It's time to freshen up your book and warm up those pipes! Next On Stage, Broadway's biggest national competition for high school and college students, is officially back for Season 5, and this season will be bigger and better than ever!
What is Next On Stage? In Spring 2020, when Broadway was dark and student productions across the country were being canceled due to the COVID pandemic, BroadwayWorld saw an opportunity to shine a spotlight on young performers across the country who were otherwise sidelined. Next On Stage was born out of the hope of providing a platform for some of the outstanding talent that will grace the Broadway stages of the future. Since its launch, the series has enjoyed four seasons and showcased the voices of thousands of young people across the country.
-AMDA Emerging Artists Scholarship: For 60 years, AMDA College of the Performing Arts has been recognized throughout the industry for its rich history and tradition of launching some of the most successful careers in theatre, film, television, and new media. With campuses in Los Angeles and New York City, AMDA provides unparalleled education and training for the aspiring actor, dancer, singer, versatile artist, and beyond. AMDA Emerging Artists Scholarships are awarded to exceptionally talented incoming students and cover AMDA’s full remaining tuition balance after all other financial aid is applied.
(*See full contest terms and conditions)
-High School Competition Winner: |
-College Competition Winner: |
-Vocal Lesson With Coach Matt Farnsworth: Winners will receive a vocal lesson with Matt Farnsworth. Matt Farnsworth is an accomplished voice teacher, actor, and pianist living and working in NYC. He has been teaching voice since 1995 when he became the consulting coach on Broadway’s production of Rent.
-Standard Rental Certificate for Up to $1,000 for Winner’s School to Produce an Upcoming MTI Show*
-Merchandise package including MTI-branded accessories and show-related items.
-Work session with The Telsey Office's Jimmy Larkin: Winners will have a 'work session' with Jimmy Larkin of The Telsey Office. The Telsey Office casts all of Broadway's biggest shows, as well as work for TV, Film, and commercials in both New York and Los Angeles.
-BroadwayWorld Merch Prize Pack: Each winner will receive a selection of merch from the BroadwayWorld Shop.
-$1000 donated to the charity of their choice (Charity subject to sponsor approval, must be a registered 501(c)3 charity)
-Perform at 54 Below for the live season finale, including flights (or other transportation to NYC based on location of origin) and a stay at a local hotel.
-Two tickets to a Broadway show during their stay in NYC
-Two tickets to a future show at 54 Below
October 8th | Submissions Open |
October 29th | Submissions Close |
October 31st | First Round Voting Begins |
November 20th | First Round Voting Closes |
November 22nd | Top 15 Results Show |
December 6th | Top 10 Results Show |
December 13th | Top 5 Results Show |
December 20th | Top 3 Results Show |
January 19th | Live Finale at 54 Below in NYC |
-The deadline to submit is October 29th, 2024 11:59 PM ET.
- Do not use a track with backing vocals. You must be the only voice in your submission.
- Do not submit past videos from performances in full productions or recitals. Videos should be 'audition/self tape' style, with you in front of a flat background if possible and a steady camera, filmed horizontally (the wide way). Videos should be updated to YouTube as an unlisted or public link. Please avoid uploading videos as 'Shorts.'
- Do keep performances to an audition cut, around 1 minute in length.
- High School submissions are limited to those ages 14-18 and graduating 2025-2028.
- College submissions are limited to those ages 18-23 and graduating 2025-2029.
- For questions regarding which age group you belong in, please contact us at nextonstage@broadwayworld.com.
- At this time, this contest is open to US residents only.
- Terms of the contest are subject to change. BroadwayWorld reserves the right to use videos and photos submitted for the contest in promotion of the Next on Stage competition.
Courtney Reed is best known for originating the role of ‘Princess Jasmine’ in Disney's smash Broadway hit Aladdin, in which she received a Grammy Nomination. She most recently starred in Moulin Rouge! as the Sparkling Diamond on Broadway- a role which she originated on the first national tour. Pre-pandemic she was seen in Lauren Yee’s award winning play Cambodian Rock Band at The Signature Theatre. She also had the honor of being a part of the closing company of the Tony Award Winning Musical In The Heights, in which she played ‘Carla,’ u/s ‘Nina’ and ‘Vanessa.’ She made her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! Favorite Regional: ‘Andrea’ in Once on This Island at Papermill Playhouse directed by Thomas Kail. Television: Liza on Demand, Search Party, The Affair, Law & Order: SVU, White Collar, NYC 22, and CSI: NY. Courtney is also a proud co-producer of Disney Princess the Concert that can be seen all over the world. |
Michael James Scott is best known for and is currently the longest running Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. He’s also played the role Internationally in London, the North American Tour and originating it in the Australian Production for which he won the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He’s also known for originating the role of the Minstrel on Broadway in Something Rotten and originating Dr. Gotswana (aka The Maggots Guy) in the Tony-winning phenomenon The Book of Mormon. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia, Tarzan, All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Elf, and Hair. On the West End, he was the associate choreographer and performed in the Broadway revival transfer of Hair. Off-Broadway, co-starring in Here’s to the Public opposite Donna McKechnie, and was also part of the concert cast of Jerry Springer: The Opera at Carnegie Hall. He was the standby for the legendary Ben Vereen in the Int. tour of Fosse, taking over the role in Paris, France at the Thé â tre du Châ telet. Outside NYC, original Las Vegas Co. of Jersey Boys and in Shrek the Musical as the Donkey at the famous St. Louis Muny. MichaelJamesScott.com (Instagram/Twitter @iamMJScott) |
Kate Rockwell starred as the original Karen Smith in Mean Girls: The Musical at the August Wilson Theater, which garnered her a Drama Desk Nomination. A natural brunette, her previous Broadway dumb blondes include originating the role of Skylar in Bring It On: The Musical, as well as roles in Rock of Ages, Hair, and Legally Blonde. She’s been seen recently as Anna on Amazon Prime’s Harlem and Nina Bennett on Fox’s Almost Family, and on Blue Bloods, High Maintenance, Deadbeat, and Sex and the City: the Movie. Some select regional theater highlights include Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Muny), Carrie Piperidge in Carousel (Arena Stages), Belle in Beauty and the Beast (Muny), and Mabel Normand in the world premiere of Hollywood (La Jolla Playhouse). Rockwell released her debut solo album, Back To My Roots, in 2018 on Broadway Records, and has performed her solo concert by the same name at Birdland Jazz Club, City Winery, and other venues in NYC. She is a WSET-certified wine lover and mama to her two-legged and a four legged kids. | With extensive credits on Broadway and in film and television, J. Elaine Marcos is known for her comedic timing and scene-stealing roles. She is currently in DRAG: the Musical and last scene in Los Angeles in the revival of Reefer Madness with Kristin Bell. Broadway credits include : Val in A Chorus Line, Lily St. Regis in the revival of Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Miss Saigon, Flower Drum Song, Gettin' the Band Back Together, Wonderful Town, Sweet Charity, The Wedding Singer. Abroad, J. Elaine starred in the new Maltby/Shire musical Waterfall in Bangkok. J. Elaine also travels extensively teaching abroad and is a proud AMDA Alumna. @jelainemarcos |
Lesli Margherita is an Olivier Award winner for her West End debut as Inez in ZORRO THE MUSICAL. Lesli made her Broadway debut originating the role of Mrs. Wormwood in MATILDA THE MUSICAL. After over 1000 performances, she bid farewell to the Broadway company of Matilda and crossed the street to The Helen Hayes to star as the diva Mona Kent in Broadway's DAMES AT SEA. Lesli later returned to MATILDA to close out its Broadway run. Off-Broadway, Lesli starred as Princess in EMOJILAND and Cindy Lou Who in the one woman tour-de-force WHO'S HOLIDAY. She will next be seen on Broadway as 'Tessie Tura' in Gypsy. | Kyle Taylor Parker has worked on Broadway in the original casts of Kinky Boots and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His other theatre credits include: The off Broadway revival of Smokey Joe's Cafe, Finnian's Rainbow, regional productions of Dreamgirls, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert on NBC. Combining his love of show tunes and soul music on his solo recording debut, Kyle's Broadway Soul, Vol. 1 arrived on Broadway Records in 2019, followed by Broadway Soul, Vol. 2 in 2021. |
OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS
BROADWAYWORLD’S NEXT ON STAGE, SEASON FOUR
Presented by AMDA
Sponsored by MTI and 54 Below
Entry into this Contest constitutes your acceptance of these Official Rules.
