Next Step Prep

All new applicants are asked to complete five short essay questions (150-300 words per topic).  It is a good idea to think about your answers before beginning the application process.  You could even answer the questions ahead of time and cut and paste your answers into the application form.  The five questions are:

What inspired you to apply for Next Step Prep?

As a performer, what do you feel are your strengths?

As a performer, what do you feel are the areas in which you need the most improvement?

What do you hope to learn and accomplish during your time at Next Step Prep?

What are your current academic and professional goals for your life after high school?

New Applicants must submit a recorded video audition which includes a 2-3 minute accompanied musical theatre song and a 2-3 minute monologue. All performances should be memorized. Material should also be age appropriate.

If you are unsure if your selections are appropriate please feel free to contact us at nextstep@mctinc.orgcreate new email or visit the FAQ section of the Next Step Prep web site for audition tips.

Audition videos may be submitted along with your digital application, or sent via email to nextstep@mctinc.orgcreate new email, or alternatively, files can be transferred to media and mailed directly to MCT. All mailed submissions become the property of MCT and will not be returned.

New applicants to Next Step Prep are required to submit the names of both an Artistic Mentor and an Academic Mentor who can provide a basic recommendation for the prospective student. References will be contacted directly by Next Step Prep staff.

An artistic reference should be familiar with your abilities as a performer and artist. They should be able to address questions relating to your current abilities as well as your individual style of learning.

An academic reference should be familiar with your abilities as a classroom student. They should be able to address questions relating to your scholastic achievement as well as your individual style of learning.

For each of these references you will need to supply their name, job title/occupation, as well as an email address and phone number.  You should always ask potential references if it is acceptable for you to list them on your application, and it is always good to follow up with a thank you.

Those listed as references will be sent a link to a recommendation form which will then be filled out electronically.  All information supplied by your references will go directly to Next Step Prep staff and will not be shared with applicants.

Next Step Prep offers students the best educational experience possible. The parent/guardian plays a major role in the gathering of insight into the applicant’s strengths and background. We ask that you provide the following information to the faculty and staff at Next Step Prep to ensure the success of your student. All information will remain confidential and will assist us in maximizing his/her learning opportunities.

Please describe the benefits you believe Next Step Prep can offer your child.

Please describe your child’s greatest social, academic, and artistic strengths.

Please describe how your child reacts to stress related to schoolwork, peer relationships and/or new situations.

Please provide any other information you feel might be relevant to this application.

After submitting your electronic application, you will receive an email explaining how you can pay your application fee.  Applications will not be processed until the application fee is paid.

What is MCT’s Next Step Prep? Next Step Prep is a very unique, practical, high-quality program for students who are considering the performing arts as a major in college or as a career. Combining a focused curriculum of classroom instruction, private voice lessons, and specialty workshops taught by professionals from the worlds of theatre, television and dance—the Next Step Prep summer program is designed to give students the skills needed to prepare themselves for post-secondary studies in the performing arts. Interested students should not think they need to already be strong in all three of the theatrical disciplines (acting, singing, and dancing) in order to attend MCT’s Next Step Prep. Next Step is triple threat training—to help students develop skills and confidence in all three areas. For example, if a student considers him or herself only an actor, then Next Step would be a great training program to develop singing and dancing skills that will help the student reach a higher performance level. We offer several different levels of classes in all three disciplines. That way, the beginning actor, singer, or dancer isn’t lost in a room full of more experienced performers. And the more experienced performer will definitely have his or her skills challenged daily while attaining a higher level of professionalism.

What are the benefits of attending Next Step Prep?

• Five weeks of daily acting, singing, and dancing classes taught by certified teachers.
• Private voice lessons.
• Workshops and master classes with well-known working professionals from the performing arts.
• Training in practical audition skills.
• Career/school choice counseling.
• Earning three semester high school credits.
• Being in small classes with lots of individual attention.
• Gaining the understanding of what is needed to succeed in the “real world” of competitive musical theatre – at the collegiate level and the professional level.
• The chance to be around other kids from around the world who love theatre as much as you do while having fun and working hard doing what you absolutely love!

For more information about MCT’s Next Step Prep:

• Download the Next Step Prep opens in a new windowbrochureopens PDF file .
• Find us on opens in a new windowFacebook.
• For more information, email Next Step Prepcreate new email, or call (406) 829-5204.

Next Step Prep Staff Previous Guest Artists

Tuition & Fees Tuition for the five week summer session is $4,450. This includes all classroom fees, required texts, private voice instruction, and lunches during the school day. This does not include room and board for students staying in the dormitories.
Financial Aid We firmly believe that talent knows no economic or geographical boundaries and that all motivated students should have an opportunity to explore their talents and their passions. Therefore, Next Step Prep offers considerable financial aid for those who qualify. All students are eligible to apply for financial aid once they have been accepted into Next Step Prep. Financial aid is based on several criteria, including student need, ability, and current access to performing arts training. Financial need is determined by an independent organization, School and Student Services. Payment plans are also available.
Tuition Credit for Bringing a Friend Students may earn an additional $250 credit for each new student they recruit who applies, is accepted and attends the summer session—up to 4 new students—for a total tuition credit of $1,000. In addition, all students qualifying for tuition credits will still be eligible to apply for financial aid.

Students for MCT’s Next Step Prep summer session will be provided housing in the dormitories on the University of Montana campus. Those students with relatives or family friends in Missoula are welcome to make their own living arrangements for the six week summer session.
Costs Room and board are an additional $2500 for the session, separate from the tuition fee.
Housing Students choosing to stay in the dorms will be housed in double occupancy rooms and supervised by Next Step Prep resident dorm directors. Housing will be provided from the Sunday evening before the first day of classes through Saturday morning following the last day of classes.
Meals All students will be provided lunch each day, Monday through Friday. In addition, dorm students will be provided with all morning, evening and weekend meals as part of their housing arrangement.