BroadwayWorld, in partnership with the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), announced the return of Next on Stage, a prestigious national competition for high school and college students passionate about musical theatre. Entering its fourth season, this platform calls upon students to share their gifts and be part of a transformative journey within the realm of performing arts. And the first episode of this transformative competition will premiere tonight on BroadwayWorld.com.
Judges for this exciting season include Broadway legends Courtney Reed, Michael James Scott, J. Elaine Marcos, Kate Rockwell, Lesli Margherita, and Kyle Taylor Parker.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BroadwayWorld saw an opportunity to uplift students, many of whom were affected by art program budget cuts and canceled school productions, across the nation. In the wake of its launch, this series has blossomed through three successful seasons, amplifying the voices and talents of numerous young artists from all across the country.
Now, after a two-year hiatus, BroadwayWorld again invited high school and college-aged students to step into the limelight by submitting videos of themselves performing their repertoire. At the heart of this competition lies the prestigious Grand Prize: the AMDA Emerging Artists Scholarship, which covers the full remaining tuition to AMDA after all other financial aid, ensuring that financial barriers do not obstruct the path to artistic excellence.
Beyond the competition and its prizes lies a deeper significance—an acknowledgment of the profound importance of arts education and equity of access for young individuals. Opportunities like Next on Stage offer invaluable platforms for budding talents to refine their craft, gain exposure, and build confidence in their abilities. These experiences go beyond the stage, shaping individuals by fostering creativity, discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
By providing a stage that welcomes talents from all kinds of backgrounds and circumstances, Next on Stage embodies the belief that talent knows no boundaries and that everyone deserves an equal chance to shine. After all, studies show that students from underresourced who actively participate in the arts exhibit a 23% higher likelihood of attending college compared to their peers with minimal arts engagement.
The first episode of Next on Stage is available for viewing tonight on the BroadwayWorld platform. The high school competition will air at 7pm ET and the college competition will air at 9pm ET. Head over to our website to catch a glimpse of the exceptional performances that kick-start this season's journey.
