Musical Theatre Audition Techniques Workshop
Jan 30, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
Presented by the Segal Centre and National Theatre School
As part of the Stage Forward Fund initiative, the Segal Centre, in collaboration with the National Theatre School of Canada, is proud to present a 6-week intensive audition workshop led by Jonathan Patterson, Head of Music at NTS and a seasoned multidisciplinary artist, director, music director, choreographer, and educator.
This workshop is designed to prepare actors for musical theatre auditions. Over six weeks, participants will explore every stage of the audition process—from preparing a scene or song to presenting in front of a professional panel. Each 3-hour session combines practical training with tailored feedback, culminating in two specialized mock auditions.
Cost: $360 for the full 6-week program
Workshop Overview
- Weeks 1–4 (at Segal Centre): Scene and song preparation, text and music interpretation, repertoire selection, and audition technique with Jonathan Patterson.
- Week 5 and 6 (at NTS): Mock audition in multiple formats with live feedback from directors, choreographers, music directors, and producers, plus a closing Q&A with Jonathan.
Workshop Dates:
- Week 1 – Friday, 30 January, 2026 (6:00pm – 9:00pm)
- Week 2 – Saturday, 07 February, 2026 (12:00pm – 3:00 pm)
- Week 3 – Saturday, 14 February, 2026 (12:00pm – 3:00pm)
- Week 4 – Saturday, 21 February, 2026 (12:00pm – 3:00pm)
- Week 5 – Saturday, 28 February, 2026 (12:00pm – 3:00pm)
- Week 6 – Saturday, 07 March, 2026 (12:00pm – 3:00pm)
By the end of the program, participants will leave with sharpened skills, personalized feedback, and an insider’s understanding of what casting teams look for in any theatre audition.
To apply for this workshop, please complete this form by December 23, 2025
If you have any questions, please contact gsaltiel@segalcentre.org with the subject line “Audition Workshop Application.”
About Jonathan :
Based in Montréal, Jonathan is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans from theatre to opera to musicals.
Selected acting credits include: Bed & Breakfast (Drew, Hudson Village Theatre); Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Righteous Brother, Segal Centre/RMTC); 9 to 5 the Musical (Dwayne & Mr. Tinsworthy, Capitol Theatre); Million Dollar Quartet (Sam Phillips, TIP/STC); The Producers (Roger DeBris, Segal/CSLDS). Jonathan is also an accomplished director, music director, and choreographer — most recently music directing and choreographing the world premier of Max and Aaron Write a Musical.
A performing-arts educator, Jonathan is the Head of Music at the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS). He is also on the faculty of Opera McGill at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University (2010-present), provides choreography for the award-winning Lyric Theatre Singers, and has a very busy private voice studio.
"As someone who has been both a performer and on the other side of the casting table, I know that confidence, preparation, and technique can make all the difference in an audition room. Every audition is an opportunity. Even if you don’t land the role, you can leave a lasting impression that opens doors for the next one. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer this course, which focuses on proven audition techniques, taught by a working industry professional and developed in partnership with the renowned National Theatre School of Canada." – Gabriela Saltiel, Artistic & Executive Associate at the Segal Centre
“Jonathan's courses have absolutely redefined the way I think about my job as an actor in the audition room. Getting to try my hand at many different types of audition situations not only taught me the idiosyncrasies that are specific to each one, but helped me realize a set of common principles that have guided me through every audition since. Nobody runs a room like Jonathan - as an instructor, he's graceful, direct, knowledgeable, and warm. This is an excellent resource for actors looking to connect their personal artistry with the practical demands of the industry!” – Jake Cohen, Performer