Application & Deadline
Spotlight 2026 applications are now closed.
Preliminary 2 Notification Dates*
Contemporary Instrumental and Classical Instrumental: mid-late November
All other categories: mid-late December
Preliminary 2 Auditions*
Preliminary 2 auditions will take place at The Music Center.
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Acting
January 11, 2026
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Ballet
January 18 & 19, 2026
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Dance
January 18 & 19, 2026 -
Classical Instrumental - Brass/Woodwind/Percussion
December 21, 2025
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Classical Instrumental - Strings
December 20, 2025
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Classical Instrumental - Piano
December 14, 2025
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Classical Voice
January 24, 2026 -
Contemporary Instrumental - Jazz Instrumental and Popular & Rock Music
December 13, 2025
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Non-Classical Voice
January 10, 2026
Mastery Classes*
Mastery Classes will take place at The Music Center.
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Acting
February 14, 2026
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Ballet
February 8, 2026
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Dance
February 7, 2026
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Classical Instrumental - Piano
January 17, 2026
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Classical Instrumental - Violin
January 17, 2026
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Classical Voice
February 1, 2026
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Contemporary Instrumental
TBD
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Non-Classical Voice
January 25, 2026
Semifinal Notification Dates*
Contemporary Instrumental: Last week of December
Classical Instrumental: Last week of December
All other categories: Late January - Early February
Semifinal Auditions*
Semifinal auditions will take place at The Music Center.
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Acting
February 28, 2026
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Ballet
February 16, 2026
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Dance
March 1, 2026
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Classical Instrumental
March 7, 2026
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Classical Voice
February 22, 2026
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Contemporary Instrumental
February 21, 2026
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Non-Classical Voice
February 15, 2026
Grand Prize Finalists*
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Finalists Brunch
April 12, 2026
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Spotlight 2026 Finale Rehearsal
May 15, 2026
Ahmanson Theatre -
Spotlight 2026 Grand Finale
May 16, 2026
Ahmanson Theatre
* All dates are subject to change.