Mainstage Production

 

Summer 2026 Mainstage Auditions

Perform in MATILDA The Musical in New York City

KOTA’s Mainstage Summer 2026 Mainstage program presents MATILDA The Musical, a beloved stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story about a brilliant girl with extraordinary powers. This production marks the return of Matilda to Times Square and will feature a thoughtfully reimagined approach to storytelling and movement.

This audition-based, pre-professional opportunity invites dedicated performers ages 7-23 years old to rehearse and perform in a fully staged musical in an Off-Broadway venue in NYC, under professional guidance alongside adult actors.


Limited roles · Early Submissions Encouraged

Auditions Now Open

 
 

410 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036

 

WHAT THIS PROGRAM IS

  • A fully staged New York City musical production

  • A professional rehearsal and performance process

  • Audition-based placement with limited roles

  • Train with industry and Broadway experts

  • Perform alongside adult performers

  • Special Guests from Broadway/Tour of Matilda

This program mirrors the structure and expectations of professional theatrical production while supporting young performers in a rigorous, age-appropriate environment.

WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR

This program is designed for dedicated performers who:

  • Are ready for professional-level expectations

  • Can take direction and work independently

  • Seek a meaningful performance experience in NYC

  • Want to grow artistically and personally

THE EXPERIENCE

Cast members rehearse through a hybrid process before coming together in New York City for in-person rehearsals and performances. Beyond onstage work, participants develop skills in collaboration, accountability, and ensemble work—essential to professional theatre and beyond. Company members will train with Broadway and industry professionals, along with special guest artists, for a comprehensive, immersive experience.

Cast members are divided into two companies: Youth Mainstage Company (ages 7–15) and Emerging Artists Company (ages 14–23). All performers receive a featured solo speaking and/or singing role, with casting based on age, height, and role requirements.

AUDITION INFORMATION

AUDITION DETAILS:

  1. Audition Requirements:

    • Slate: Introduce yourself (Name, Age, State, and a few details about yourself)

    • Vocal Audition: Sing 1–2 musical theatre songs that showcase your range and personality. Please keep each cut to 32 bars or approximately 1.5 minutes maximum

    • Optional Dance Submission: Musical theatre–style dance video for dancers/movers

  2. Upload your audition video to YouTube or Vimeo and set it to UNLISTED (not private).

  3. Complete and submit the audition form with your video link.

    Auditions Due: January 25, 2026

    Callbacks Notified By: February 3, 2026

    There is never a fee to audition. Early auditions encouraged.

    KOTA welcomes performers of all abilities and backgrounds.

Submit Audition

DETAILS

This is a hybrid program, combining remote rehearsals with in-person rehearsals and performances.

  • Remote Rehearsals: July 12–29, 2026 (select dates), 5:00–8:00 PM EST

  • In-Person Rehearsals & Performances: August 1–9, 2026* (NYC)

The production will feature rotating casts. Full schedule availability is expected;

Conflicts are accepted.

For performers traveling from outside the tri-state area, we are happy to consider a shortened performance schedule to help minimize the length of stay in the city. Please make note of this request on your audition form.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Tuition: $1,295

  • $150 non-refundable deposit due upon acceptance

  • Payment plans available (4 payments of $287 after deposit)

Additional expenses may include travel, costume accessories, tickets, etc.

Scholarships: Limited full and partial scholarships available.

scholarship Application (apply by 1/30/26)

 
 

KOTA Alumni in Matilda on Broadway & Tour

Matilda: Oona Laurence, Mia Sinclair Jenness, Aviva Winick, Tori Feinstein, Lily Brooks O’Briant, Paige Brady, Ava Ulloa | Lavender: Frenie Acoba, Zoe Manarel, Kaci Walfall, Gabrielle Beredo | Amanda: Austyn Johnson | Alice: Cassidy Hagel | Tommy: Chris Sumpter | Ensemble: Tyler McKenzie

 

Questions? Send us an email.

Matilda The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.