Musical Theatre

The 2026–2027 NSA Musical Theatre Category Guide is the comprehensive resource for singers, teachers, adjudicators, and Auditions Chairs participating in Musical Theatre auditions. The guide covers category placement, repertoire requirements, accompaniment, scoring, advancement, video submissions, and the performance expectations that are specific to Musical Theatre. Categories span Children and Youth through High School, Post-High School, Advanced, Adult Avocational, and Adult Non-Traditional singers, with placement based on voice type, age, grade, and/or length of study.

Musical Theatre auditions emphasize storytelling, character, acting, vocal technique, musicianship, and stylistic understanding. Singers are expected to portray a character and communicate a clear story, using movement when it supports that storytelling while avoiding unnecessary or fully danced choreography. Repertoire must come from appropriate Musical Theatre sources, meet the category’s contrast and repertoire requirements, and generally be performed from memory. The guide also provides specific guidance on age-appropriate material, allowable cuts, transpositions, accompaniment, and the distinction between Musical Theatre and Commercial Music repertoire.

Musical Theatre (MT) Category Guide Get all the details here in one comprehensive PDF file. Learn More

Musical Theatre (MT) Regulations Summary Lots of nuances to be aware of. Learn More

Musical Theatre (MT) Category of Entry Abbreviations and Terminology. Learn More

📣Summary of What's New in Musical Theatre (MT) in 2026-2027

• No Double Dipping - Singers entering multiple NSA categories (Classical, Commercial Music, Musical Theatre, and/or Spirituals) may NOT use the same selection in any other category including the American Negro Spirituals category. 
• When does my time begin? The time for ALL NSA auditions begins when the singer begins their slate. 
• Sing NEW Repertoire - Repertoire performed in the 2026-2027 National Student Auditions cycle should not be reused from the previous NSA cycle’s chapter, region, or national student cycle. 
• Teachers enter singers in the NSA Qualifying Round - Teachers will now be responsible for entering their singers in the NSA Rounds using AuditionNow. 
• Reminder: No arrangments allowed in MT - A limited exception is made for published solo editions approved by the copyright holder–authorized arrangements that preserve the complete original solo line while omitting only incidental chorus or ensemble passages. Rare exceptions allowed for published solos approved by the copyright owners.