Junior Theatre Festival 2026
About the Festival
Our visit to MTI's Junior Theatre festival has become a well anticipated annual event in the RCT calendar. JTF is a three day stay-away experience that sees us journey to the ICC in Birmingham.
Previously as a group we have returned with accolades for outstanding performance, awards in ensemble, and had individuals highlighted for achievements in both performance and student choreography.
In 2026 we will be taking our production of Dot and the Kangaroo Jr. Registration is open to all those who will be under 19 in May 2026. Anyone who has taken part in an RCT show before (or who is signed up for a show) is eligible to sign up for the trip, even if you did not perform in our original production of Dot and the Kangaroo.
Key Dates
The day at the JTF
Click the images to find out more
Adjudicaton
In the morning, we'll take part in performance adjudication. We'll perform a 15 minute extract of Doctor Dolittle Jr in front of other groups in our 'pod' and in front of a panel of two or three industry professionals. The panel will score us on various elements of our performance and provide expert advice. The best group from each pod will get to perform on the main stage at the end of the day. Two members from the group are selected as All Stars to take part in a special performance. After a cool down / debrief, we'll return to the pod and watch others perform their adjudication pieces.
New Works Showcase and Workshops
After lunch, we're into the main hall to watch snippets of up and coming Broadway Jr releases. In previous years, a West End star has answered questions from students, and performed.
After this, we head out for three separate workshops led by industry professionals from across the globe. Each focussing on one of the core skills; acting, singing and dancing. Dance Workshops are delivered directly by West End show creatives, teaching actual choreography from those shows!
Awards Ceremony
During adjudications, 2 students from each group will be selected as AllStars. Allstars will participate in exclusive workshops to rehearse and perform a featured number on stage at the Awards Ceremony.
To celebrate the accomplishments of the day, everyone gathers in the theatre at the end of the day. We'll watch some of the Outstanding Productions of the day, enjoy a mini concert from a current West End performer and if we're incredibly lucky maybe even pick up an award or two! The festival ends with the AllStars performance.
Adjudicaton
In the morning, we'll take part in performance adjudication. We'll perform a 15 minute extract of Aristocats KIDS in front of other groups in our 'pod' and in front of a panel of two or three industry professionals. The panel will score us on various elements of our performance and provide expert advice. The best group from each pod will get to perform on the main stage at the end of the day. Two members from the group are selected as All Stars to take part in a special performance. After a cool down / debrief, we'll return to the pod and watch others perform their adjudication pieces.
New Works Showcase and Workshops
After lunch, we're into the main hall to watch snippets of up and coming Broadway Jr releases. In previous years, a West End star has answered questions from students, and performed.
After this, we head out for three seperate workshops led by industry proffesionals from across the globe. Each focussing on one of the core skills; acting, signign and dancing. Dance Workshops are delivered directly by West End show creatives, teaching actual choreography from those shows!
Awards Ceremony
During adjudications, 2 students from each group will be selected as AllStars. Allstars will participate in exclusive workshops to rehearse and perform a featured number on stage at the Awards Ceremony.
To celebrate the accomplishments of the day, everyone gathers in the theatre at the end of the day. We'll watch some of the Outstanding Productions of the day, enjoy a mini concert from a current West End performer and if we're incredibly lucky maybe even pick up an award or two! The festival ends with the AllStars performance.
Itinerary
8.00am Depart for Accommodation (with lunch stop)
3.00pm Arrive at accommodation. Room allocations and unpacking
4.00pm Final Rehearsal
6.00pm Dinner
7.00pm Time at leisure
9.00pm Heading to rooms / bed.
Times are approximate and are subject to change.
Booking in for the first time?
A two night stay away from home can be a big ask, particularly for younger ones.
We'll give your child all the support they need to take part confidently. We've put together some FAQ's and further info below to answer any questions you might have now, and we'll hold an information evening on Zoom closer to the trip itself.
Junior Theatre Fesitval
Fee to take part
The fee for taking part in MTI's Junior Theatre Festival is £390 - which includes:
Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your child's place for any reason, it can be refunded in full up until 31st December 2025, after this it will only be possible to refund if we are able to replace your child on the trip. Please be aware that any deferred payments or payments made by instalments will become payable in full on cancellation. If you require any more information before then, please e-mail leigh@rubberchickentheatre.co.uk or message the WhatsApp group.
