One of mid-Michigan’s oldest arts organizations, Lansing Matinee Musicale (LMM)
will celebrate its 129th anniversary and 70th year as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in
2023.
LMM is operated by volunteer members and supported by charitable gifts and bequests.
We are members of the Michigan and National Federations of Music Clubs.
Emerging Artist Musical Theatre Award
The LMM Emerging Artist Musical Theatre Competition is seeking the best emerging
musical theatre artists, those who just need that one break to move their careers forward.
A connection to Michigan is required, which could include being a current or past
resident, being born or raised in Michigan, attending a Michigan school...
The competition and award are made possible through the Lee C. and Mildred
Richardson Scholarship Fund.
All awards will be cash:
1 st Prize – $2,000
2 nd Prize – $1,500
3 rd Prize – $500
Deadline for entering is January 15, 2023, with the final round on April 15 in Lansing, Michigan. Exact venue TBA. More information, eligibility, repertoire requirements, and application can be found in the FAQs below.
Entrance Procedure
Applicants must be between 20 and 28 years of age on December 20, 2022.
See the FAQs and Application below for complete details.
Application requires payment of a $75 application fee, payable by Paypal or check.
All application materials (with the exception of the audition videos for the preliminary round) must be submitted by the deadline – January 15, 2023.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
No refund of application fees due to cancellation by the applicant will be allowed.
Applicants must be available for the April 15 date of the final round in Lansing, Michigan.
Singers who participate in the final round must agree to allow LMM to use their names, images, and videos for LMM’s publicity purposes.
Just three steps.
HAVE REPERTOIRE OR COPYRIGHT QUESTIONS? All questions specific to the rules and regulations, copyright, or about repertoire and requirements should be directed to the Competition Coordinator at LMM.EmergingArtists@gmail.com (preferred) or 517-349-3856 (no texts at this number).
Preliminary Round (Virtual)
THREE CONTRASTING MUSICAL THEATRE SELECTIONS
Semifinal Round (Virtual)
FOUR ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS (FOR A TOTAL OF SEVEN)
Final Round (Live)
20 minute program from their list of SEVEN SELECTIONS
*The determination of whether there will be amplification offered to participants for the final round will be determined by the size and acoustic quality of the room in which they occur.
Preliminary Round (Virtual)
THREE CONTRASTING MUSICAL THEATRE SELECTIONS that are written or intended for a staged musical production. The production may be a musical (including film musicals), revue, or song cycle. The selections should demonstrate the singer’s ability in musical theatre, showing contrast and variety among selections. We seek a top-quality, healthy, and unique vocal sound appropriate for the repertory. Adjudication criteria will evaluate, among other factors, the breadth of repertoire chosen. Therefore, singers are encouraged to ensure that these selections represent the full spectrum of their vocal and dramatic abilities. Appropriate stage movement and dialogue or monologue, if an integral part of a selection, may be included. Published transpositions of musical theatre songs are permitted, but singers are expected to retain the composer’s intended style of music and to convey the essence of the character portrayed in the larger work. Performances not fulfilling these requirements may result in lower scores from adjudicators.
Semifinal Round (Virtual)
FOUR ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS (FOR A TOTAL OF SEVEN) that demonstrate the singer’s full ability in Musical Theatre, showing contrast and variety among selections. We seek a top-quality, healthy, and unique vocal sound, appropriate for the repertory chosen. Adjudication criteria will evaluate, among other factors, the breadth of repertoire chosen. Therefore, singers are encouraged to ensure that total of seven selections represents the full spectrum of their vocal and dramatic abilities. In this round, singers may also want to ensure their selections represent a variety of historical periods of Musical Theatre. Appropriate stage movement and dialogue or monologue, if an integral part of a selection, may be included. Published transpositions of musical theatre songs are permitted, but singers are expected to retain the composer’s intended style of music and to convey the essence of the character portrayed in the larger work. Performances not fulfilling these requirements may result in lower scores from adjudicators.
Final Round (Live)
Singers will construct a program not to exceed 20 minutes from their list of SEVEN SELECTIONS sung in previous rounds. Singers may bring their own accompanist or use the on-site accompanist.
*The determination of whether there will be amplification offered to participants for the final round will be determined by the size and acoustic quality of the room in which they occur.
This award is made possible through the Lee C. and Mildred Richardson Scholarship Fund.
FAQs
LMM Emerging Artist Award for Musical Theatre FAQs - Please Review!
What are the eligibility and repertoire requirements for the LMM Musical Theatre Competition?
