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Academy & Classes

Pre-Professional Program

Grades 4-12

ATMTC Academy’s two Pre-Professional Programs prepare committed and gifted students in grades 4-6 and 7-12, furthering their studies in the performing arts discipline, working on solo and ensemble performing skills, and preparing for professional auditions led by a highly qualified faculty.
 
The Pre-Professional Program curriculum provides students with intensive training in Acting, Music, Dance, Voice & Speech, and Performance. The year culminates with a capstone presentation, “Spotlight”, performed on the Glen Echo Stage.

Acceptance into the program is by audition only.

2025-2026 ANNUAL SCHEDULE

Pre-Professional training is a 3-hour (Grades 4-6) or 4-hour (Grades 7-12) weekly program held on weekends beginning at 12pm. Students admitted to the program commit to the full-year program which spans from September 2024-May 2025 with a winter break in January.

NEW! For Grades 4-6: Saturdays 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM*
NEW! For Grades 7-12: Saturdays 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM*
*In addition to Saturdays, some Sunday rehearsals are included on the calendar. 

Annual Enrollment: September 13, 2025 – May 21, 2026 

Download the Full 25-26 Schedule

AUDITION PROCESS & APPLICATION

The Pre-Professional Program admits a new cohort of students to its program each season by audition only. Students are accepted on the basis that they demonstrate talent and potential in singing, dancing, and acting.

2025-2026 In-Person Auditions


July 19 & August 9 Audition Schedule
12:00-12:20 Improv/Acting warm up
12:20-12:45 Learn music
12:45-1:10 Learn choreography
1:10-1:15 BREAK
1:15-2:15 Vocal auditions – students will sing the materials they have just learned. Please also bring a 32-bar cut of a song from a musical (approximately 1 minute). The cut must be in the right key and sheet music in a binder.
2:15-3:00 Dance audition with choreography they just learned
 
August 20 Audition Schedule
5:30-5:50 Improv/Acting warm up
5:50-6:15 Learn music
6:15-6:40 Learn choreography
6:40-6:45 BREAK
6:45-7:45 Vocal auditions – students will sing the materials they have just learned. Please also bring a 32-bar cut of a song from a musical (approximately 1 minute). The cut must be in the right key and sheet music in a binder.
7:45-8:30 Dance audition with choreography they just learned 

Click here to sign up for an Audition Date and Time:

Saturday, July 19 at 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 9 at 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20 at 5:30 p.m.

2025-2026 Digital Auditions

2025-2026 digital auditions will be accepted, but auditioners are strongly encouraged to audition in person if possible. To audition digitally:

  1. Set yourself up for success! Follow these tips on auditioning digitally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdcrPWg2b20 
  2. Announce yourself as well as the songs you’re going to sing with the name of the composers. You may accompany yourself or use a karaoke track. 
  3. Sing 32 bars of 2 contrasting musical theatre songs (Ballad, Up-Tempo, Golden Age, Pop, Folk, Country, etc. are all acceptable options). 
  4. Additionally, please announce your 1-minute monologue. “I will now be doing a monology by (insert playwright name here) from the play/show, (insert name of show here.”
  5. Auditioners will also be requested to showcase some dance and movement. If you would like, you can learn this choreography: https://youtu.be/rAF8bruuVPA?si=D18bWojvU5Zn_cv2
  6. Please send in your digital audition along with a headshot and resume to Academy Program Manager, Juliana Quirino, at jquirino@adventuretheatre-mtc.org.

PERFORMANCES

Company members participate in multiple performances each year, including but not limited to: special community events, the annual ATMTC Fundraiser Cabaret, and a Capstone production in May. 

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ

New This Year

NEW! Welcoming back Mr. Lenox as our Acting Coach for the Pre-Professional Program, we also congratulate Laurie Newton on her new role as Artistic Director/Dance Director, and Cainan Grier as the new Music Director! You can read their bios here.

Throughout the year, we will have guest choreographers and teaching artists, and exclusive master classes with industry professionals. Students will have the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable field trips to see live performances in both DC and NYC*, plus the chance to show their spirit with brand-new Pre-Pro merchandise. We’re also extending our schedule to 14 weeks in the Spring to give our young artists even more time to grow, train, and take their craft to the next level!

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition is $3,000 for Grades 4-6 and tuition is $4,680 for Grades 7-12, due at the time of enrollment with payment plans available.

  • In addition to scholarships, ATMTC Academy is willing to offer 3-month or 4-month payment plans to help ease any financial burden preventing a bright young performer from joining the company.
    • Payment plans cannot be used in tandem with scholarships and must be paid by the beginning of the Spring Semester.
    • Once your child is accepted to the program, parents interested in a payment plan should inquire with the Registrar about setting it up. registrar@adventuretheatre-mtc.org.

Did you know? Adventure Theatre MTC Academy does not turn anyone away if they are in need of financial assistance.  Call 301.251.5766 to learn about scholarships or click here.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

FACULTY

ATMTC hires the most educated and talented musical theater education professionals in the D.C. and New York regions. Among our staff for the current program year, we are proud to employ qualified individuals who are:

  • Graduate degree holders in musical theater, theater, and youth education from top national institutions
  • Musical theater professors at prominent regional universities
  • Professional and award-winning musical theater choreographers, singers, and directors

Note: Faculty is subject to change.

ALUMNI

Many of ATMTC’s former students have gone on to do amazing things in their lives and careers. From Law & Order to Wicked, you’re likely to find more ATMTC Alumni on TV, Film and Broadway stages than any other pre-professional training program in the country.  Many of our alumni have attended the best musical theater colleges in the country, including: