Registration
MTA Annual Statewide Festival
The MTA Annual Theatre Festival is projected to have over 1,000 participants in Oxford, Mississippi, from January 15-18, 2026. This festival features show competitions for our secondary and community theatre divisions, workshops led by seasoned professionals, and the presence of almost twenty colleges and universities.
Register Here
Before starting the registration process as an Organization, please check the READ ME FIRST guide
Registration for MTA 2026 starts October 1, 2025. Stay Tuned! Scroll below to see the registration process from the previous year.
MTA 2026 Registration Instruction Videos – Organizations, Coming Soon
MTA 2026 Registration Instruction Videos – Individuals
MTA 2026 Registration Instruction Videos – Colleges & Universities , Vendors, Professional Theatres
MTA 2026 Registration Instruction Video – Community Theatre Instruction
How To Participate in the MTA Annual Theatre Festival
The MTA 2026 Festival One Sheets & Festival Offerings can be found here.
This information provides a broad overview of how to become involved in all of the events that take place over the four-day period.
Other Registration Details
2026 MTA Festival Registration can be found HERE.
Festival Passes will be available for $40 for the weekend. This will include play passes only. This pass does not include workshops, socials, etc.
Day Passes will be available for $20 per day. This will include play passes only. This pass does not include workshops, socials, etc.
Block Passes will be available for $10 per day. This will include play passes only. This pass does not include workshops, socials, etc.
COMMUNITY THEATRE REGISTRATION
Community Theatre Organizational Registration will be found HERE in early November. The registration deadline for the Community Theatre Festival is December 1.
SECONDARY THEATRE REGISTRATION
The link for Secondary Theatre Organizational and Festival Registration in early December will be HERE. The registration deadline for Secondary Schools is December 18.
DATES FOR CONSIDERATION
Check out the key dates, mark your calendars, and start preparing for a year filled with creativity and performance! Mississippi Theatre Association is gearing up for an exciting season of events.
The Ford Center Tour
Find Oxford, MS Hotels for MTA 2026
Theatre for Youth
MTA 2026 Festival Pre-registration will take place HERE.
Calling all educators, artists, and theatre professionals!
The Mississippi Theatre Association is now accepting Workshop Presenter Applications for the MTA 2026 State Festival, happening January 15–18, 2026 at the Ford Center in Oxford, Mississippi!
Workshops will be scheduled for Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, and we’re looking for passionate presenters who can inspire, educate, and engage our theatre community.
Deadline to Apply: December 11, 2025
Notification Date: December 20, 2025
Apply Here
MTA Fall Workshop
Save The Date for MTA’s Fall Workshop, October 3 & 4, 2025, at The Ford Center! Enjoy learning from masters of theatre, tour the Ford Center, and enjoy the gorgeous campus of Ole Miss!
Contact Olivia Carson, Secondary Theatre Chair: Secondary@Mississippitheatre.org
Dream Team Application
Do you know of a college student who is interested in pursuing theatre? Are you personally interested in building your resume and networking with theatre professionals? MTA seeks a talented roster of college and university students to assist with the MTA 2026 Festival.
Students across the Southern region gain firsthand event experience serving as volunteer assistant coordinators for our largest event, the MTA annual theatre festival. The event in January 2026 would not be possible without the service of the following individuals.
Click HERE to apply.
Contact Executive Director, Lindsey Eubanks, for questions or more information.
Playwriting Competition
The MTA Playwriting Competitions are designed to recognize and promote the works of Mississippi playwrights and are open to all writers currently located in Mississippi.
Winners in the Adult and Youth competitions receive staged readings at the MTA Festival and cash prizes–$500 for Adult winners, and $250 for Youth winners.
Submissions are accepted HERE from April 1, 2025, until October 1, 2025.
For questions, contact Jesse Wade, Youth Playwriting Chair, or Cayson Miles, Adult Playwriting Chair.
Playwriting Contest Guidelines
For formatting guidelines, see pages 59-64 in the MTA Handbook.
Submissions are NOW OPEN FOR 2026
Playwriting – 10 Days to Play Resource
Virtual Playwriting Workshop Video
Notable Theatre Festivals
Mississippi is home to several other theatre festivals. Visit the links below for more information