What's New > Announcing the 2026 National Musical Theatre Competition semifinalists
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The National Association of Teachers of Singing is pleased to announce 24 semifinalists for the 2026 National Musical Theatre Competition (NMTC).
The biennial NMTC is a premier showcase for emerging professional musical theatre artists ages 22-30. Past winners have gone on to star in Broadway musicals such as Hamilton, Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Aladdin, Carousel, Phantom of the Opera, Violet, Amélie, Merrily We Roll Along, On Your Feet, Dear Evan Hansen, Bad Cinderella, My Fair Lady, New York, New York, and more.
After hundreds of preliminary auditions were completed in October, both live in New York City and through online video submissions, a panel of 15 Broadway-experienced industry professionals selected the 24 semifinalists. The NMTC Semifinal Auditions and Finals Showcase will be Jan. 5 in New York City, offering these rising stars the chance to perform in proximity to musical theatre industry professionals.
The 2026 first-prize winner of the Florence Birdwell Prize will receive $10,000 in cash, a $1,000 Hal Leonard gift certificate, and a concert at the 59th NATS national conference in San Antonio (July 3-7, 2026). The second-prize winner of the Linda J. Snyder Prize will receive $3,500 cash prize and a $500 Hal Leonard gift certificate. Additional prizes include the Louise Lerch Prize ($2,500) and the Bill Hayes Prize ($1,000) with additional new prizes to be announced from stage.
The Semifinal Auditions and Finals Showcase will take place in conjunction with the 2026 NATS Winter Workshop, Jan. 3-5, 2026, at Manhattan School of Music’s Neidorff-Karpati Hall, and admission to the NMTC Finals Showcase is included with Winter Workshop registration.
General admission tickets for the NMTC Finals Showcase on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. may be purchased online (Students: $25 and Regular $50). A special VIP pre-curtain reception with food and drink along with priority seating for the NMTC Finals is available for $125. The 2026 NMTC Finals Showcase also will honor distinguished voice teacher and coach Joan Lader — whose four-decade career has guided countless singers and actors across Broadway, film, opera, and popular music.
Event sponsors include Hal Leonard Corporation, Manhattan School of Music, Matthew Corozine Acting Studio & Theatre, Michael Hull Photo, Broadway Vox, Retreat to Broadway, Bedell Cellars, and the Foundation Heritage Fund of the NATS Endowment.
Congratulations to the 2026 NMTC semifinalists!
Make plans today to see the NMTC finalists perform as part of the NATS Winter Workshop: The Teacher’s Toolbox, Jan. 3-5, 2026, at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
The early-bird registration deadline is Saturday, November 15. Don’t delay, register today!
