National Association of Teachers of Singing announces first ever national competition for music theater performers, the 2012 National Music Theater Competition.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JACKSONVILLE, FL (December 1, 2011) –  National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is sponsoring the first national competition for the music theater soloist: the National Music Theater Competition (NMTC).  The NMTC aims to seek out and award the best emerging talent in music theater in 2012. Eligibility and repertoire requirements have just been posted at http://www.musictheatercompetition.com.

The National Music Theater Competition is open to all singers who are age 20-28 as of March 1, 2012 with payment of $70 application fee ($55 for students of NATS members). 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.

The online application process will give applicants the option 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 next summer in Orlando, Florida.

While the application process will open soon, interested parties can sign up for NMTC email notifications. All of the current information available can be found on the About NMTC webpage.