Competition Team

Performance Competition Team 1

Musical Theatre Competition Team for 6th-12th Grade

Winners of the 2023 Excellence in Acting Award at the Junior Theatre Festival

"Asheville Performing Arts Academy's performance was as polished and professional as it gets. It's obvious that this is a serious and dedicated performing group. This cast is filled with triple threats, they acted, sang and danced with equal aplomb." - Jeff Calhoun (Disney's Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde, Big River)

"Their energy was contagious! From 8-18, these students knew how to work together as a team and clearly had fun doing it." - Shey Rodgers (Theatre Under the Stars)

---

The Competition Team is an elite small group ensemble at the Asheville Performing Arts Academy. Students in this group have shown a mastery of musical theatre and a dedication to furthering their craft as artists.

As part of the Competition Team, students will participate in the National Youth Theatre Experience. Participation in all events are mandatory as part of the ensemble.

Any APAA or Community member (currently registered in one of our classes) may audition, though priority casting is given to current Company and Prep members. Audition information can be found below. Following auditions, accepted students will be sent information about how to register. D

Audition Sign Up

DJI 0176

Watch our 2023 JTF Performance

Jeff Calhoun
JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF) '23
Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award
ADJUDICATOR
Jeff Calhoun

( Disney's Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde, Big River)

Asheville Performing Arts Academy's performance was as polished and professional as it gets. It's obvious that this is a serious and dedicated performing group. This cast is filled with triple threats, they acted, sang and danced with equal aplomb.

Shay
JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF) '23
Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award
ADJUDICATOR
Shay Rodgers

(Theatre Under the Stars)

Their energy was contagious! From 8-18, these students knew how to work together as a team and clearly had fun doing it.

Wren C
JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF) '23
Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award
COMPANY MEMBER
Wren C.

When I first signed up for JTF, I thought I was signing up for a competition. And I do love competition, But I found that it was so much more than that.
I felt an overwhelming sense of community and belonging. But most of all, I felt an overwhelming love for theater. Watching so many different people from so many different places, who all loved theater as much as I do, I really did discover who I wanted to be when I grow up.

Craig V
JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF) '23
Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award
PARENT
Craig V.

JTF with APAA was a transformative experience for my 9 year old son, who found himself surrounded by thousands of kids who loved what he loved: musical theater. APAA supported the kids (and parents!) throughout the whole experience, and the group was brilliantly prepared to perform in front of talented judges such as the director of Newsies on Broadway. He saw Broadway pros perform, was part of a tightly supportive group, and learned lots. APAA put the kids first and always had their best interests in mind. My son thought it was amazing and very much hopes to return.

Fiona R
JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF) '23
Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award
COMMUNITY THEATRE MEMBER
Fiona R.

JTF was super fun and amazing character-building weekend. I loved the chance to improve as an actor, dancer, and singer. I felt super proud of myself, my teammates, and our directors!

Julie R.
JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF) '23
Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award
PARENT
Julie R.

I was blown away by the intensity our kids brought to their performance! They blew me away! I have watched it so many times and I am overwhelmed every single time. It was so delightful to watch all the other groups perform as well.
And just watching them have a blast singing and dancing with all the other kids- trading bracelets and making new friends. It was honestly fabulous.

Amanda H.
JUNIOR THEATRE COMPETITION (JTF) '23
Winner of the Excellence in Acting Award
STAFF
Amanda H.

I have had the honor of participating in JTF as a student, stage manager, and now as a member of the staff. Each time we go, you feel a rush of emotions - nervousness, excitement, and most of all pride. Every person attending puts their all into their performance and the love of musical theatre shines through each and every one of them. It is such an honor to be a part of the APAA and the magic that they are able to create for each student

previous arrow
next arrow

National Youth Theatre Experience

March 9 & 10, 2024
Louisville, KY
Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts

Come join an award-winning team for a FUN trip to Kentucky as students get to spend two days celebrating their love of musical theatre. At NYTE, students will showcase their performance abilities on the stage of the historic Brown Theatre, participate in workshops with the top Broadway stars, and meet theatre lovers from around the country. 

Please note, group rehearsal times begin on Friday at 4:30 pm, so students may need to take a half-day or miss school. Please plan on being in Louisville by 3:00 pm.

How to Join the Performance & Competition Team 

AUDITION

Any artists in one of APAA's programs or the community may audition to join the Performance & Competition Team. Performers must be in 6tg-12th grade. Past particpants are eligible to audition regardless of grade. Priority casting will be given to current Company and Prep members. Community members must be registered for one of the APAA programs for the 23-24 Seaon (Homeschool Academy, Youth Community Theatre, etc.) to be eligible. 

Auditions are Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at our studio. Students must register for an audition slot below. 

Please note you are auditioning to be on the team. We will not assign parts until we have a few rehearsals. 

Audition Sign Up

WHAT TO PREPARE

When you arrive you will be asked to participate in a small audition group where you will dance call as well as perform a short song and scene

  1. Students need to prepare an audition song of about 1 minute long (or 32 bars). Please bring a copy of the sheet music for our accompanist to play. While we love Elphaba, Annie, and Alexander Hamilton, pick a song that best showcases your voice and personality.
  2. Students will participate in a group scene work and improv games. 
  3. We will teach you 32 counts of choreography that you can learn that day. Please be dressed appropriately for movement and bring any dance shoes you may have.

Students will then be notified by October 5, 2023 if they have been accepted. For all accepted students, there is a MANDATORY Parent's Meeting on October 7, 2023. 

REHEARSAL INFORMATION

Rehearsals for the Competition Teams will occur on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and begin in October. Students will also particiapte in two full-day workshops to set and clean choreography. Students must be present at all rehearsals as all performances are ensemble based. If there is a conflict, staff must be notified ASAP. 

COST

The NYTE cost is $210. This includes all festival fees (group participation and individual registration). Students also have the opportunity to perform a monologue or solo for $50. Meals, transportation, and merchandise are not included. Hotel fees will be determined once lodging has been secured by NYTE. 

Tuition for the Competiton Team is $500. Members must pay both the NYTE fees as well as the Competition Team fees to participate. 

Chaperones are needed to help make the festival go as smoothly as possible. The chaperone cost is $160 + hotel fees. Additional family members may also attend for $160 + hotel fees. 

REGISTRATION

After the audition process, a staff member will send you the registration form to complete as well as payment information. Upon acceptance, a $250/person non-refundable deposit is required to secure your child's place on the APAA Competition Team. This deposit must be paid by the Parent's Meeting on October 7th. 

If you have any questions about the program, please don't hesitate to email.