For over 20 years, the Junior Theater Festival has celebrated young people and the transformative power of musical theatre. Today, JTF is an international celebration of student theatre programs, welcoming almost 10,000 people to JTF East in Atlanta. What sets our festivals apart is not only their scale, but the intention. Every element of the weekend is thoughtfully curated to celebrate and elevate student artistry, inspire arts educators, and strengthen programs.

Adjudications are the heartbeat of JTF. Each group performs a 15-minute selection and receives specific, skill-building feedback from experienced theatre professionals. Students are celebrated for their achievements while being challenged to grow. Directors gain meaningful artistic validation and actionable insights to bring back to their classrooms and rehearsal rooms.

Mainstage programming is carefully curated to inspire and connect. From Broadway’s living legends to rising artists who once stood on our JTF stage themselves as students, our guest performers reflect the full arc of a theatrical journey. Students witness both excellence and possibility. Throughout the weekend, workshops, panels, and performances create opportunities for collaboration, learning, and community-building.

Our JTF community returns home not only energized, but strengthened. JTF is more than a festival. It is an experience that supports youth theater programs, builds confidence, and leaves a lasting positive impact long after the curtain falls.