Thursday, October 1, 2026
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79 ° Clear
Registration has begun for The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center’s sixth annual International Youth Solo Contest. The contest is open to vocalists ages 6-18 of all nationalities and centers on celebrating the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II. Winners will receive a cash prize, a voice lesson with a Broadway teaching artist, and an opportunity to perform their winning song at the Hammerstein Museum gala on October 4 in Doylestown. The first five years of the contest attracted over 800 performers representing 5 countries and 28 states.
The contest serves the very important role of educating young musical theatre enthusiasts about the tremendous influence Oscar Hammerstein II had on the development of the modern Broadway musical as we know it. The contest also raises international awareness of the nonprofit’s mission to continue to expand a museum and theatre education center on the grounds of Oscar Hammerstein’s home in Doylestown. The nonprofit purchased the Highland Farm property in December 2023 and has been actively curating the museum on the site.
Oscar and his wife, Dorothy, lived with their family at Highland Farm in Doylestown for the last 20 years of his life. This is the place where he forged his legendary partnership with Richard Rodgers and that inspired many of their greatest musical works, including “The Sound of Music”, “Carousel”, “The King and I”, “Oklahoma!” and “South Pacific”. It is also the place where Hammerstein mentored a young Stephen Sondheim. Hammerstein’s role as a mentor and humanitarian has played a large role in the developing theatre education center.
The solo contest is open to singers from across the globe in four categories – elementary school, middle school, high school, and a local division for residents of Bucks County. The first round of finalists will be determined by local musicians, performers, and music educators who will lend their expertise to adjudicate the contest.
Finalists will be announced on August 4. The final round will be judged by professionals in the industry with connections to Broadway and expertise in the golden-age musical, including Dr. Paul Wolf (professor of voice at McNeese State University), Kathleen Wrinn (musical theatre professor at Syracuse University), and Bob Marks (who has coached a vocalist in every show on Broadway and for several years was the host and musical director of the acclaimed “Youngsters” cabaret performances of professional children in New York City), among others. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each category. First-place winners will receive a cash prize, have the opportunity to perform their song at the Hammerstein Museum gala, and a one-on-one coaching session with a Broadway professional teaching artist.
The Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest is made possible through the support of PECO, Team Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Creative Industries. All proceeds from the contest will benefit The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center. Registration will remain open through July 5. A complete list of Rules and Regulations and a registration link can be found on the Hammerstein Museum website. Winners will be announced by a YouTube video from Oscar Hammerstein’s home on September 4.
For more information on the contest visit hammersteinmuseum.org/2026solocontest or email info@hammersteinmuseum.org.
