The Junior Theater Festival (JTF) is the world’s biggest and best celebration of young people performing musical theater. JTF brings together student musical theater troupes from all over the world for a weekend of musical theater mayhem and madness. Each troupe performs fifteen minutes from a Broadway Junior®️ show for adjudication by a panel of musical theater experts. The weekend also features professional development for teachers, workshops for students and parents, a New Works Showcase featuring new musical adaptations soon to be released and concludes with a grand finale concert headlined by Broadway’s best!
Held at Universal Orlando Resort, the National Performing Arts Festival (NPAF) brings together talented student performers from across the country for an unforgettable experience. This four-day event offers a dynamic mix of professional training and thrilling performance opportunities. Students will participate in adjudicated performances where they’ll receive feedback from industry professionals, attend hands-on masterclasses and workshops, and experience inspiring showcases by other schools and programs. It’s a chance for young artists to grow, collaborate, and shine—all while enjoying the magic of Universal’s world-class theme parks!
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
2026 - "Arslanian Award for Spirit, Sportsmanship, and Kindness" NPAF (Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr)
2026 - "Junior Ensemble Showcase Award - 1st Place in Division" NPAF (Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr)
2026 - "Outstanding Production" JTF West (James and the Giant Peach Jr)
2026 - "Outstanding Production" JTF Atlanta (Between the Lines Jr)
2025 - "One Short Day" Opening Act at JTF West
2025 - "Freddie G. All-Festival Best in Pod" (Junie B. Jones Jr)
2025 - "Freddie G. Inspiration Award" (Quinn Kealy, Junior BAM Conservatory Ensemble)
2025 - "Freddie G. Award for Excellence in Dance" (Frozen Jr)
2025 - "Outstanding Performance by an Individual” (Sophia Leverett, Frozen Jr)
2024 - New Works Showcase Group for JTF West (Alice in Wonderland Jr)
2024 - "Freddie G. Award for Excellence in Ensemble" JTF West (Seussical Jr)
2024 - "Outstanding Performance by an Individual" JTF West (Ava Turek, Seussical Jr)
2024 - "Freddie G. Award for Excellence in Music" JTF Atlanta (Legally Blonde Jr)
2024 - "Outstanding Performance by an Individual”
(Ryan Coglianese, Legally Blonde Jr)
2023 - "Outstanding Production" JTF Atlanta (Matilda Jr)
2023 - "Outstanding Performance by an Individual" (Matthew Jarmoszka, Matilda Jr)
2023 - "Freddie G. Award for Excellence in Dance" JTF West (Into the Woods Jr)
2023 - "Outstanding Performance by an Individual" JTF West (Ian Sianghio, Into the Woods Jr)
2022 - "Outstanding Production" JTF West (Shrek Jr)
This year, the Jr BAM Conservatory Ensemble will attend the Junior Theatre Festival held in Atlanta, GA from January 14 - 18, 2027. The BAM Conservatory Ensemble will attend the Junior Theatre Festival held in Sacramento, CA from February 4 - 8, 2027. BCE Prep & Showstoppers will attend NPAF held in Orlando, Florida from February 17 - 21, 2027.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who gets to attend?
Students accepted in the BCE and JrBCE programs are eligible to attend the Junior Theatre Festival. Parents and family members are also welcome to attend. We recommend at least one parent attends for all students in JrBCE. Parent attendance for BCE is optional, but encouraged! JTF requires at least one chaperone for every 4 students in attendance. Students in BCE Prep & Showstoppers are eligible to attend the National Performing Arts Festival in Orlando, FL.
What will we do at JTF or NPAF?
Each company will perform a 15 minute selection from one Broadway JR or KIDS collection show for adjudication, participate in workshops, fun events such as “tech Olympics”, watch outstanding performances by their peers, and attend amazing concerts and performances!
Will there be chaperones?
Yes! We require one chaperone for every four students attending the festival. For the Junior division, parent attendance is highly encouraged, and for Prep, one designated chaperone is required to travel with each student.
Do the chaperones travel for free?
No. Chaperones and any additional family members traveling with us each will pay for their trip. Cost is the approximately the same as a traveling performer.
How are travel arrangements made?
Participating students and chaperones will travel under company-arranged travel plans. (For NPAF, travel registration is completed directly through WorldStrides.) Additional details regarding travel arrangements will be shared as they become available.
What are the anticipated costs?
Festival participation and all associated travel fees are not included in program tuition. Additional costs include flights, hotel, shuttle transportation, BAM apparel/performance attire, meals, etc. Anticipated cost per traveler ranges from $1700 - $2400 depending on flight and hotel arrangements. A breakdown of all associated fees for each trip will be available soon.
When will we get more information?
As soon as we receive more information, we will be releasing it to all of you!