Musical Theatre Institute for Teens
A unique four-week training program for ages 13-19 culminating in a full production of a challenging musical at Atlas Performing Arts Center
The Theatre Lab’s renowned Musical Theatre Institute is an intensive four-week musical theatre program for teens in which students rehearse and perform a full musical production under the guidance of the DC area’s most esteemed directors. This exhilarating program is designed to challenge young performers—both artistically and personally—while providing a supportive, caring environment in which to develop. Roles are open to experienced performers as well as those looking to build musical theatre skills.
Past productions of the Musical Theatre Institute for Teens (MTIT), including performances of Hadestown: Teen Edition, The SpongeBob Musical, Titanic, Footloose, The Prom, Urinetown, Jesus Christ Superstar, Parade, and Rent, have played to rave critical reviews and sold-out houses.
Summer 2026
Applications for all Summer 2026 teen institutes are due on March 1, 2026. Program details for all teen training institutes are available on our website. Click the button to access the application form.
2026 MTIT Sessions
Session 1: Something Rotten! (June 15-July 11; No camp July 3)
Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell
Music and Lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick
Directed by Deb Gottesman
Music Direction by Lucia LaNave
Choreography by Sarah Frances Williams
Session Details
Set in the 1590s, Something Rotten! is a wildly entertaining musical farce that imagines the birth of musical theatre. Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are struggling playwrights desperate to write a hit in the long shadow of a certain Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard” (i.e. William Shakespeare!). Packed with clever wordplay, Shakespearean tropes, and laugh-out-loud surprises, Something Rotten! is lauded as one of the funniest musical comedies out there.
For teen performers, Something Rotten! offers an exhilarating, full-scale musical theatre experience. The show features large ensemble song-and-dance numbers, high-energy choreography, and a cast of colorful characters—giving every student multiple opportunities to shine onstage. Students build skills in comedy, timing, vocal performance, and ensemble storytelling while collaborating on a production that is bold, playful, and a thrill to perform for a live audience.
Note: This production will utilize non-traditional casting and most roles will be open to students of all genders.
Schedule
June 15 — July 11 (No camp July 3)
Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm
(Note: first week meets 4pm-8pm to accommodate school schedules)
Evening rehearsals and performances July 9 — July 11
+ matinee July 11
Session 2: Chicago: Teen Edition (July 13-August 8)
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Directed by Evan Casey
Music Direction by Lucia LaNave
Choreography by Maya Nellum
Session Details
Set in the glitzy, scandal-soaked Roaring Twenties, Chicago: Teen Edition tells the story of Roxie Hart, an ambitious performer who finds herself at the center of a media frenzy after committing a shocking crime. As Roxie teams up with fellow inmate and vaudeville star Velma Kelly—and the slick, fast-talking lawyer Billy Flynn—the lines between justice, celebrity, and spectacle blur. Told through sharp satire, unforgettable music, and iconic choreography, Chicago provides an ever-relevant exposé on the manufacturing of fame, all while delivering some of the most iconic numbers in musical theatre history.
For teen performers, Chicago offers a rich and sophisticated musical theatre experience that emphasizes character-driven storytelling, ensemble precision, and stylized movement derived from legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. Students take on demanding roles that require focus, musicality, and strong collaboration, while exploring jazz-inflected choreography, comedic timing, and bold stage presence. With its streamlined structure and striking theatrical style, the show provides teens with the opportunity to engage deeply with performance technique, develop confidence and discipline, and work together to create a polished, professional-caliber production.
Schedule
July 13 — August 8
M-F, 12pm-5pm
Evening rehearsals and performances August 6 — August 8
+ matinee August 8
“The MTIT’s four-week intensive doesn’t just culminate in a musical — it results in a fully realized work of art where young performers are empowered to take on mature material with integrity and artistry. The Theatre Lab has long been a leader in this space.”
Training Curriculum
The Musical Theatre Institute enables young artists to explore challenging, socially relevant material from the contemporary musical theatre world as they receive the intensive voice, movement and acting training essential for professional-level performance.
While the emphasis is on performance, MTIT students will also receive training in a wide variety of musical theatre disciplines during the rehearsal process, including: vocal production, acting a song, proper breathing technique, movement, building a character, ensemble acting, and more. In addition, students cast in ensemble roles will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform a solo in a student cabaret, open to the public, during the third week of the program.
Admissions
Admission to the Musical Theatre Institute is by application and audition. Applicants will be accepted on the basis of their commitment to exploring the musical theatre craft, their willingness to collaborate in a group process of discovery with other young artists, and their ability to handle the demands of the play and the musical score.
All applicants must complete a written essay expressing their interest in the program. Applicants must also prepare a musical theatre song for auditions that will be scheduled upon receipt of completed application.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1
Due to the limited nature of our enrollment, admission is competitive. You will be contacted shortly after the application deadline to schedule an audition. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered only if space becomes available.
MTIT is offered in two sessions per summer. Students can audition to take part in both sessions.
Tuition
Tuition for each session of the Musical Theatre Institute is $1,550. Please note: If you audition and are accepted into both Musical Theatre Sessions, you will receive a 15% discount on tuition for enrolling in both programs (Total Tuition: $2,790).
Financial Aid
At The Theatre Lab, we believe in making theatre education accessible to all. Partial financial aid is available through our Work Study program. In addition, a limited number of full scholarships will be awarded annually through the Dena Kohn Memorial Scholarship Fund. (Criteria: exceptional community involvement and financial need.)
Schedule
Classes and rehearsals take place at our new satellite location at 10th and G Streets (First UCC DC). Performances will take place at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE. Note: On the second night of performances (Friday), there will be no classes; students will be expected to arrive at the theatre at 5pm for rehearsal and stay through performance time. Schedules and locations subject to change.
"MTIT changed my child's life. This was her fourth summer, and this program has been the most positive and most influential experience of her high school years; it gave her a set of best friends, and moved her into a decision to pursue musical theatre in college. Every summer, it makes her a better artist, a better friend and a better person. Our family will always be grateful for The Theatre Lab and MTIT.”
Learn more about our summer teen training institutes
Summer Acting Institute for Teens
Performance Intensive for Teens