1. ELIGIBILITY
a. General Eligibility. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico. International residents holding a current student visa for study at a school within the United States are permitted to enter. Employees of BroadwayWorld.com, its affiliates, licensees, franchisees, advertising and promotional agencies and the immediate family members of each are not eligible. Contestants who have performed in a Broadway production, off-Broadway production or national tour are not eligible to enter. There is no purchase necessary to enter or win.
b. Age Limits. Contestants shall be considered “High School Contestants” if (i) their high school graduation year is 2025, 2026, 2027 or 2028; or (ii) they are between the ages of 14-18. Students who will graduate high school in 2024 should enter as “High School Contestants.” Home-schooled students are eligible to enter.
Contestants shall be considered “College Contestants” if (i) their college graduation year is 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 or 2029; or (ii) if they are between the ages of 18-23. Students not currently enrolled in a college or university but meeting the age range requirements are eligible to participate as “College Contestants.”
c. Parental Consent. Contestants under the age of 18-years old must have a parent or guardian’s permission to participate in the Contest, as noted on the Contestant Entry Form.
d. Prior Entrants. Contestants who have previously entered the competition are eligible to enter again, however Contestants who have won the competition in a prior year shall be ineligible to reenter.
e. Limit on Number of Entries. Each Contestant is limited to one initial entry.
2. HOW TO ENTER
a. Initial submission. All initial submissions must be submitted via our Contestant form. Additionally, Contestants must submit:
b. Communication with Contestant. Contestant must provide an active email address to be used as the primary method of communication throughout the Contest.
3. CONTEST DATES AND WINNER SELECTION
a. Initial Submissions. The Contest shall begin on October 8th, 2024 and initial submissions shall be accepted until October 29th, 2024.
b. First Round. The Contestants from each of the College Contestant and the High School Contestant groups shall be announced when voting beings on October 31st, 2024. Fifteen contestants shall be chosen by audience vote. The voting shall run from October 31st, 2024 through November 20th, 2024. Any additional contestants shall be chosen by the judges and shall be identified by announcement with a “judge’s pick” title card.
c. Subsequent Rounds. Each Contestant who advances beyond the Top-15 shall submit a new video weekly (as detailed below). New submissions must be received by BroadwayWorld before Monday at 9:00am ET. During the time between the submission deadline and when voting opens, the BroadwayWorld team will embed the entries and prepare the voting pages for the next round. Late submissions may not be accepted.
Voting opens on Mondays at 12 PM ET unless otherwise noted. Audience members may vote for as many contestants as they wish, once per day, per email. Votes will be audited and monitored for fake email addresses. Duplicate votes from the same email address shall be discarded. Audit results will not be released to the public.
In each subsequent round, up until the announcement of the top-3 Contestants on December 20th, voting shall determine whether a Contestant advances to the next round. Ranking of Contestants shall be determined by the number of votes received in that week alone. Votes received in previous weeks will not count in subsequent rounds.
In each round, the three Contestants who did not make the next round but received the next highest number of votes, will also be announced. The judges will collectively choose to save one of these three contestants from elimination and allow that Contestant to move to the next round of competition. Judges reserve the right to save more than one contestant on a weekly basis in their sole discretion.
The final three contestants will compete in the final round and the winner shall be determined by the number of votes received in that week.
d. Live Shows. Live shows will premiere on Thursdays unless otherwise noted. After the live show premiere, the full episode will be available on BroadwayWorld’s website, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Contestants are not required to watch the live shows, but it is highly encouraged to hear the voting results and feedback from the judges in real-time.
e. Schedule. The contest period and deadlines shall be as follows:
October 8th | Submissions Open |
October 29th | Submissions Close |
October 31st | First Round Voting Begins |
November 20th | First Round Voting Closes |
November 22nd | Top 15 Results Show |
December 6th | Top 10 Results Show |
December 13th | Top 5 Results Show |
December 20th | Top 3 Results Show |
January 19th | Live Finale at 54 Below in NYC |
All finalists will need to be available to travel for the January 19, 2024 finale in New York City.
