Jazz hands and spirit fingers at the ready...
The MTI Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) is Europe’s largest celebration of musical theatre specifically designed for young people. Held annually at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, UK, it's produced by Music Theatre International (MTI) in partnership with iTheatrics from New York.
If you're looking for that perfect event to showcase your group's talents, you won't to miss JTF. Over the course of a single, jam-packed day, students and educators will take part in adjudications, watch performances of new Broadway Junior shows soon to be released by MTI, enhance their skills in exclusive workshops in the three disciplines of singing, acting and dance, all culminating in an Awards Ceremony (featuring a mini-concert from a West End star!) designed to celebrate the achievements of the day.
JTF is a dynamic, immersive, and educational gathering designed for schools and youth groups staging Broadway Junior productions licensed through MTI. The Festival fosters creativity, learning, collaboration, and lifelong inspiration through the power of musical theatre.
About the Day
Although JTF takes place over two days, it's the same one-day Festival, so no matter which date you choose to attend, you'll take part in the same key events. Read on to find out what each day includes.
KICK OFF
JTF begins with a vibrant Kick-Off celebration that unites all participating groups in an atmosphere of excitement and support. The event features the 'Sondheim Pledge' followed by a dynamic mass warm-up for all participants. The Kick-Off not only energises participants but also highlights the sense of community and spirit of support that is unique to the event.
ADJUDICATION
Groups perform 15 minutes of a Broadway Junior musical for adjudication by leading theatre professionals. Groups are rated in the areas of music, acting, dance, ensemble and overall performance. The adjudicators offer constructive criticism to each group to encourage further learning in key areas and will work interactively with students on one particular moment.
NEW WORKS SHOWCASE
After lunch everyone gathers in the theatre for a sneak peak at upcoming Broadway Junior shows soon to be released for licensing. In previous years, a West End star has answered questions from students and performed.
WORKSHOPS
West End professionals and master teachers from across the globe offer interactive workshops in all aspects of musical theatre performance. Groups will rotate around THREE separate workshops, each focusing on one of the core skills; acting, singing and dancing. Dance workshops are delivered directly by West End show creatives, teaching the actual choreography from those shows.
ALLSTARS
During adjudications, 2 students from each group will be selected as AllStars. AllStars will participate in exclusive workshops and will rehearse and perform a featured number at the Awards Ceremony on the main stage.
AWARDS CEREMONY
To celebrate the accomplishments of the day everyone gathers in the main theatre. Outstanding performances are selected from the morning's adjudications and groups perform their numbers on the stage. Awards are given for achievements in dance, music, acting and ensemble as well as achievements in student direction & choreography, outstanding individual performances and the JTF Spirit Award. A West End star will perform a 'mini concert' and the AllStars performance closes the event.
NETWORKING & CONNECTIONS
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Junior Theatre Festival is the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and professionals from across the globe. Students form lasting friendships as they collaborate, share experiences, and celebrate each other’s performances, while educators and group leaders benefit from dedicated professional development sessions and the chance to exchange ideas with colleagues from different countries. Whether on stage, in workshops, or during social moments throughout the festival, JTF creates a vibrant community where meaningful connections and future collaborations are born.
VIDEOS
Marco Antonio Calleja
Hoi Polloi Academy, Malta
"The Junior Theatre Festival is a wonderful celebration of children and youth in musical theatre. It brings together people from all walks of life in the most joyful and positive way — allowing everyone to focus on what connects us through performance, storytelling, and shared passion. For myself, my team, and the students at Hoi Polloi Academy, it has opened doors to international networking, lifelong friendships, and artistic growth like no other festival we’ve experienced."
Tara Melia Hunt
Stagecoach Abingon, Didcot, Wallington & Wantge & Stagecoach Botley
"JTF is truly the highlight of our performance troupe's year! From the moment we arrive, our students are immersed in an experience that both educates and inspires. They get to perform the piece they’ve worked so hard on, receive invaluable feedback from adjudicators, and learn directly from industry professionals in the incredible workshops. The thrill of watching West End stars on stage and celebrating alongside thousands of other musical-theatre-mad students at the awards ceremony is unforgettable. Our students come home absolutely buzzing—still talking about it weeks later. It’s a life-changing day that ignites their passion for performing and makes them feel part of something so much bigger."
Kimberly Holden
Manchester Musical Youth
"The Junior Theatre Festival is an incredible experience for our young performers. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by thousands of like-minded children, all sharing their passion for musical theatre and singing their hearts out to top MT tunes. Our cast loves the sense of unity and belonging that comes from connecting with other theatre groups, and as leaders, we’ve built lifelong friendships with others across the UK and beyond. JTF is about so much more than performing, it’s about connection, community, and creating core memories that will stay with our children forever."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PAST PERFORMERS
Over the years, JTF has welcomed an incredible lineup of performers straight from London’s West End.
A small sample of the talent that has graced the JTF main stage is shown below.
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PAST WEST END PARTNERS
