Application Open for Hammerstein Youth Solo Contest

Registration has begun for The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center’s (OHMTEC) fourth annual Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest. The contest is open to vocalists ages 5-23 of all nationalities and centers on celebrating the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II. Winners will receive a cash prize, a voice lesson with a Broadway teaching artist, and an opportunity to perform their winning song at Oscar Hammerstein’s home in Doylestown, PA. The first three years of the contest attracted over 500 performers representing 5 continents and 28 states.

The contest serves the very important job of educating young musical theatre enthusiasts about the tremendous influence Oscar Hammerstein II had on the development of the modern Broadway musical as we know it. The contest also raises international awareness of the nonprofit’s mission to create a museum and theatre education center on the grounds of Oscar Hammerstein’s home in Doylestown. The nonprofit purchased the Highland Farm property this past December, and has begun preparations for curating the museum.

OHMTEC board member Jaime Rogers, director of the contest, said, “It is such a thrill to see this contest continue to draw young contestants from around the world for the fourth year in a row. One of the greatest pleasures of running this contest has been the way families have kept in touch, updating me on their young performer’s successes. We have former contest members entering prestigious college programs, performing at major sporting events and even performing on Broadway. I can’t wait to view the videos that come in this year!”

Oscar and his wife, Dorothy, lived with their family at Highland Farm in Doylestown, Pennsylvania for the last 20 years of his life. This is the place where he forged his legendary partnership with Richard Rodgers and that inspired many of their greatest musical works, including The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, Oklahoma! and South Pacific. It is also the place where Hammerstein mentored a young Stephen Sondheim.

Hammerstein’s role as a mentor and humanitarian will play a large role in the forthcoming theatre education center. Plans include a youth theater company; classes in theater, dance, and music production; mentorship programs for young adults and emerging professionals; school programming; writer’s retreats; and outreach programs for all ages, both in-person and virtual. Consistent with the nonprofit's goal to provide learning opportunities for all, programming fees will be on a sliding scale, and no one will be turned away.

The solo contest is open to singers from across the globe in five categories – Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College, and a local division for residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The first round of finalists will be determined by local musicians, performers, and music educators who have volunteered their time and expertise to adjudicate the contest. Finalists will be announced on June 26th. The final round will be judged by professionals in the industry with connections to Broadway and expertise in the golden-age musical. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each category. First-place winners will receive a cash prize, have the opportunity to perform their song at the Hammerstein Museum gala, and a one-on-one coaching session with a Broadway Professional Teaching Artist.

All proceeds from the contest will benefit The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center. Contest registration will remain open through June 14, 2024. A complete list of Rules and Regulations and a registration link can be found on the OHMTEC website. Winners will be announced via a Facebook Live broadcast from Oscar Hammerstein’s home on July 19, 2024 at 8pm. For more information on the contest visit https://www.hammersteinmuseum.org/solo-contest or email jrogers.OHMTEC@gmail.com.

Highland Farm is open for tours. For dates, times and tickets visit https://www.hammersteinmuseum.org/tourhighlandfarm.

To contribute to the effort to Create Hammerstein Museum, please visit www.HammersteinMuseum.org/donate