🎭 Junior Theater Festival (JTF) 2026
Standing Ovation Theatre Company will be returning to the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, January 15–19, 2026!
Last year, SOTC proudly took home the Excellence in Acting Award, and Ari Hong received the All-Festival Individual Award – the biggest honor of the night! Even though SOTC isn’t about winning awards, we had an amazing time and we are so excited to have you join us for our second trip to JTF.
📝 What the Adjudicators Said
At JTF 2025, our students received incredible feedback from Broadway professionals and international theatre leaders:
Broadway Composer & Educator (The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Monstersongs)
“What a fantastic presentation, with fully lived in characters, great specifics and some truly knockout dancing. Their presentation showed that their program fosters fully committed and dedicated performers who work well as a team. These young artists captured the spirit of fun, danger and heart of the show.”
Choreographer for iTheatrics choreography videos
“The young actor, Ari Hong, that played Lydia is definitely someone to watch out for in the future. There was a maturity that you definitely don’t always see. Clear and precise storytelling in their acting, vocals and dance. They have a fantastic creative team.”
Artistic Director of the Octagon Theatre (UK) · Associate Director of Matilda the Musical in the West End & on Broadway
“I greatly admired this presentation; the students showed huge commitment and really understood the quirky, comic tone of the piece. They showcased a real range of skills including teamwork, acting, singing, dance and acrobatics. The clarity of storytelling and the quality of the performance was extremely high for this age group. Congratulations on an excellent piece. This is obviously a very strong theatre program and the staff should be commended for their work with these students. I was impressed to see so many dynamic and creative choices and look forward to hearing about what they do next.”
🌟 Why Should I Go to JTF?
The Junior Theater Festival is an incredible experience that every true “theatre kid” should get to have. The unique combination of performance, adjudication, entertainment, and friendship is something only JTF provides.
Beyond the excitement, JTF also:
- Looks fantastic on a performer’s resume
- Teaches responsibility, respect, and kindness
- Provides unforgettable memories and bonds with friends
- Creates an atmosphere so electric and inspiring that once you’ve gone, you’ll count down the days until you can return again!
🎶 Our 2026 Production: Between the Lines Jr.
This year, our JTF production edit will be Between the Lines Jr. – a brand-new release from MTI, just like Beetlejuice was last year (our 2025 production).
Eligible ages for performers: 12–18
Because this rehearsal process is intense, we want to make sure that everyone participating is truly ready to tackle the experience. All actors must submit:
- A brief video explaining why they want to attend JTF with us this year.
- A 30–60 second video highlighting their skills as a performer (examples: dancing, singing, reciting a monologue, etc.).
Show us what you’ve got and why YOU will make a great addition to our JTF squad!
🏫 Workshop Requirement
In order to be eligible for JTF, all actors must also participate in one (or both) of our fall/winter workshops. This ensures that our actors are keeping up with their skills and training throughout the next few months.
If your child is between the ages of 12–14, please reach out to us to discuss which workshop option is best.
📅 Rehearsal Schedule
Actors who cannot participate in the workshop performances can still go to JTF! They should attend as many Sunday classes as possible, and we will keep their absence in mind. These classes will be focused on training, and the casting of Between the Lines will be held separately, as will the rehearsals.
JTF Rehearsals:
- Mondays, 7:00–9:00 PM at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill
- Once the Teen Workshop concludes on December 7, rehearsals will shift to Sundays, 5:00–9:00 PM
- A full rehearsal calendar will be released soon (note: some Mondays may not have rehearsals)
💰 Cost Breakdown
All costs are based on one JTF performer and one parent attendee. Final totals may differ for families bringing additional guests. After registration, we will calculate and send your family’s exact total based on the information submitted in the JTF form.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hotel (4 nights) | $1,215 (per room) |
| Hotel Meals (3 meals included) | $320 ($160 per person) |
| Celebration Dinner (Final Night) | $150 ($75 per person) |
| Performance Uniform / Jacket / Bracelets / Accessories | ~ $150 (performer only) |
| Festival Registration Fees | $700 ($350 per person) |
| Director’s Fee | $160 (performer only) |
| Estimated Total (for 1 performer + 1 parent) | $2,695 |
Other Important Info:
- Travel is not included. Families may choose to fly or drive (individually or with others).
- All performers must arrive in Atlanta by Thursday evening. Events may begin as early as 9:00 AM Friday and continue through around 10:00 PM Sunday. Most families depart on Monday morning (MLK Day).
- If you will have more than 2 individuals staying in one hotel room, your fee can be estimated by adding on per person fees as shown above.
- We have reserved a dedicated rehearsal and gathering space in our hotel this year. This is where rehearsal and hotel meals will be held.
- Keep in mind: there is also a $195 rehearsal fee due at registration. Deadline to register: October 1.
🗓️ Payment Schedule
Payments are due on the second Friday of each month (October–January):
- October 1 – $700 (or the amount of registration fees per family) or a minimum of $500 if less than $700
- November 1 – $600 due
- December 1 – $600 due
- January 1 – Remaining balance due
🤝 Fundraising Opportunities
We will be holding fundraisers throughout the fall and winter to help offset costs:
- Individual Fundraisers – Any money a student raises personally will go directly into their individual JTF account.
- General SOTC Fundraisers – Proceeds are split evenly among all families.
- Final Adjustments – Fundraising totals are deducted from the final JTF payment.
- Some families may owe nothing for their last installment.
- If a family raises more than what is due, they will receive a refund for the extra.
- Families are also welcome to host their own fundraisers at any time.
- We will hold a parent fundraising meeting to discuss successful fundraising ideas.