CMT Academy: Musical Theater Training Program
We are thrilled to launch CMT Academy, San Jose’s premier musical theater program for youth.
Academy is a year-long, audition-based training and performance program for performers ages 10 – 15.
Auditions for CMT Academy will take place at the end of August. Academy members will still be eligible to participate in all Season 59 productions.*
*One scheduling exception applies: 10-year-old Academy performers will not be eligible to participate in the Winter Junior Talent production.
FALL SEMESTER: TAKE THE STAGE
Your first semester puts you in the spotlight.
Academy students rehearse and perform a full ensemble production from the prestigious Broadway Jr. Collection: Mary Poppins Jr. After performing at the Creative Arts Center in December, you’ll travel to Sacramento to compete at Junior Theater Festival, February 5 – 7, 2027. This is where you make your mark.
SPRING SEMESTER: MAKE THEATER HISTORY
Create an original musical before it hits the national stage.
Academy students will work alongside a professional creative team to develop a brand-new musical, Harriet the Spy The Musical Jr., from the ground up, participating in the workshop and pilot process before the show’s official national release. You won’t just perform theater, you’ll help shape it. The process culminates in an in-studio showcase in May 2027, and your contribution becomes part of something that will go on to reach stages across the country.
Master Class with Blaine Krauss from the Hamilton National Tour
YEAR-ROUND: TRAIN LIKE A PRO
Weekly training to hone your craft and build with your cohort.
Academy meets every Sunday: a dedicated weekly commitment designed to grow range and artistry. Throughout the year, rehearsals may include performance workshops and masterclasses with guest artists from the industry. And because we know your growth doesn’t stop at one show, Academy members remain eligible to participate in all CMT Season 59 productions, giving you more time on stage, more roles, and more experience than any other training program in the region.
Academy FAQs
Q: What are the ages for Academy?
A: For our inaugural year, Academy will be open to performers ages 10 – 15 (Must be within age-range by date of audition).
Q: How many cast members will be in Academy?
A: For our inaugural year, we anticipate casting 25 – 30 cast members.
Q: When are Academy auditions and what will I need to prepare?
A: Academy auditions will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 2pm-6pm. Registration, information, and what to prepare will be available on July 10th. The audition experience will explore ensemble-based exercises with the intent of building a cohort of performers who collaborate and complement each other’s development and growth.
Q: When does Academy rehearse and can any rehearsals be missed?
A: In general, Academy will rehearse on Sundays from 2pm – 6pm. A few Monday evening rehearsals are also included as well as two weeknight performance dates in December and May. There are 15 working/rehearsal sessions per semester. Members will be permitted to miss up to two rehearsals per semester to remain in good standing with the cohort. Additional missed rehearsals may result in not participating in public performances or JTF.
Q: What is the cost to participate in Academy and is there a payment plan?
A: The cost to participate in Academy is $1500. $400 must be paid at the time of being cast and covers the cost to participate in the JTF. The remaining $1100 may be paid in one or two lump sums, or monthly throughout the year.
Q: Will there be any scholarship opportunities for Academy?
A: The limited number of $1,100 scholarships may be available for Academy members. Families will be responsible for the $400 JTF fee.
Q: If I’m in Academy, can I participate in other CMT productions?
A: Yes! The Academy schedule and Production Rehearsal schedules have been developed to complement each other. Academy members will be able to participate in all 59th season productions with 1 exception. 10-year-old Academy Members will NOT be able to participate in the new Winter Junior Talent production which runs Feb 11 – 14.
Q: Where do Academy performances take place?
A: December and May performances will take place the Creative Arts Center. Tickets are available to the public for $20 and proceeds will help offset costs for those attending JTF.
Q: What is the Junior Theater Festival?
A: The Junior Theater Festival (JTF) takes place Feb 5 – 7 in Sacramento. Sponsored by Broadway Media, iTheatrics, Playbill, and Disney Theatrical Productions, JTF brings together student musical theater troupes from all over the world for a weekend of musical theater mayhem and madness. The weekend includes presentations of produced work for adjudication, along with professional development workshops for students, teachers and parents.
Academy will be representing CMT for individual and organizational awards and participants will be able to meet peers from across the country and adjudicated by artists and performers working in theater today.
Q: When does JTF take place?
A: JTF West (Sacramento) takes place Feb 5 – 7, 2027
Q: How much does it cost to attend JTF?
A: Academy member fees cover the cost to attend JTF. In addition to the fee, members will be responsible for hotel and food while at the festival. Academy performances in December will help offset some of these costs for member families, staff and chaperones. More information will be available.
Q: Are chaperones required to attend JTF and what is the cost?
A: Based on the total number of performers, CMT will need chaperones to join us at JTF. We are planning to cover the festival fees for those chaperones and expect the December studio performances to help offset the hotel/food cost for the chaperones as well. We expect there may still be some additional costs for some chaperones which we will confirm closer to the date.
Q: What other costs are associated with JTF/Academy?
A: Families will not incur other costs. T-shirts, and any other Academy gear will be included in the tuition costs.
Q: Do Academy members have to re-audition each year?
A: Yes. Interested performers will need to audition each year to participate in Academy.
Q: Are there additional performance opportunities throughout the year?
A: Academy members may be asked to represent CMT at promotional events throughout the year and will be held to the highest standards as leaders, allies, and ambassadors of the CMT community.
Interested in participating in one of our full-scale production workshops check out upcoming auditions HERE.
Scholarships:
CMT offers scholarships to all of our classes, camp and programs. Find out more: