2026 Syllabus - Musical Theatre

All selections in this category must be from STAGED Musical Theatre productions only.

One of the selections must have been performed at the Local Festival, received a minimum mark of 85 and the recommendation of the local Adjudicator. Additional selections, if applicable, are the competitor's choice but must follow the rules of this category.

Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take song choice into consideration.

Spoken passages are only allowed if published in the score being used and cannot represent more than 10% of the selection.

Competitors are allowed to transpose music higher or lower, but the integrity of the composer's intention with respect to the character must be observed.

Selections should be age appropriate and suitable for audiences of all ages. Offensive language (profanity) found in song selections must be replaced with alternate word(s) to ensure a 'clean' version. OMFA reserves the right to reject any selections that have an inappropriate tone, either in style or content. Please contact OMFA if you have any questions.

Lengthy instrumental sections can be cut for performance.

Two (2) simple handheld props (e.g. comb, basket or book); one (1) standard rehearsal theatre box, one table and one chair are allowed. No other props will be permitted.

Costumes are allowed but will not be judged.

Stage movement is allowed.

Dance breaks are not allowed and cannot be added to the selection.

Accompaniment must be by acoustic piano only. 

For Live Classes Only: If you do not have a collaborative pianist (accompanist), the people on this list (click here: omfa.ca/collaborative-pianists-accompanists) have indicated that they are willing to play for the festival. It is the competitor's responsibility to contact the collaborative pianist directly and negotiate a fee for their service.

Selections Not Permitted

• Musicals that have only been workshopped, songs from revues, cabarets or songs that are written as stand-alone songs in musical theatre style – this repertoire now belongs in Songs from the Screen and More. Please refer to the SSAM Song List for suggested MT and SSAM repertoire.
• Songs from Movie Musicals or TV Shows.
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical syllabi (List A and B from Levels 1-6).
  Operetta/light opera selections (Gilbert & Sullivan, Romberg, Lehar, Johann Strauss).
• Selections that are primarily spoken patter,( eg. 'Ya Got Trouble', The Music Man; 'Aaron Burr, Sir', Hamilton)
• Selections from Junior show versions of musicals that have been cut or simplified or songs from micro-musicals.
• Vocal cuts except for repeated choruses

General Rules
All competitors must be an amateur. Please click here for the full definition of Amateur vs Professional: omfa.ca/amateur-vs-professional

No announcement of name or selection is permitted prior to your performance.

Live Festival - originals must be provided at the time of registration.

Virtual Festival - a pdf of the music must be uploaded at the time of registration.

It is important to note that if the Festival office has to contact you because of incomplete information (i.e. missing movements, pieces at the wrong grade level, etc.) will result in an additional $25 charge. Failure to pay the charge will result in disqualification and refunds will not be given.

All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (omfa.ca/festival/rules-and-regulations) must be strictly adhered to.

****All of the requirements for video submissions are detailed in the red Virtual Submission Requirements button.****