2026 SEASON

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD –Performs in February 2026 (Two Casts)

THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES – Performs in March 2026

THE PLAY’S THE THING SPRINGRecital in April 2026

MERLIN’S APPRENTICE – Performs in May 2026

CHICKEN LITTLEPerforms in May 2026

KIDS ON STAGE – Recital in June 2026

DISNEY THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDSPerforms in June 2026

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER – Performs in July 2026

DISNEY MOANA JR.Performs in July/August 2026

STONE SOUP – Performs September 2026 (Two Casts)

WONDERLAND!– Performs October 2026

THE PLAY’S THE THING FALL – Recital in November 2026

NARNIA – Performs December 2026 

MERLIN’S APPRENTICE 2026

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE 

Yearning for some magic to navigate the challenges of moving to a new town and school, a young girl finds herself in the shadowy underground kingdom of Subterra where powerful wizards, magical illusion and brain-twisting riddles are just the beginning. Clever Abigail summons the courage to explore this dark landscape teeming with mysterious creatures and unusual characters. She must rely on her wit and love of science to restore reason and kindness to Subterra and ultimately, find her way back home.

Celebrating 25 years on Main Street in Salinas, ARIEL Theatrical provides opportunities for children to explore the stage while learning valuable lessons about Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership – A-R-I-E-L. ARIEL is a safe and nurturing gathering place for young people where engaging programs and family-friendly entertainment take center stage.

ARIEL is honored to acknowledge the Sally Hughes Church Foundation as the 2026 Presenting Partner. ARIEL is also grateful to local individuals and businesses for their generous support, including 2026 Season Sponsors, Taylor Farms, Hastie Financial Group, Cardinale Moving & Storage, and Aladin Properties.

PERFORMANCES:

Friday, May 8 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 pm
Friday, May 15 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Hogwarts? The Sword in the Stone? Abigail unexpectedly finds herself in the midst of a host of otherworldly creatures in the magical underground kingdom of  Subterra where it will take all her wits – and a little bit more – to bring order and harmony.

REGISTRATION CLOSED
AGES: 10-18*

*In order to ensure age distribution to meet the requirements of the script, registration for younger participants may be capped.

TUITION: $350

FIRST REHEARSALS SATURDAY, MARCH 28

REHEARSALS:

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, AND THURSDAYS 
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
SATURDAYS
9:00 AM-12:00 PM

*NOT ALL CAST MEMBERS WILL BE CALLED TO EVERY REHEARSAL
**Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list. 
Book by Susan Kim
Music by Matthew Martin Ward
Lyrics by Stephen Cole
Merlin’s Apprentice is presented through special arrangement with Premiére Theatrical Licensing on behalf of Leicester Bay Theatricals. All authorized materials are also supplied by LBT, www.leichesterbaytheatricals.com

CHICKEN LITTLE 2026

REGISTER HERE (waitlist only)

One little chicken who thinks the sky is falling causes quite a stir on the farm!

AGES: 5-11 

TUITION: $300

FIRST REHEARSAL: MONDAY, APRIL 13

REHEARSALS:

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

PERFORMANCES:

FRIDAY, MAY 22 AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, MAY 23 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

*Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list. 

KIDS ON STAGE 2026

REGISTER HERE (waitlist only)

KIDS ON STAGE is a musical theatre summer day-camp for children ages 5 to 11. Participants will receive instruction in singing, acting and movement for stage, learn techniques through creative play and activities, and share in the excitement of performing for friends  and family at an evening recital.

AGES: 5-11
TUITION: $350

BEGINS MONDAY, JUNE 8

CAMP SCHEDULE:

MONDAY – FRIDAY
JUNE 8 – JUNE 12

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

RECITAL:
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 AT 7:00 PM

*Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list. 

DISNEY THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS 2026

REGISTER HERE (waitlist only)

Adapted from Disney’s beloved animated film and the works of Rudyard Kipling, the “man cub” Mowgli dodges peril and leaps from one adventure to another with his animal allies as they work together to restore peace in the jungle. 

AGES: 6-18 

In order to ensure age distribution to meet the requirements of the script, registration for younger participants may be capped.

TUITION: $650
Cast T-shirt & Photo included with tuition!

PRELIMINARY REHEARSAL/PARENT MEETING:
SATURDAY JUNE 6, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PARENT MEETING- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

FIRST FULL DAY OF CAMP: MONDAY, JUNE 15

CAMP SCHEDULE:

MONDAY – FRIDAY
JUNE 15 – JUNE 26
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

PERFORMANCES:

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 27 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

*Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list.
Music and Lyrics by
RICHARD M. SHERMAN, ROBERT B. SHERMAN
and TERRY GILKYSON
Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by
MARCY HEISLER
Music Adapted and Arranged by
Bryan Louiselle
Based on the Screenplay by
Larry Clemmons
Based on the Novel, “The Jungle Book” by
Rudyard Kipling.

Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS

Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

 

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER 2026

REGISTER HERE

If you are fishing to be a part of a fantastic event for the whole family, catch the beloved American classic, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, on stage this summer at ARIEL Theatrical. The Karen Wilson’s Children’s Theatre will carry you away to another time and place with Tom, Huck, and a colorful cast of characters as they jump into adventure and misadventure on the banks of the Mississippi River. This community program showcases seasoned veterans of ARIEL alongside of a few new faces, together on stage for a summer performance not to be missed!


AGES 14 AND UP

(CHILDREN 8-13 may register if they are signed up with a parent or a sibling age 14+)

In order to ensure age distribution to meet the requirements of the script, registration for younger participants may be capped.


TUITION: $0 – Donations gratefully accepted.

FIRST REHEARSAL: SATURDAY, MAY 30

REHEARSALS*:

MONDAY – THURSDAY FROM 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
SATURDAYS FROM 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

*NOT ALL CAST MEMBERS WILL BE CALLED TO EVERY REHEARSAL

PERFORMANCES:

FRIDAY, JULY 10 AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, JULY 11 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
THURSDAY JULY 16 AT 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, JULY 17 AT 7:00 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 18 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

*Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

DISNEY MOANA JR. 2026

REGISTER HERE – WAITLIST ONLY FOR AGES 7-12

This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the determined Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage.

AGES: 7 – 18
TUITION: $900
Early Bird Tuition: Get $100 off if paid in full by February 14, 2026
Cast T-shirt & Photo included with tuition!

PRELIMINARY REHEARSAL/PARENT MEETING:
SATURDAY JUNE 20, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PARENT MEETING, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM 

FIRST FULL DAY OF CAMP: MONDAY, JULY 6

CAMP SCHEDULE:

MONDAY – FRIDAY
JULY 6 – JULY 24
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

PERFORMANCES:
FRIDAY, JULY 24 AT 7:00 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 25 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, JULY 30  AT 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, JULY 31 AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

*Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list.
Music and Lyrics by
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i & Mark Mancina
Book Adapted by
Susan Soon He Stanton
Music and Orchestrations Adapted and Arranged by
Ian Weinberger
Based on the 2016 Disney film Moana

Disney’s Moana JR.

Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

www.mtishows.com

STONE SOUP 2026

Cooperation takes on a whole new meaning when making soup – especially stone soup!

AGES: 5-11
TUITION: $300

This production will have two separate casts (Cast 1 and Cast 2) Please carefully read the details below and register for the program that best works for you and your participant.

CAST 1:
REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 12 AT 5:00PM

BEGINS MONDAY, AUGUST 3

CAST 1 REHEARSALS:
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
***Due to Labor Day on Monday, September 7, rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 8***

CAST 1 PERFORMANCES:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

CAST 2:
REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 12 AT 5:00PM

BEGINS TUESDAY, AUGUST 11

CAST 2 REHEARSALS:
TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
***Rehearsal on Tuesday, September 8 will be moved to Monday, September 14***

CAST 2 PERFORMANCES:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

*Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list.
Adaption, Script and Songs by Betsy Lee Bailey

THE PLAY’S THE THING FALL SESSION 2026

REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 13 AT 5:00PM

GRADES: K – 12 
TUITION: $330

BEGINS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

ARIEL’s home school enrichment class where students explore all areas of theatre, and grow in their understanding and knowledge of the performing arts. 

CLASS SCHEDULE:

FRIDAYS
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

RECITAL:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 AT 7:00 PM

*Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list.

WONDERLAND! 2026

REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 13 AT 5:00PM

As Alice traverses the Wonderland chess board she encounters some curious characters including the Red Queen, Humpty Dumpty and Tweedledum and Tweedledee, while learning important lessons in patience, persistence and accountability.

AGES: 8 and Up

In order to ensure age distribution to meet the requirements of the script, registration for younger participants may be capped. Adults may be considered for age-specific roles.

TUITION: $400

If paying with a charter school purchase order a $25 fee will be added to cover the extra administrative time for charter school invoicing.

BEGINS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4

REHEARSALS:

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, AND THURSDAYS 
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
SATURDAYS
9:00 AM-12:00 PM

PERFORMANCES:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 AT 7:00 PM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 AT 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

*Please note – registering for a program does not automatically ensure enrollment. We do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible within the limits of maximum enrollment and casting requirements. Families will be contacted via email with either an invitation to pay the deposit to hold a spot in a program, or a notice that their child is on the wait list.
Book by James DeVita
Music & Lyrics by Bill Francover
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado