Justin Blythe didn’t intend to act in his school play.

But on Wednesday, the Nansemond River High School sophomore made his debut as Prince Charming in the school’s spring production,  “Aladdin.” The musical showcases the hits introduced to audiences by the classic Disney movie, in which street rat-turned-prince Aladdin woos the beautiful Princess Jasmine.

Although he signed on to help with lights and sets, Blythe occasionally filled in reading lines during rehearsals. So when the student originally cast as Prince Charming dropped out, Blythe stepped up to the role.

“I was talked into it,” said Blythe, wearing Prince Charming’s white jacket trimmed in heavy gold brocade on Wednesday. “I don’t get nervous or embarrassed easily.”

Roughly 50 performers will take the stage in “Aladdin,” and young theater patrons are likely to be greeted at the door by Disney princesses.

Thursday and Friday, more than 600 elementary school students from across the city will come to Nansemond River to see the play, said director Joleen Neighbours, who teaches performing arts at Nansemond River.

That’s a highlight of the performance for senior Shelby Blevins, who plays Iago.

“It’s amazing to see the expressions on the faces of little kids,” said Blevins, adding that she still remembers seeing a performance during her childhood. “We might be making memories these children will carry into adulthood.”

Working together on “Aladdin” and other productions has been a bonding experience for students in the school’s theater company.

Nansemond River newcomer Liz Foshe, a senior who plays Jafar, says she has made a lot of friends through the school’s performing arts program.

The production will run nightly through May 7, with all performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students, with all proceeds going back into Nansemond River’s theater program. Tickets are available at the door.

Through the school’s award-winning performing arts program, Neighbours strives to teach students both the business and performance sides of theater. Former students have gone on to work or further study arts or theater management, she said.

“The arts are an investment,” Neighbours said. Studies have shown that students who participate in performing arts are more likely to graduate on time, score 200 to 400 points higher on SAT tests, and generally have stronger communications skills, she said.