Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre (CST) is proud to announce the launch of the Musical Theatre Training Institute (MTTI), the first pre-professional certification program of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The mission of MTTI is to develop quality talent for careers in musical theatre.

The Musical Theatre Training Institute (MTTI) will move students through a certification program that prepares them for a professional career. Students will gain hands-on experience with coursework such as scene study and audition techniques, production design and technology, music theory and vocal technique, playwriting and dramaturgy, musical theatre dance styles & techniques, and more.

The Institute’s primary focus is talent ages 14 through adult, looking to prepare for a professional career in musical theatre, whether that’s onstage, backstage, or front of house. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in the three key areas of musical theatre: performance, technical, and arts administration. MTTI will also have additional programming for young performers ages 8-13, looking to advance in their musical theatre journey.

Boasting instructors from around the nation, all trained professionals in their respective fields with extensive experience working within the industry, MTTI is sure to provide an unparalleled level of instruction for its students.

“The institute will provide students with the foundations they need to improve their current skills, and bring them to a point where they can pursue a career in musical theatre whether locally, regionally or beyond," said Chuck Ethridge, Executive Artistic Director of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre.

At MTTI, students will be able to network with other performers, creatives, and organizations while learning valuable skills needed for success within the world of musical theatre. The immersive program will allow students to gain real-world professional experience through internships and performance opportunities. Graduates will be able to confidently pursue a career path within the industry knowing they have a competitive advantage.

Ethridge believes that the Institute will bridge an ever-growing gap between pre-professional and professional levels, providing aspiring performers & creatives with an opportunity to gain invaluable experience, as well as build relationships that could last a lifetime.

“By launching this program we are developing performers, creatives, technicians, and arts administrators for our stage and beyond. We’re creating a “talent destination” by being the first choice in professional musical theatre training programs in the country,” Ethridge said.

MTTI will launch this summer with a series of “Sit-in Sessions” as well as a week-long Musical Theatre Dance Intensive, hosted by regional and national industry professionals. Fall classes will be announced during the run of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s Footloose, The Musical and will include focuses in voice, acting, auditions, theatre marketing, and more.

This is a new chapter for Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. By launching the Musical Theatre Training Institute, talent throughout the region will expand, developing artists for the local stage and beyond.