The first nationwide competition for music theater soloists, the National Music Theater Competition (NMTC), has announced the opening of online applications through digital audition management sponsor, ArtsApp. Sponsored by National Association of Teachers of Singing, the National Music Theater Competition is open to performers age 20-28 by the application deadline of March 1, 2012. The NMTC aims to seek out and award the best emerging talent in music theater in 2012.

National Music Theater CompetitionEligibility and repertoire requirements are posted at http://www.musictheatercompetition.com. With over $10,000 in cash and prizes offered to the top three contestants, additional sponsors include Hal Leonard Corporation, Stage Door Access, and ArtsApp. “In partnership with NATS, ArtsApp is honored to be a part of the first National Musical Theater Competition,” says Dejen Tesfagiorgis, President of ArtsApp. ”We see this as an opportunity to bring the power of ArtsApp online auditions to this great organization. As musicians ourselves, we hope to continue building relationships with international leaders in music education.”

The online application process allows applicants to audition online or live at one of three locations in Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles. “We seek a top-quality, healthy, and unique vocal sound, appropriate for the repertory,” says NATS Executive Director, Allen Henderson.

The repertoire for the preliminary round auditions (both online applications and live auditions), include three contrasting music theater selections exclusively from Broadway and Off-Broadway original shows and revivals. These selections should be in original keys from original shows or revival shows only. Henderson suggests that the audition pieces should demonstrate the singer’s full ability in music theater, showing contrast and variety among selections.

Whether auditioning live, or submitting media files online, appropriate stage movement and dialogue or monologue, if an integral part of a selection, may be included. Singers at live auditions may bring their own accompanist or use the on-site accompanist.

Judges at all rounds (including online auditions) will include casting agents and managers from the top agencies in the industry in addition to veteran performers, coaches, and teachers. Approximately twenty-four singers will advance to the semifinal and final rounds to take place at the NATS 52nd National Conference this summer in Orlando, Florida.

Additional information is available at the competition website, http://www.musictheatercompetition.com.

National Association of Teachers of SingingFounded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,300 members in the United States, Canada, and over twenty-five other countries. In addition to sponsoring one of the most prestigious competitions for classical singers, NATS Artist Awards (NATSAA), NATS offers a variety of lifelong learning experiences to its members: workshops, intern programs, master classes, and conferences. The National Music Theater Competition is the first national competition for the music theater soloist, seeking out and promoting the best emerging talent in the field beginning in 2012.