BroadwayWorld reserves the right to modify or amend the contest period and submission deadlines at its sole discretion and upon notice to all Contestants.
f. Use of Social Media. Contestants are allowed to promote their voting page on social media
4. PRIZES.
Prizes shall be awarded to the winning Contestants as follows:
AMDA Emerging Artists Scholarship - BroadwayWorld Next on Stage Competition
Number of Scholarships: A total of two scholarships will be awarded to the winners of BroadwayWorld’s Next on Stage Competition (one in each category - High School and College)
Award Type: Merit/Need-based
Scholarship Description: AMDA Emerging Artists Scholarships are awarded to incoming students and cover AMDA’s full remaining balance after all other financial aid (Federal Pell & SEOG Grants, Stafford Loans, other sources) are applied. Scholarships will cover all remaining charges including tuition, housing, and food plan. Tuition and housing deposits are also covered. This award is valid for a total of four academic years (up to 8 terms). Renewal of this award will be subject to an official review after the completion of each academic year. Renewed amounts for subsequent academic year(s) may vary from your first-year award. Please note that this award will not create a credit balance on the recipient’s account. If the recipient becomes eligible for any additional aid, including outside/private scholarship or grant funds, this award will be reduced by the amount of the additional aid. For currently enrolled AMDA students, AMDA will cover the tuition balance for all future terms until program completion.
Program Eligibility: The Emerging Artist Scholarship can be applied towards AMDA’s Integrated Conservatory (Musical Theatre, Acting & Dance) in New York City, the Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Musical Theatre OR Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre (in-person only) degree programs in Los Angeles.
How to Redeem: Recipients must complete AMDA’s application process and be formally accepted to AMDA College of the Performing Arts. An additional audition will not be required.
Criteria: AMDA Emerging Artists Scholarship recipients must meet. and continue to meet the following criteria throughout the duration of the selected program:
-Vocal Lesson With Coach Matt Farnsworth: Winners will receive a vocal lesson with Matt Farnsworth. Matt Farnsworth is an accomplished voice teacher, actor, and pianist living and working in NYC. He has been teaching voice since 1995 when he became the consulting coach on Broadway’s production of Rent.
-Work session with The Telsey Office's Jimmy Larkin: Winners will have a 'work session' with Jimmy Larkin of The Telsey Office. The Telsey Office casts all of Broadway's biggest shows, as well as work for TV, Film, and commercials in both New York and Los Angeles.
-BroadwayWorld Merch Prize Pack: Each winner will receive a selection of merch from the BroadwayWorld Shop.
-$1000 donated to the charity of their choice (Charity subject to sponsor approval, must be a registered 501(c)3 charity)
-Standard Rental Certificate for Up to $1,000 for Winner’s School to Produce an Upcoming MTI Show*
-Merchandise package including MTI-branded accessories and show-related items with an approximate value of $300.
*Standard Rental up to $1000 value. Does not include additional rental (e.g. early rental, additional resources, etc.). Amateur organizations only - not valid for professional groups. Original certificate must be submitted with contract and all other applicable fees.
-Perform at 54 Below for the live season finale, including flights (or other transportation to NYC based on location of origin), hotel.
-Two tickets to a Broadway show during their stay in NYC
All expenses related to the acceptance or use of any prize is the sole responsibility of the prize winner. Prizes are not redeemable for cash, assignable, transferable and may not be substituted except at BroadwayWorld’s sole discretion.
5. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND RELEASES
a. Binding Rules. By entering, Contestants agree to be bound by these rules and the decisions of BroadwayWorld, which shall be final. All federal, state and local laws apply.
b. Limitation of Liability. BroadwayWorld and its employees, officers, directors, shareholders, agents and representatives, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising, promotion and legal advisors are not responsible for and shall not be liable for: (i) late, lost, delayed, damages, misdirected, incomplete, illegible or unintelligible entries; (ii) electronic, hardware or software program, network, Internet, or computer malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (iii) errors in transmission; (iv) any condition caused by events beyond the control of BroadwayWorld that may cause the contest to be disrupted or terminated; (v) any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused by or resulting from participant in the contest; of (vi) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the contest.
c. Release of Liability. Contestant hereby releases BroadwayWorld, its subsidiaries, affiliates and divisions and its respective directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all liablity, loss or damage arising from or in connection with your participation or attempt to participate in the Contest and/or the awarding, receipt, use or misuse of a Prize and from claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy.
d. Indemnity. Contestant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless BroadwayWorld against any claims by any third party related to a breach of any of these Contest Rules, including, but not limited to a claim libel, defamation, invasion of privacy or right of publicity.
