2023 PMP Musical Theatre Competition Categories
Show times: 7:30 pm on Sunday July 9th, Monday 10th and Tuesday July 11th
Grade 12 & post secondary students Two 1st place awards of $1000.00
Grade 9, 10 & 11 1st place award $500.00
Grade 4, 5 & 6 1st Place award of $250.00
People’s Choice Award The Nalda $250.00
How do I enter The PMP Musical Theatre Sing-Off ? You can enter the 1st round of the PMP 2023 Sing Off by participating in the PMP 2023 Musical Theatre Song Circle OR by submitting a video of yourself performing 1 musical theater selection and a $25.00 viewing fee to casting.at.pmp@gmail.com by June 12th at 11:59 pm. From these song circles/video performances, 4 to 5 performers will be chosen by a team of judges and the Musical Theatre Song Circle adjudicator for each category to compete in the Sing Off.
What do I need to prepare? Contestants will need 3 contrasting songs that represent fast, slow, and medium speeds. Songs that show off the whole spectrum of the musical theatre repertoire such as ballad, dramatic and comedic are recommended. We suggest a program that include old time musical classics, and new modern pieces. The goal being to show the judges and audiences your versatility as a musical theatre performer.
Can I do a monologue with my selection? Yes, but be aware the monologue cannot be more than a 30 second time limit.
Do I have to dance? Musical theatre is the combination of singing, acting and dancing. Since we are looking for the best well rounded musical theatre performer, contestants are encourage to include at least 12 bars of dance in at least one of your presentations. This can happen as a dance break or you may include the steps in the body of the song.
Is there a time limit? Total maximum time allotted for each song is 5 minutes. This will include the dance break, any preceding monologue, the song itself and set up & breakdown of any set or props. If the time limit exceeds 5 minutes points will be deducted. If a song goes over 5 minutes there will be a 10 point deduction from the total mark for each part of a minute over. Ex. 1 sec over 5 minutes = 10 point deduction, 1 min 1sec over 5 minutes = 20 point deduction etc.
Can I have props? A table and chair will be available for the performer’s use if needed. If you desire props for any of your 3 performances, you can have up to a maximum of 3 props, per song, not including the table and chair. No live props please.
When would present my songs? The PMP Musical Theatre Sing-Off will be spread over 3 consecutive nights: tentatively Sunday, July 9th, Monday July 10th and Tuesday, July 11th. Each contestant sings one song at each evening performance. The songs will be organized into 3 separate night programs with one song from each contestant each night. What song the performer sings on what particular night will be determined in advance by the PMP planning group. The order of songs and performances will be determined by a hat lottery the night before. There will be a start time to be 7:30 pm for the performances.
How will I be marked? Mark standing will be determined by 2 Broadway performer judges, and audience participation vote. Broadway Judges voting weight: 80% (each judge 40%) of the vote and audience participation/online voting weight: 20%. Each audience member (online and in person) can vote for one person in each category. Results from the previous night performance will be announced the following morning at 12 noon.
Do I have to introduce my songs? Yes. Performers will be required to appear in a 30 second introduction video for each song. These videos are prerecorded in advance of the Sing-off in cooperation with PMP .
How big is the audience? Size of the live audience will be determined as local health regulations will allow.
What should I consider when preparing for the PMP Musical Theatre Sing-Off? Each phase of the competition is a “musical theatre performance “. When preparing the performer should consider the importance of the “Big 3”- singing, acting, dance! The vocal performance must be technically sound and should: show originality and personal interpretation, demonstrate breath control, accuracy of tuning, and use of dynamics should all be considered. The acting should develop the character and set the tone of the scene. Attention should be given to sincerity of interpretation, choice of costuming to enhance presentation, and use of vocal dynamics to compliment the text. Choreography should complement and not overshadow the performance. Dance should demonstrate use of space, a variety in movement vocabulary and choosing a style which is appropriate to the text. Movement can make the vocal and the acting easier when it falls comfortably within the capabilities of the performer and this should be considered when designing a performance. In many instances choreography and blocking are one in the same, especially in ballads.
Do I need an Accompanist? PMP provides the accompanist. All performers are required to use live accompanist. Recorded accompaniment is not permitted.