Team iTheatrics and the Junior Theater Festival are so excited to have Playbill back as a sponsor for the 2026 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta, the world's largest celebration of young people and musical theatre! Though the festival and iTheatrics’ initiatives are student-centered, there are so many opportunities available for theatre educators.

The Junior Theater Festival Atlanta and Junior Theater Festival West, which is held in Sacramento, California, still have spots available for the Professional Development track. This weekend-long program includes workshops where educators can interface directly with Broadway and theatrical professionals, widen their peer community and gain support from other educators, and enjoy specially curated mainstage performances.

The Junior Theater Festival Atlanta takes place January 16–18, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Junior Theater Festival West takes place February 6–8, 2026 in Sacramento, California.

The festival has welcomed guests such as former Disney Theatrical Productions President Thomas Schumacher, musical theater writers such as Stephen Schwartz, Alan Menken, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Bobby Lopez, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, Jeanine Tesori, actors like Cynthia Erivo, Stephanie J. Block, Ali Stroker, Sebastian Arcelus, Ben Platt, Megan Hilty, Arielle Jacobs, Adam Jacobs, Michael James Scott, Britt Mack, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Iman Jones, Kara Lindsay, Luca Padovan, Caissie Levy, Daniel Yearwood, Skylar Astin and many more. It is a weekend of true musical theatre magic that is not to be missed.

Educational opportunities at the festival include professional development workshops taught by master educators covering every aspect of producing theatre with young people. Educators are able to interface directly with workshop leaders and gain tips and tricks from a wide network of educational theatre professionals. Access stellar mainstage performances and get an inside look at one of the largest educational theatre festivals in the world!

For summer opportunities, head to New York City for the Annual iTheatrics Musical Theatre Professional Development sessions July 17-19, 2026! This is a weekend of hands-on training designed for both seasoned pros and new directors. Perfect for educators looking to immerse themselves in fresh, on-your-feet techniques, this professional development weekend emphasizes experiential learning, skill-building, and best practices in musical theatre education. With a curriculum-based focus on sustainability, student empowerment, and storytelling, we offer something new each year, ensuring you stay current with the latest methods. Build a strong community and gain tools for mentorship and advocacy in the arts. Connect with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and leave inspired, energized, and ready to take on your next production with confidence. Plus, earn 15 hours of professional development credentials as you prepare for a new year of artistic success!

The Annual PD summer session takes place in New York City, theatre capital of the world! When you’re not participating in workshops with the fine folks of iTheatrics and other theatre professionals, take advantage of a visit to the one and only NYC. Catch a few Broadway shows, see the sights, and take advantage of everything the city has to offer.

Register for the JTF Professional Development Track or next summer’s Annual iTheatrics Musical Theatre Professional Development sessions Register.JuniorTheaterFestival.com.

Contact Mary-Catherine Chambliss with any questions at [email protected].