THE MTCA EXPERIENCE

Schools and students have an opportunity to present a variety of categories for adjudication and feedback. Group categories include Ensemble, Musical Revue, and Showtune. Individual categories include solo, duet, monologue, musical theatre dance, costume design, hair & make-up design, and set design.

Students are led through a traditional Broadway-style vocal and dance open-call audition by our award-winning Music Directors and Choreographers. Students audition for the opportunity to be cast to star in our finale production number. All schools will be represented.

Each performer and group receive an intensive clinic directly after the presentation. This allows participants to grow and learn as performers in a supportive and meaningful way. Students preparing for upcoming show auditions, college, or professional auditions will come away with tangible feedback that will elevate their performances.

Multiple Masterclasses are offered throughout the festival weekend. Past classes include: Fosse Dance, Audition Prep, Scars and Bruises Design, The Language of Sondheim, Musical Theatre College Audition Prep, Scene your Song, and NEW addition to our last festival, 'The Next Step, MTCA College Panel and Fair', geared towards High School Students exploring continuing their education in the arts. 

Broadway performers and teaching artists work with students throughout the festival, offering insight, feedback, and education. All students are invited to participate in Broadway and Industry talkbacks. 

Students are encouraged to meet and have fun during breaks from the festival. MTCA offers Technical Olympics for all students and The MTCA Dance party! Throughout the festival, you will find students playing theatre games, laughing, and engaging with one another, which is a part of what makes the MTCA experience special!

MTCA offers Professional Development Masterclasses, and opportunities to connect with other Directors. All Directors are invited to the MTCA Directors Mixer hosted by the MTCA Creative Team. 

Saturday night, our Direct from Broadway Special Guests take to the stage for a concert featuring students cast from open call audition! Past Guests include, Derek Klena, Samantha Pauly, Adam Jacobs, Arielle Jacobs, Corey Cott, Taylor Louderman, Christy Altomare, Erika Henningsen and Christopher J. Hanke.  2024 Special Guests include Derek Klena and Nikki Snelson. 

Sunday we celebrate the weekend's accomplishments direct from The Walter Knott Theatre. Awards are presented in all Categories, including Individual, Group, Triple Threat, and Sweepstakes Awards.