The NATS National Music Theater Competition (NMTC) has completed its preliminary rounds, resulting in the selection of 24 national semifinalists. Beginning with the 2018 competition, the NMTC semifinal and final rounds will be held in New York City, in proximity to a wide audience of artist managers and industry professionals.

The first prize winner is awarded more than $5,000 in prizes in addition to a concert at the 55th NATS National Conference in Las Vegas on June 22, 2018. Second prize is awarded more than $2,500 plus a $500 gift certificate from Hal Leonard Corporation. Third and fourth prizes are provided through the NATS Foundation, including the Louise Lerch Prize ($1,000) and the Bill Hayes Prize ($750). Added this year is the "Best New Musical Theater Song" award, sponsor by MusicalTheaterSongs.com.

The semifinal and final rounds will take place during the NATS Winter Workshop in New York City on Saturday, January 6, 2018. Admission to watch the NMTC final round is included in the package for those who are attending the Winter Workshop, which will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, January 5-7, 2018. General admission tickets will be available on-site for $10.

The preliminary rounds of the competition took place during October and November in New York City (New York University-Steinhardt School), Chicago (Roosevelt University) and Los Angeles (California State University-Fullerton). An online video submission round was also held for participants who could not travel to the live audition sites. The 2018 competition saw a 75% increase in the number of eligible applicants, ranging in age from 20 to 28.

Sponsors of this year's event include Hal Leonard Corporation, Stage Door Connections, and the NATS Foundation.

The 2018 NATS National Music Theater Competition semifinalists are: