Musical Theatre Intensive
The goal of the Musical Theatre Intensive is to celebrate and recognize outstanding musical theatre students within Region 5 and offer educational opportunities to work with musical theatre professionals. Selected performers will participate in a cabaret performance to be held at the end of the week.
Deadline to enter:
January 9, 2026
Questions? Contact:
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There are three ways to participate in the Musical Theatre Intensive:
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Audition for the MTI Singing event
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Audition for the MTI Dance event
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Submit a video for the MTI Showcase event
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Students may audition for one, two, or all three events. If selected, students may participate in one, two, or all three events. Students selected to participate will come together to present their work in the Musical Theatre Cabaret performance on Saturday at the festival.
MTI Tentative Schedule
Tuesday
Morning/Afternoon - MTI Singing Preliminary Auditions
Afternoon - MTI Dance Auditions
Evening - MTI Dance Finalists & MTI Singing Semi-Finalists Announced
Wednesday
Morning - MTI Singing Semi-Final Auditions
Morning - MTI Dance Rehearsal
Afternoon - MTI Dance Response for those not chosen as finalists, MTI Singing Finalists Announced
Afternoon - MTI Showcase work sessions
Thursday
Morning/Afternoon - MTI Singing Intensive
Afternoon - MTI Singing Response for those not chosen as finalists
Afternoon - MTI Dance Rehearsal
Friday
Afternoon - MTI Cabaret Performance (Singing, Dance & Showcase)
Selection Criteria for Singing Performers
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Ability to play urgent, strong and clear objectives as an actor throughout the song. Students (or group) must create an arc to the song in terms of storytelling, with a clear beginning, middle and ending.
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Ability to make varied, specific and bold acting and singing choices, which are expressed throughout the performance lyrically and musically.
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Ability to perform the song with vocal excellence, exhibiting a healthy and varied vocal instrument through which the student (or group) makes varied, informed musical choices that add texture and layers to their overall performance. Must exhibit a strong understanding of the lyrics and orchestrations; musicality is strongly considered.
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Ability to physically connect to the song, making strong and varied choices expressing their character fully physically as well as emotionally.
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Students (or group) display strong physical movement that is connected and informed by the music and lyrics of the selection (if choreography is utilized).
MTI SINGING
The MTI Singing Event is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize outstanding musical theatre performers in KCACTF Region 5. We encourage all actors/singers to showcase their work. This will be a solo, audition-style intensive. Please see the guidelines for entry below:
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Any KCACTF eligible student may audition with the certification of a faculty member from their college or university. All entries must be solos.
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All applicants must be registered for KCACTF Region 5 Festival to participate in this event.
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Registration strictly closes on January 9, 2026 at 5 pm. Slots will be pre-assigned on a first come, first serve basis; a confirmation email will be sent to the performer with the audition time prior to the festival.
Material Selection Guidelines
This event will occur in 3 rounds. Participants should prepare two contrasting song cuts; you may select which of your two cuts you wish to sing for each round under the following requirements:
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Preliminary Round: The preliminary round will consist of one musical cut, no longer than 90 seconds in length.
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Semifinal Round: The semifinal round will consist of 2 contrasting musical cuts; one from your preliminary song selection and one additional cut of your choice. The combined time of both cuts should be no longer than 4 minutes in length.
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Final Round: The final round will be the guest artist’s choice of one of the Semifinal songs, performed in full length. Final selections should not exceed 3 minutes in length.
Song selections may be from a musical, revue, song cycle, or from the “pop” genre. For our purposes, “pop” songs may include, but are not limited to: pop, rock, country, rap, bluegrass, folk, jazz, etc. Selection criteria will be the same no matter which song genre you perform.
Please note: If you wish to offer a duet, trio, group number, or other, please submit for the MTI Showcase. Shine your light!
MTI Singing Event Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does the selection process work?
Participants will present their song in a preliminary audition. From the preliminary round, musical theatre guest artists will select students to advance to the semi-final audition and present a second contrasting song. From the semi-finalists, guest artists will select a group of finalists who will be showcased in the Musical Theatre Intensive Cabaret to be held at the end of the week. The Musical Theatre Intensive finalists will also have the opportunity to work with guest artists on their material during an all-day intensive workshop prior to the cabaret performance.
Q. May I make internal cuts in my music?
Internal cutting is permitted as long as cuts are clearly marked.
Q. Will there be a live accompanist, or should I prepare to use tracks?
All selections must be performed with live piano accompaniment - NO tracks will be permitted. A pianist will be provided, but students may choose to bring their own pianist if they prefer. All music must be clearly marked and performance-ready, as limited time will be given for explanation prior to the audition.
Q. What should I include in my audition slate?
Auditioners should slate their name, the title of the song, and the production it is from as a part of the audition.
Q. When will I know my audition slot date & time?
Auditions will not be scheduled until after the entry deadline. You will receive an email from MTI Coordinator Emily Wirkus (mti@kcactf5.org) with the date and time of your audition and other important details as you prepare.
Q. How should I prepare my music for auditions, and what should I bring?
Students must bring a hard copy of their sheet music in a binder. All music should be in the correct key, clearly marked with any accompanist notes, and not cutting off any necessary bass line notes, key signatures, or other musical markings. No reflective sheet protectors please.
Q. When will my response be?
There will be a response session during the festival for those not invited to participate in the Cabaret.
Q. Why are the respondents making the call on what we sing if we are selected for finals?
We’re trying something new this year to better support you and set everyone up for success. Instead of finalists choosing which song to perform, the guest artists will recommend which piece from your semi-final audition package they feel best showcases your strengths. Their decisions are based on what they heard in your audition and what they believe will help you shine the most in the workshop and final performance setting.
Additionally, this approach allows us to shape a well-rounded and dynamic MTI Cabaret that highlights the unique qualities of each finalist. Every choice will be made thoughtfully and with your growth and artistic success in mind.
MTI DANCE
The Musical Theatre Intensive Dance event gives students a chance to learn and perform choreography taught by a guest artist. Selected dancers will rehearse throughout the festival week and perform in an ensemble dance number at the Musical Theatre Cabaret.
The festival process for this event will work as follows:
Any KCACTF eligible student may audition with the certification of a faculty member from their college or university.
Registration strictly closes on January 9, 2026 at 5 pm. Audition slots will be capped at 120 participants for the preliminary round. Slots will be pre-assigned on a first come, first serve basis; a confirmation email will be sent to the performer with the audition time prior to the festival.
Audition Expectations
Student selection for the MTI Dance event will occur after one preliminary round followed by a selection of finalists. Expectations are as follows:
Preliminary Round: Auditioners will be taught a short musical theatre dance combination. Students should expect the dance combination to be at an intermediate/advanced dance level for success.
Finalist Selection: We are thrilled to be offering two groups of finalists this year! All finalists will be selected under the same preliminary audition process. Both groups of finalists will be announced at the conclusion of all preliminary auditions. Once designated, each group will have the opportunity to rehearse a full-length Musical Theatre dance number under the mentorship of our guest artists throughout the week. Both groups will perform their prepared work as part of the Musical Theatre Intensive Cabaret performance.
MTI Dance Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I wear to the preliminary dance audition?
Students must wear proper dance attire for the audition. Please wear a black jazz flat/character shoe; female-presenting dancers may wear a black heel if they have one (otherwise a black jazz shoe is fine). No baggy pants, jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers will be permitted. Please bring appropriate attire with you to the festival.
Q. If selected, what should I wear for the MTI Dance Cabaret performance?
Students will be required to wear all black if selected to perform as a finalist; no exceptions. Please prepare in advance by bringing all black dance attire with you to the festival. Please bring a black jazz flat/character shoe; female-presenting dancers may wear a black heel if they have one (otherwise a black jazz shoe is fine). (Please note the above question on what clothes & shoes are considered appropriate dance attire and what is not.)
Q. When will I know my audition slot date & time?
Auditions will not be scheduled until after the entry deadline. You will receive an email from MTI Coordinator Emily Wirkus (mti@kcactf5.org) with the date and time of your audition and other important details as you prepare.
Q. How can I best prepare for the MTI Dance preliminary audition before the festival?
It is encouraged to prepare for the MTI Dance audition on your own by practicing quick-pickup dance combinations to prepare for an audition of this format. This type of preparation is completely optional, and at the students discretion.
Q. Will I receive a response?
There will be a response session at the festival for those not invited to participate in the Cabaret.
Q. Is there a difference in chorographical style or difficulty between the two groups of finalists that will be selected for MTI Dance?
Yes; one group will explore more complex combinations and stylistic details designed for dancers with significant movement or dance experience, while the other group will work on choreography that is ideal for strong movers who may have less formal dance training. Both groups will receive the same level of coaching and visibility, and both are an exciting part of this year’s event. Our goal is to celebrate a wide range of skills and ensure all finalists have the chance to shine and grow through the process.
MTI SHOWCASE
The Musical Theatre Intensive Showcase event gives students an opportunity to share their musical theatre work that does not fit within the criteria for the Singing or Dance events. The requirements for submitting for this event are as follows:
Any KCACTF eligible student may audition with the certification of a faculty member from their college or university.
Registration and submissions for this event strictly close on December 15, 2025 at 5 pm to be considered for the MTI Showcase.
MTI Showcase Submission Requirements
Please refer to the following requirements below to submit for the MTI Showcase event:
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Performers will audition via video submission prior to the festival, and will be notified before the festival week if they have been selected.
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Selected performances will be a part of the Cabaret performance. Students may submit musical theatre work that includes, but is not limited to: duets, trios, or ensemble songs; dance performances; original choreography; or original compositions.
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Videos must include a slate with all performers’ names, the title of the piece, and the show it is from. Performances should be no longer than 3 minutes in length, not including the slate. Other guidelines for video submission include:
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Record your video in landscape mode (not portrait).
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Position the camera at eye-level.
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Make sure all performers are well-lit and faces are clearly visible.
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Make sure your audio is clear and audible.
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Make sure the accompaniment can be clearly heard but is not louder than your voice(s) (if singing).
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Please upload your video to a streaming service such as YouTube. Make sure that the permissions are set to unlisted (others with the link can view the video), and not private (only you can view the video).
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You do not need to edit the video to include anything additional, such as a title card.
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Note: Solo audition songs should submit for the MTI Singing event and will not be considered for the MTI Showcase.
MTI Showcase Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to provide my own accompaniment? May I use a track?
Students should provide their own live piano accompaniment or may perform to a recorded track.
Q. Are we allowed to use props and costume pieces? What furniture will be available?
Props, costumes, and furniture should be kept to a minimum. As in Irene Ryans, a table and two chairs will be available.
Q. How will we know if our submission is selected to participate?
Students will be notified prior to festival week if they have been selected to participate in the Showcase via email from MTI Coordinator Emily Wirkus (mti@kcactf5.org). This email will also include important follow up information regards to further participation information for this event and scheduling.
Q. Will there be a response provided for selected work, like other MTI events?
This event is unique in that selected participants will have the opportunity to engage in a collaborative rehearsal setting in lieu of the formal response time for other MTI events. Guest Artists will have time to work with selected groups prior to the Cabaret, and this work session is considered it’s own ‘long-form’ response.
Q. Will we be required to provide my own accompanist for the performance if we are selected?
A. Yes. You will be required to provide your own live accompanist to workshop with guest artists and play for performances, or you may work with a pre-recorded track. All tracks must be submitted via email to the MTI Coordinator, Emily Wirkus.