MTI Festival Guidelines
Any student who attends a college or university with at least one participating or
associate production during Spring or Fall 2025 may participate in the MTI Scholarship
Auditions.

1. 1. Participants are asked to pre-register for the MTI auditions by January 19, 2026. 
      Registration is open and can be submitted on the MTI program page. 
   2. In Person First Round: Participants are asked to prepare up to a 90 second cut of a song
      from the musical theatre or musical theatre adjacent repertoire, which will be
      presented in-person at the festival. Live piano accompaniment will be provided;
      you may not sing a Capella or use a recorded accompaniment. Time will be kept
      and called if you go over.  Participants will receive feedback in a group session
      during the festival.
   3. Second Round: Semi-finalists will be asked to perform a two song cuts totaling
      no more than four minutes at the in-person semi-final round (participants MAY
      use the same song from round one, but it is not required). Live piano
      accompaniment will be provided; you may not sing a Capella or use a recorded
      accompaniment. Time will be kept and called if you go over.  Participants will
      receive feedback in a group session during the festival.
   4. Final Round: Finalists will be asked to perform one full song from round two
      during the festival closing ceremonies. 
   5. MTI will follow the same guidelines as the Irene Ryan Scholarship Auditions
      regarding rights and royalties.  Please see this link for material
      guidelines: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-
      artists/pre-professional-artist-training/kcactf/performance/ryans/irene-ryan-
      auditions-tips–suggestions/
   6. Each finalist will receive coaching from one of our respondents before their final
      round performance.
   7. Please note that you MUST be registered for the festival in order for your materials to be considered.