The third National Music Theater Competition recently completed its preliminary competition rounds for 2016, resulting in the selection of 25 national semifinalists who will travel to Chicago to compete during the National Association of Teachers 54^th National Conference.

The semifinal round will take place on Friday, July 8, with the finals scheduled for Saturday, July 9. The winner is awarded more than $5,000 in prizes in addition to a concert at the next NATS National Conference; second prize is awarded more than $2,500; third prize is $1,000 and fourth prize is $750.

The National Music Theater Competition seeks the best emerging music theater soloists. To be eligible, applicants must be between ages 20-28. The preliminary rounds of the competition took place in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. An online video submission round was also held for participants who could not travel to the live audition sites.

Sponsors of this year's event include Hal Leonard Corporation, Stage Door Access, California State University – Fullerton, Manhattan School of Music, and Roosevelt University.

Below is a complete list of national semifinalists: