Music Theatre International facts for kids
 |
|
| Private | |
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Founders | Frank Loesser, Don Walker |
| Headquarters |
|
|
Areas served
|
Worldwide |
|
Key people
|
Drew Cohen, John Prignano, Freddie Gershon |
| Owner | Cameron Mackintosh |
|
Number of employees
|
100 |
Music Theatre International (MTI) is a company that helps schools and theaters put on musicals. They are based in New York City. It was started in 1952 by a composer named Frank Loesser and an orchestrator named Don Walker.
MTI gives permission to perform over 500 musicals. These include popular shows from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and West End stages. Cameron Mackintosh became a partner in 1990 and later the main owner in 2015.
Contents
The Story of MTI
MTI began in 1952. At first, they managed the rights for about 40 musicals. These shows could be performed in the US and a few other countries.
In 1976, a company called CBS bought MTI. Later, in 1989, a group led by Freddie Gershon took over MTI.
In 1996, MTI started something special called the Broadway Junior collection. These are shorter musicals, about 30 or 60 minutes long. They are perfect for elementary and middle school students to perform. The songs are also written in keys that are good for young singers. Each Broadway Junior musical comes with a special kit. This kit has music for practice and shows, plus a guide for the director.
MTI also created School Editions in 2003. These are Broadway shows made easier for high school students. They come with extra materials to help young people learn about the arts.
In 2012, Freddie Gershon, who leads MTI, received a special award. It was a Tony Honor for Excellence. He got it for creating the Broadway Junior program. This program helps more people enjoy theater.
On May 29, 2012, the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, announced "Music Theatre International Day." He praised MTI for bringing great musicals to young artists. He said MTI helps young New Yorkers and future leaders in performing arts.
MTI celebrated its 70th birthday in 2022.
Helping Young Performers
The Educational Theatre Association often checks which plays and musicals are most popular in US high schools. For the 2021-2022 school year, seven of the top 10 musicals were from MTI. Mamma Mia! was the most popular.
Since 2003, MTI has been a main supporter of the Junior Theater Festival. This festival celebrates young performers. They perform parts of MTI's Broadway Junior musicals.
In 2015, MTI teamed up with other groups to create JumpStart Theatre. Their goal is to start lasting musical theater programs in middle schools that don't have many art programs. This partnership has helped nine schools in Cincinnati create their own musical theater programs.
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, MTI helped theaters keep going. They offered a special show called "All Together Now!" for free. Over 2000 theaters in 50 states and 31 countries performed this show in November 2021. These performances helped raise over $6.2 million for their local theater programs.
In 2023, DreamWorks Theatricals and MTI announced a new project. They chose four new writers to create musicals based on DreamWorks Animation films. These new musicals will be added to MTI's collection.
Different Kinds of Musicals
MTI offers different types of musicals that can be performed.
- MTI Show: These are full-length musicals, often from Broadway. Examples include Ragtime, Ain't Misbehavin', Pippin, Alice by Heart, and Seussical.
- Broadway Junior: These are 60-minute musicals. They are changed to be perfect for middle school students. Any parts that are not suitable for kids are removed. Examples include junior versions of Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and The Music Man.
- Broadway Kids: These are 30-minute musicals made for elementary school children. They are created just for the Kids Collection. Examples are Winnie the Pooh, The Lion King, and 101 Dalmatians.
- Musicals From The Disney Collection: This group includes musicals that were first made by Disney.
- School Editions: These are Broadway musicals changed for high school students. Some parts of the story or music might be simplified. Examples include Les Misérables.
- Theatre For Young Audiences: These are 70-minute musicals performed by adults for children. They usually have a small cast.
- Concert Library: This collection has Broadway songs that are arranged for concerts.
Understanding Musical Ratings
MTI uses a rating system to help people understand the content of a musical.
| Rating | What it Means |
|---|---|
| G | The story and language are good for almost everyone. This includes Junior versions of musicals like Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, and Seussical. |
| PG & PG-13 | These musicals might have some parts or words that are more grown-up. They might not be right for very young audience members. Examples include Les Misérables and Into the Woods. |
| R | These musicals have themes or language that are not suitable for children. They are meant for older audiences. |