The competition is open to all musical theatre soloists with a Michigan connection between the ages of 20 and 28 as of the January 15, 2023, application deadline date. The required connection to Michigan could include being a current or past resident, being born or raised in Michigan, attending a Michigan school…
How do I apply for the LMM Emerging Artist Award for Musical Theatre Competition?
First, verify that you are eligible to apply by carefully reviewing the eligibility and repertoire requirements. Make sure that you have all the following information about the three songs in your repertoire: Song Title, Song Character, Song Show, Song Composer/Lyricist, Song Key, and Song Length. Then, complete the application below.
Why is the LMM Musical Theatre Competition not open to high school students and those over 28?
This year’s Musical Theatre Competition is seeking out the best emerging musical
theatre soloists, those who just need that one break to move their careers forward.
Is the Musical Theatre Competition open to everyone worldwide?
Yes, this competition is open to anyone in the world with a Michigan connection who satisfies all eligibility and repertoire requirements.
Are any travel arrangements covered for competitors?
No travel costs are provided or reimbursed for competitors who need to travel to live auditions.
I have completed my application for the preliminary round. When will I be notified of the results of my audition and information regarding semifinals?
Applicants will be sent information about the next round approximately 3 – 4 weeks prior to the next audition date(s).
Will microphones be permitted for the final round in the LMM Musical Theatre Competition?
The determination of whether there will be amplification offered to participants for the final round will be based on the size and acoustic quality of the room in which they occur. We recommend that you prepare selections as if there will be no amplification.
Am I allowed to transpose the keys of my musical theatre repertoire?
Published transpositions of musical theatre songs are permitted, but singers are expected to retain the composer’s intended style of music and to convey the essence of the character portrayed in the larger work. Performances not fulfilling these requirements may result in lower scores from adjudicators.
Will this competition’s adjudication be influenced by the style of singing’s matching or not matching that of each song’s original conception?
In order to avoid creating highly-segmented categories, we are leaving the responsibility. with the performers to use styles appropriate for their repertoire. In slang terms, they have to “Bring it!”
How do I provide the adjudicators with my repertoire if I am selected for the semifinal and/or final rounds?
Adjudicators will receive a list of the repertoire selections that you submitted on your online application. In the semifinal round, competitors will sing one selection of their choosing in its entirety, and adjudicators will then choose other selections (or portions of selections) for you to perform during the time limit. Chosen finalists will construct a program of their choosing within the time limit from the repertoire list submitted on the application.
YouTube Round Videos
In order to enter the competition, you must complete the application below by January 15, 2023. You will have until January 30, 2023, to upload your audition videos for the preliminary round. Directions will be provided to singers selected for the semifinal and final rounds.
- After receiving our email notifying you that your repertoire has been approved, upload your audition videos to your own YouTube channel and provide the. YouTube links by email to LMM.EmergingArtists@gmail.com.
- Please note that you must select either “Unlisted” or Public” in the Privacy settings found under the Broadcasting and Sharing Options section when uploading your video file to YouTube. If you select “Private” your submission will be invalid.
- ALL video links must be uploaded in the same order that your repertoire is listed on your application.
- Please double-check the links you provide.
- The video must clearly show your face. A frozen camera position throughout, showing your face and most of your body, is preferable.
- Singers are required to sing their selections from memory on the competition video entries. If a singer’s performance is not memorized, the entry will be disqualified.
- You must sing with a live pianist in your video entry. Note that the quality of the accompanist’s playing can affect not only your singing, but also the judging. The video should be in the spirit of a recital or audition. It may be shot in a home, school, church, synagogue, recital hall, or some other appropriate location, without an audience. Please take into account the acoustics of the room. A small room with dead acoustics will not flatter a voice. We encourage you to dress appropriately, as you would for a recital or an audition.
- Accompanists are forbidden to use photocopies. Pianists playing for singers must play from original and legal publications. Entries with visible photocopies will be automatically disqualified. Photocopying music is illegal. The purchase of a publication does not grant the right to photocopy for rehearsal or performance with a pianist. The use of LEGALLY downloaded and purchased copies in compliance with national copyright policy is allowed.
Singers are responsible for the accompanist’s compliance with this strict rule. We cannot make any exceptions. Pianists must play from original publications whether it is their preference or not. There is no other choice for this competition. We urge the use of page turners as necessary.
Lansing Matinee Musicale (LMM) is a 128-year-old organization that support the arts in Michigan. It is a member of the Michigan and National Federation of Music Clubs. We're thrilled to offer this opportunity to young professionals!
Join us!
We always welcome new members: musicians, teachers, students, and people who simply love and appreciate the arts. We offer monthly performances featuring a variety of musical styles as well as fellowship and fun. Your membership also helps support talented local musicians, music students and educators.