What is JTF?

The Junior Theater Festival is the world’s largest celebration of young people in musical theatre, bringing together student groups from across the country to perform, learn, and grow. Teams participate in adjudicated performances and receive feedback from Broadway professionals, directors, choreographers, and educators.

Throughout the weekend, students also attend high-energy workshops, masterclasses, and special performances led by industry professionals. JTF gives young performers the opportunity to build confidence, sharpen their skills, and experience the excitement of the musical theatre community on a national stage.

Learn More

You never know who you’ll meet at JTF…

Mo Willems

Author of many well known children's books, including Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny, the Elephant and Piggie series, and many more.

Thomas Schumacher

Film and theatrical producer. Former president of Disney Theatrical Group, the theatrical production arm of The Walt Disney Company.

Daniel Mertzlufft

An American musical theater composer known for his TikTok musicals including Ratatouille the Musical, The Grocery Store Musical, and Thanksgiving the Musical.

Drew Cohen & Sean Gray

Drew Cohen- President of Music Theater International.

Sean Gray- Managing Director of Music Theater International (Europe).

Jodi Picoult

New York Times Best Selling author.  She wrote the book Between the Lines with her daughter. Picoult is also the co-librettist, with Timothy Allen McDonald, of several musicals: Between The Lines, Breathe, and The Book Thief.