THE 24 HOUR MUSICAL!
This exciting project is designed to challenge our participants to create and perform a musical to a full paying audience in just 24 hours. The performers have no idea what musical they will be rehearsing and performing until they arrive at the theatre the night of the 24 hour musical challenge, and with limited time to sleep the 24 hour cast, creatives and team will be working solidly through the night and day to create the best version of the show possible all for an incredible cause!
Dates: Friday 6th – Saturday 7th of March 2026
All proceeds from this event will go to The MS Society, Registered Charity No.1139257
Special thanks to The Berkhamsted School for their support in this project. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for your generous contributions for this incredible charity and for allowing us full use of your wonderful theatre.
ChaRITY
The MS Society is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by MS. Over 150,000 people in the UK live with multiple sclerosis (MS), with 135 diagnosed each week. MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord and impacts how people move, think and feel. MS stays with you for life. For over 70 years the MS Society has been at the forefront of support, research, and campaigning to improve the lives of people with MS. The MS Society is the largest charitable funder of MS research in the UK. Its research has helped drive forward treatment options and dramatically improved our understanding of the condition. The free MS Helpline offers emotional support and information to over 28,000 people a year, and local groups across the UK bring people together to reduce isolation and provide support through events, exercise classes and more. Campaigning work helps to improve the lives of people with MS and their carers. For more information visit www.mssociety.org.uk
Venue
Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted School, Kings Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 3BG
Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted School, Kings Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 3BG
The Centenary Theatre in Berkhamsted is a 479 seat contemporary theatre opened in 1991 to mark the centenary of Berkhamsted Girls’ School. The theatre is incredibly well-equipped with facilities to rival, if not outshine many theatres in the surrounding area. Our participants will be lucky enough to enjoy lunches outside as well as use of all the professional theatre facilities and grounds for both weeks.
FAQ's
Performers wishing to take part in our 24 hour musical must be over the age of 16 at the time of the production. There is no upper age limit on the 24 Hour Musical!
Places are booked on a first come first served basis. Anyone wanting to be considered for a principle of feature will be required to send in a self tape.
Leading up to the project cast members will be sent a series of clues which could indicate what the show is going to be, be aware we could throw in some red herrings for fun! These could be parts of costumes or props which we may ask you to bring in.
Cast will arrive at the venue 7:30pm on Friday the 6th of February. At 8pm the show and cast list will be announced, this is where the fun really begins.
From 8pm Friday 6th until 6:30pm Saturday 7th our cast, creatives and crew will work solidly to put on the best version of our secret show possible. Obviously breaks for food will be designated throughout the process but please be prepared to work very hard, after all it is a challenge for charity.
The show will begin at 8pm on Saturday 6th with the audience only finding out what the musical is when they hear the overture.
In order to keep this as exciting as possible is it VITAL that no-one tells anyone or leaks what the musical is while we are rehearsing. This also means that there is no social media updates throughout the 24 hours, however you may take pictures and videos to be released at a later date.
For Rehearsals please wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Active wear will suit the project better than a pair of jeans which will restrict your movement. Trainers or Jazz shoes must be worn for dance classes.
Smash Arts Theatre Company merchandise will be available to purchase throughout the experience but are not compulsory.
Smash Theatre Arts will endeavour to provide as many of the costumes needed for the production as possible, however we may ask you to assist with some basic items for costumes such as t-shirts, shoes, etc – usually things that you already have at home.
A administration fee of £35 per participant is required to take part in this project.
We are asking that each cast member works towards a target £250 for our chosen charity. If you would like to raise money in teams you can do this by adding your target with another participants. Of course we would love you to all raise as much money as possible.
Booking information will be available on our website: 24 HOUR MUSICAL: Surpise Show
Show times are as follows:
8pm – Saturday 6th February 2026
Click here for tickets
By attending our 24 Hour Musical you agree to us using your child’s image for social media and marketing purposes.
We will be hiring a professional photographer throughout the experience. Any professional photographs of the production will be available for purchase after the completion of the project.
We have a strict social media ban throughout the 24 hours project. Any posts or stories are to uploaded after the completion of the project.
If a participant is unwell or has an accident requiring emergency treatment, the Parent/Guardian will be contacted via the emergency contact details provided on the enrolment form. Please ensure that all emergency contact details are up to date and correct.
Due to the nature of dance it may be necessary for our team to use physical contact when training dancers and performers.
All the team at Smash Arts are fully DBS checked in line with our safeguarding policy and a first aider will always be present throughout the duration of the project.
Participants of the 24 hour musical participate at their own risk and are obliged to inform Smash Arts Theatre Company of any existing injuries or medical condition. Any medication must be clearly labelled and handed in at registration at the beginning of every day.
We ask that our participants arrive at rehearsals each day with an open mind, well rested and ready to learn. Our cast have the amazing opportunity to work with a highly skilled and experienced creative team including a professional Director, Choreographer and Musical Director, to create a professional show in just 24 hours. Our 24 hour musical is an inclusive and collaborative company. Our main goal is to create something truly special. We do this by respecting everyone involved, learning from each other and creating a safe space to work together as a team. Smash Arts Theatre Company do not tolerate bullying of any kind.