World Upside Down made a big splash this spring with the launch of our brand-new theater program — and what better way to dive in than with Finding Nemo Jr., a heartwarming Disney musical about courage, family, and adventure beneath the sea?
From January to April, our young performers poured their hearts into rehearsals, learning lines, mastering choreography, and growing into their roles. What made this production even more exciting was that we had two full casts of elementary and middle school students rehearsing once a week — all working toward a shared dream: to perform onstage at the beautiful Younts Center for Performing Arts in Fountain Inn, South Carolina.
This was more than just a show. It was the launch of a movement — an introduction to World Upside Down’s vibrant new performing arts initiative, one that’s designed to build confidence, creativity, and community through the power of live theater.
Show Dates and Synopsis
May 12-13 | $10/person
The Younts Center for Performing Arts
315 N Main St, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
Finding Nemo Jr. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Disney•Pixar animated film Finding Nemo, designed specifically for young performers. Licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI), this junior production brings the underwater world to life with upbeat songs, lovable characters, and heartfelt themes.
The story follows Marlin, an overprotective clownfish father, as he embarks on a daring journey across the ocean to find his curious son, Nemo, who has been captured by scuba divers and placed in a dentist’s fish tank in Sydney. Along the way, Marlin is joined by Dory, a forgetful but optimistic blue tang fish, who helps him learn to take risks and trust others.
Meanwhile, Nemo discovers his own courage while befriending the tank gang and plotting his escape. With appearances from surfer-dude sea turtles, vegetarian sharks, and a chorus of jellyfish, this high-energy musical explores the importance of family, friendship, and never giving up — even when the currents get rough.
Filled with memorable songs like “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. is a colorful, fast-paced, and heartwarming show that delights audiences of all ages.
Finding Nemo Jr. Play Bill by Megan Puello
The Vision Behind the Program
World Upside Down has always been about using the arts to transform lives — helping kids shine from the inside out. Our theater program was the next natural step. Under the direction and production of Joanna Puello, and with the support of an incredible creative team, we set out to create a program that welcomed all experience levels, encouraged imagination, and gave every child a place to belong.
Finding Nemo Jr., licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI), was the perfect fit. Adapted from the beloved Pixar film, this junior musical features upbeat songs, colorful characters, and themes that resonate deeply with young performers and audiences alike — bravery, friendship, perseverance, and the bond between parent and child.
A Tale of Two Casts
When registration opened, we were overwhelmed — in the best way! So many families signed up that we created two casts: the Coral Cast and the Pearl Cast. Each group met just once a week for rehearsals starting in January, learning the same scenes and songs, but bringing their own unique flavor to the production.
The students learned not only how to perform — they learned how to listen, how to take direction, how to collaborate, and how to lift each other up. For some, it was their first time ever on stage. For others, it was a chance to lead and grow in new ways.
There were giggles during warm-ups, lots of practice with flipper choreography, and even a few forgotten lines that turned into moments of improv genius. Watching the casts grow week after week was one of the greatest joys of the process.
Bringing It All Together at the Younts Center
In April, the magic really began. We combined both casts into one full ensemble for tech week and performance weekend at the stunning Younts Center in Fountain Inn, SC. The historic theater provided the perfect backdrop — elegant, welcoming, and filled with the kind of stage lighting that makes every jellyfish and sea turtle sparkle.
Students worked tirelessly to merge their rehearsal experiences into a cohesive, professional-level performance. They practiced scene changes, adjusted to microphones and stage lights, and supported one another every step of the way.
The cast’s favorite moment? Probably singing “Just Keep Swimming” in full costume — with bubbles, colorful coral reef props, and a cheering audience. Parents beamed, siblings danced in their seats, and a few tears were shed as Nemo and Marlin found their way back to each other.
Join our amazing theater program!
Why Theater Matters
At World Upside Down, we believe the arts are more than extracurricular — they’re essential. Theater teaches empathy. It teaches bravery. It gives children the tools to express themselves, to be seen, and to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
We saw that firsthand throughout this process. One child who started the program incredibly shy ended the show waving from the stage with the biggest grin. Another found his voice — literally — after weeks of vocal warm-ups and character work. We saw friendships blossom, confidence build, and students go from reading scripts to owning the spotlight.
This is what theater does. And this is what our program is all about.
Community & Support
This production wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our World Upside Down families. From carpooling to costume sewing, snack deliveries to stage crew volunteering — our parents were the backbone of this production.
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the Younts Center for Performing Arts for providing such a beautiful venue and to MTI for licensing this delightful junior version of Finding Nemo. Their partnership helps us bring professional-quality theater experiences to local kids.
What’s Next?
We’re just getting started.
The success of Finding Nemo Jr. has ignited a wave of excitement for what’s to come. Our theater program is growing, with new productions, workshops, and performance opportunities in the works. Whether your child is a seasoned performer or just discovering the magic of theater, there’s a place for them at World Upside Down.
We’re especially excited about our upcoming summer musical camps, private voice coaching, and auditions for our fall production (hint: it involves dancing animals and a very familiar roar).
Stay tuned for announcements and registration details on our website and social media — and don’t miss the next opportunity for your child to shine.
Final Thoughts
Theater has a way of turning ordinary moments into lifelong memories. With Finding Nemo Jr., we saw that magic firsthand. What started as a weekly rehearsal turned into something much more: a joyful, confidence-building journey for dozens of students and their families.
As Dory says, “When life gets you down, just keep swimming.” At World Upside Down, we’re doing just that — swimming forward, creating opportunities, and using the arts to flip the world upside down in the best possible way.
We can’t wait to see what’s next — and we hope you’ll be part of it.
To learn more about World Upside Down’s theater program and upcoming opportunities, visit worldupsidedown.org or follow us on Instagram @wudhub.
Productions
