Calling on all performing families to come together in the name of creativity, education, and entertainment.

No matter the stage, performing arts is about bringing people together — and Franklin-based theater company Studio Tenn is here to remind us all that doesn’t have to be literally.

“Performing arts has always been used as a way to share hope and community, whether it starts on a stage in an auditorium or on the couch in your living room,” says artistic director Patrick Cassidy, who is calling all youth, teens, and families to come together through a virtual musical theater performance competition. “In this strange time of isolation and uncertainty, we at Studio Tenn wanted to reach out to the community by bringing families together and celebrating creativity.”

Submission for Studio Tenn’s virtual contest due by Friday, April 7.

Participants are asked to submit a video of themselves singing one song of their choosing from the musical theatre repertoire. Cassidy says that performers are encouraged to be as creative as possible when making their videos.

“We want to see you go all out, whether that’s through costumes, sets, lighting, props, or musical instruments, nothing is off the table,” he explains. “Make it fun! Use what you have in your home to create the most original and entertaining musical number possible.”

This comes after the news of Studio Tenn’s difficult decision to postpone the remainder of its 2019-20 season, affecting its productions of 9 to 5: The Musical and The Aretha Legacy (dates below).

The contest is segmented into three categories: youth (under 13), teen (13-18), and family (siblings, parents and/or groups of any age within a single household). Youth and teens may participate both individually and with their families.

Each video must contain one complete song performance. Before beginning the song, performers should introduce themselves and share their name, age, grade level, and school that they attend.  Additionally, at the end of the video, performers can share why they entered the contest and why they chose the song they performed.

Every submission will receive personalized feedback and critiques from the artistic staff at Studio Tenn: including Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy, Associate Artistic Director Benji Kern, and Education Coordinator Casey Hebbel. In addition to the personalized feedback, select entries will also be featured on Studio Tenn’s social media pages.

Two prizes will be awarded per category. First place will receive four season tickets to the upcoming Studio Tenn 2020-21 season, along with two virtual coaching sessions with Patrick Cassidy. The second place winners in each category will receive two tickets to a 2020-21 Studio Tenn production of their choice, along with one virtual coaching session with Patrick Cassidy.

Submissions and/or questions are due by Friday, April 17.

Studio Tenn’s postponement dates:

9 to 5: The Musical

Studio Tenn’s production of 9 to 5: The Musical will be joining its 2020-21 season, “A Celebration of Musicals and Cinema” in May 2021. Current Ticketholders will receive tickets for the corresponding performance during the new production dates. Tickets will be sent within 60 days.

The Aretha Legacy

The previously rescheduled production of The Aretha Legacy will now be held in October 2020 in Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin. This production will not be a part of the 2020-21 season package, and will be treated as an add-on. Current Ticketholders will be receiving tickets for the new dates within 60 days.