Morristown ONSTAGE Auditions Open For 20th Anniversary Show, Bigger Prizes

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Local singers, dancers, musicians and other performers will soon have a chance to compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes as Morristown ONSTAGE prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The Morris Educational Foundation (MEF) has opened registration for auditions for the annual talent competition, which will take place Feb. 25, 2027, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.

To mark the milestone, organizers have doubled the competition's cash prizes, including two $2,000 first-place awards.

Auditions will be held Dec. 5 at Morristown High School. Registration is free through Nov. 9 at morristownonstage.com.

The competition is open to amateur performers of all ages who live, work, worship, receive talent training, or attend school in Morristown, Morris Township, or Morris Plains. Morristown High School alumni are also eligible.

"Twenty years of Morristown ONSTAGE is an incredible milestone, and we’re excited to celebrate by putting the call out for the next generation of performers ready to take the stage," said Chris Volinsky, co-chair of the Morristown ONSTAGE Committee and an MEF trustee. "Morristown ONSTAGE brings our community together through the power of local talent, while raising funds that create meaningful learning opportunities for students across the Morris School District."

This year's competition will feature the following cash prizes:

• $2,000: First place for performers ages 19 and older.
• $2,000: First place for performers ages 18 and younger.
• $1,000: Audience Choice Award.
• $500: Rossoff Rising Star Award, intended to support a performer's continued training.

A panel of arts and entertainment professionals will judge the competition.

Hallie Beyer, Morristown ONSTAGE Committee co-chair, talent coordinator and MEF trustee, will return as host for the second consecutive year.

Organizers said the anniversary show will also feature special surprises recognizing past winners, memorable performances and others who have contributed to the event's history.

Morristown ONSTAGE is the foundation's largest annual fundraiser, having raised nearly $2 million for the Morris School District since its inception.

Proceeds support educational programs, classroom resources, and enrichment opportunities for students throughout the district's 10 schools.

Morristown Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, will return as the event's headline sponsor for the 20th consecutive year.

Tickets for the February performance are expected to go on sale in early 2027.

For more information about auditions, registration, and sponsorship opportunities, visit morristownonstage.com.