Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) Competition Team

Musical Theatre Team for 1st-12th Grade

JUNIOR THEATRE FESTIVAL

January 13 - 15, 2022
Atlanta, GA
Cobb Galleria

Come join an award-winning team for a FUN trip to Atlanta. We will be performing a portion of a Broadway Junior musical and spending the weekend learning and working with top Broadway professionals. Students will participate in 3 days of the largest musical theatre festival for young people! Our students will perform a 15-minute piece of a Broadway Junior musical for adjudication. Our students will also take classes with Broadway professionals.

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 Atlanta by 3:00 pm. 

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

How to Join the JTF Competition Team 

AUDITION

Any artists in one of APAA's programs or the community may audition to join the JTF Competition Team. Performers must be in 1st-12th grade. Priority casting will be given to current Company and Prep members. Community members must be registered for one of the APAA programs (Homeschool Academy, Youth Community Theatre, etc.) to be eligible. 

Auditions are Saturday, September 10th 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. 

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. We will teach you a short audition song. If you would like to bring your own, songs should be around 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. If you don't have a song prepared, that's fine! We're more interested in how you work as a group and your attitude at trying new things than the song you sing.
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 September 17th if they have been accepted. For all accepted students, there is a MANDATORY Parent's Meeting on September 24th. 

COST

The Junior Theatre Festival cost is $300. This includes all festival fees (group participation and individual registration). Meals, transportation, and JTF merchandise are not included. Hotel fees will be determined once lodging has been secured by JTF. 

Tuition for JTF Rehearsals is $500 for Community Members. For Company and Prep students, the cost is $250. 

Members must pay both the JTF Festival fees as well as the rehearsal fees to participate. 

Students in Elementary School (1st-5th grade) must be accompanied by a parent chaperone. The chaperone cost is $300 + hotel fees. Additional family members may also attend for $300 + 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 JTF Competition Team. This deposit must be paid by the Parent's Meeting on September 24th. 

REHEARSAL INFORMATION

Rehearsals for JTF will occur on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and begin in October. Students must be present at all rehearsals as our JTF performance is ensemble based. If there is a conflict, staff must be notified ASAP. 

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

Download the 2023 JTF
Brochure Here