonder that has made Willy Wonka a timeless favorite for generations.
Before the curtain rises, guests can enjoy Progressive Arts Theater’s popular concession
experience featuring sweet treats, kid-friendly refreshments, and adult-friendly beverages,
making it the perfect family night out.
For more than fifteen years, Progressive Arts Theater has been dedicated to building
confidence, creativity, and community through inclusive performing arts programming. This
production continues that mission by proving that when children of all abilities come together on
stage, the results are nothing short of magical.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Willy Wonka, looking for a memorable family evening, or simply
want to support inclusive arts in our community, this is one golden ticket you won’t want to miss.
EVENT DETAILS
Willy Wonka Jr.
Presented by Progressive Arts Theater
Friday, July 10, 2026
7:00 PM
MainStage Theater
Dunedin Community Center
1920 Pinehurst Road
Dunedin, FL 34698
Tickets
Children Under 12: $15




General Admission: $18
VIP Seating: $20
Children 3 and Under: Free
About Progressive Arts Theater
Progressive Arts Theater is a nonprofit performing arts organization based in Dunedin, Florida,
dedicated to providing inclusive theater experiences for performers of all abilities. Through
productions, classes, camps, scholarships, and community outreach programs, Progressive Arts
Theater empowers children and adults to discover confidence, creativity, and connection&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;arts.
Media Contact:
Kirsten Stiff-Walker
Artistic Director, Progressive Arts Theater
828-226-4290
progressiveartstheater@gmail.com

Local Event: Willy Wonka Jr.

Pinellas County

Dunedin

Florida

Willy Wonka Jr.

Golden Tickets, Pure Imagination, and a
Stage Where Every Child Belongs
Progressive Arts Theater Presents an
Interactive,...

In a World That Needs More
Kindness, Progressive Arts
Theater Presents
Mean Girls Jr.
Award-Winning Young Performers Bring a Powerful
Anti-Bullying Message to the MainStage
Friday, July 17, 2026 • 7:00 PM • MainStage Theater at the Dunedin
Community Center
DUNEDIN, FL — At a time when bullying, division, and exclusion continue to impact young
people every day, Progressive Arts Theater is taking a stand through the power of live theater.
On Friday, July 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM, Progressive Arts Theater will present Mean Girls Jr. on
the MainStage at the Dunedin Community Center. While audiences may know the show for its
hilarious characters, catchy songs, and unforgettable moments, Progressive Arts Theater
selected this production for a much deeper reason: its message.
As an organization that proudly serves both neurotypical and neurodivergent performers,
Progressive Arts Theater believes every child deserves to feel accepted, valued, respected, and
included. Many of the young people who walk through the theater’s doors have experienced
bullying, social isolation, exclusion, or the feeling of not quite fitting in. Through the arts,
Progressive Arts Theater strives to create a community where differences are celebrated and
every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“Mean Girls Jr. may be funny, but its message is incredibly important,
” said Artistic Director&nbsp;Kirsten Stiff-Walker.

“In a world where so many children face bullying or feel left out, we wanted
to produce a show that reminds audiences that kindness matters. We want our students and our community to leave the theater knowing that inclusion is powerful, empathy is important, and
every person deserves to belong.
Featuring an extraordinary cast of talented young performers from across the Tampa Bay area,
including award-winning singers, actors, dancers, and rising stars, this production delivers
Broadway-style entertainment while encouraging meaningful conversations about friendship,
respect, acceptance, and standing up for others.
As audiences follow Cady Heron’s hilarious journey through the complicated social world of
middle school, they will discover that the show’s biggest lesson isn’t about popularity—it’s about
choosing kindness over cruelty and connection over division.
Progressive Arts Theater’s commitment to inclusion extends far beyond the stage. The
organization has spent more than fifteen years creating opportunities for performers of all
abilities to learn, grow, and shine together through theater education, productions, scholarships,
and community outreach.
And yes—on Fridays, we celebrate theater.
Before the curtain rises, guests can stop by the Fetch Lounge, Progressive Arts Theater’s
themed concessions experience inspired by the hit musical. The lounge will feature specialty
cocktails for adults, fun kid-friendly mocktails, snacks, treats, and refreshments designed to
make the evening even more memorable. Whether you’re celebrating your favorite performer,
gathering with friends, or simply enjoying a night out in the community, the Fetch Lounge is the
perfect way to kick off an evening of laughter, music, and connection.
More than a musical, Mean Girls Jr. is a celebration of kindness, inclusion, and the belief that
every person has value. At a time when those messages are needed more than ever,
Progressive Arts Theater invites the community to join them for an evening that is entertaining,
uplifting, and unforgettable.
EVENT DETAILS
Mean Girls Jr.
Presented by Progressive Arts Theater
Friday, July 17, 2026
7:00 PM
MainStage Theater
Dunedin Community Center
1920 Pinehurst Road
Dunedin, FL 34698
Ticket Prices:
Children Under 12: $15
General Admission: $18
VIP Seating: $20
Children 3 and Under: Free
About Progressive Arts Theater
Progressive Arts Theater is a nonprofit performing arts organization based in Dunedin, Florida,
dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive arts education and performance opportunities for
children and adults of all abilities. Through productions, classes, scholarships, camps, and
community outreach, Progressive Arts Theater empowers performers to find their voice, build
confidence, and create meaningful connections through the arts.
Media Contact
Kirsten Stiff-Walker
Artistic Director
Progressive Arts Theater
828-226-4290
progressiveartstheater@gmail.com
On Fridays We Celebrate Theater.

Local Event: Mean Girls Jr.

Mean Girls Jr.

In a World That Needs More
Kindness, Progressive Arts
Theater Presents
Mean Girls Jr.
Award-Winning Young Performers Bring a...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Lauren Bellew, Neighbor

Posting Activity

Willy Wonka Jr.

JUL

10

7:00 PM

Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Rd, Dunedin, FL

Mean Girls Jr.

JUL

17

7:00 PM

Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Rd, Dunedin, FL