6. CONTESTANT DISQUALIFICATION
Contestant acknowledges that BroadwayWorld has the right in its sole discretion to disqualify a Contestant at any time if it determines that the Contestant’s performance is offensive, inappropriate or contrary to BroadwayWorld’s reputation or that the Contestant has not complied with any of the Contest Rules. BroadwayWorld may also disqualify any Contestant for engaging in false or deceptive acts.
BroadwayWorld reserves the right to disqualify and Contestant or winner who, in its sole suspicion, tampers with the entry or submission process, violates these rules or the BroadwayWorld.com Terms and Conditions, or acts in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner.
7. PERMISSIONS
Except where prohibited by law, entry constitutes permission to use winners’ names, hometowns and likenesses for online posting, and/or any advertising and publicity without added compensation.
Contestant irrevocably grants to BroadwayWorld a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use Contestant’s submission(s) and/or performance(s) in any manner related to the Contest, including all associated use, reproduction, distribution, sublicense, derivative works and commercial and non-commercial uses, including any BroadwayWorld website, blogs and/or social media related to the Contest; promotions and communications related to the Contest; newsletters, articles, reports and publications related to the Contest; and exhibitions of the Contest submissions and winners.
8. PRIVACY
Personal information collected from online entries is subject to BroadwayWorld’s Privacy Policy, which can be found at www.broadwayworld.com/privacy; provided that, in the event of any conflict between these Contest Rules and such Privacy Policy, the terms and conditions of these Contest Rules prevail. As a condition of entering the Contest, each Contestant gives consent for Sponsor to obtain and deliver the Contestant’s name, address and other information to third parties for the purpose of administering this Contest and to comply with applicable laws, regulations and rules, including, without limitation, the storing of your personal information for purposes of complying with state record retention requirements.
9. Inquiries or Questions.
Any inquiries or questions regarding this contest may be sent by email to contact@broadwayworld.com or by regular mail to Wisdom Digital Media, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. CONTEST IS GOVERNED BY U.S. LAW AND SUBJECT TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
Colin O'Connor
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Colin was the College winner for BroadwayWorld's Next on Stage Season 4. A regular performer in NYC, he has an album coming out in November 2025. |
Jeffery Walker III
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Jeffrey was the High School winner for BroadwayWorld's Next on Stage Season 4 and currently attends AMDA on the scholarship he recieved as part of his prize. He is represented by CESD Talent. |
Mia Cherise Hall
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Mia most recently appeared in Relapse: A New Musical at Theater Row in NYC Off-Broadway. She also played Alyssa Green in Pioneer Theatre's production of The Prom last season. They are also a regular performer at 54 Below. |
Jackson Perry
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Since appearing in Next On Stage, Jackson appeared in the Broadway-aimed production of the Karate Kid musical in St. Louis. He will graduate from the University of Michigan's Musical Theatre program in 2024. |
Terrence Bogan
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Terrence attends Trinity College where he plays Football, in addition to his on-stage aspirations. He posted the college's fastest time of the season in the 55-meter dash and won the 55-meter dash in the Beat the Blizzard Indoor Meet at Coast Guard. |
Haiden Pederson
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Haiden has a BFA from and is a recent graduate of the University of Arizona. She recently made her NYC debut at 54 Below. |
Tommy Kaiser
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Tommy most recently appeared in the Rent 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour, where he played both Mark and Roger. Off-Broadway he has appeared in Audrey: A New Musical. He's a regular at 54 Below and a viral TikTok sensation. |
Willem Butler
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Willem most recently played Dimitry on the 2nd National Tour of Anastasia. Recent credits include Jersey Boys (Frankie Valli) and Catch Me if You Can (Frank Jr.) at Bigfork Summer Playhouse, and Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Lyric Music Theatre. |
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