WHAT IS SMASH CABARET?

SMASH CABARET is a monthly musical performance competition started back in 2017. Eight performers are chosen from a list of video submissions to compete in the semifinals and finals in front of an audience. The audience will then decide who is the winner of the month.

The eight performers are chosen not only based on their singing ability and musical expression but also their “entertainment value”– the ability to connect with the audience and bring them enjoyment through performance.

In addition to a cash prize, the winner also receives a spot to compete in the annual SMASH CABARET Grand Prix. The winner of the grand prix will receive a round-trip ticket to New York and other amazing activities planned for them at the Big Apple.

A Captive of New York’s Cabaret Shows

I am Manatsu Domoto, the executive producer of SMASH CABARET.

Back in high school, I went to a performance of RENT and that made me decide to go into the musical theatre industry. I then went on to majoring in musical theatre in America and, after graduation, worked at one of the biggest musical theatre cities – New York City.

My office back then was in the Theater District. Every time I stepped outside of the office, I was surrounded by dazzling lights and the whole city seemed to sparkle with glamor. One night, I found a small theater at the outskirts of the district. Both professional and amateur performers gather there for the cabaret show every night. They break the fourth wall between the performers and the audience and “celebrated (祝う)” life through a variety of musical performances.

While I believe Broadway performances bring audience through an adventure of fantasy and glamor, I was deeply moved by the “celebration (祝い)” at the cabaret in the corner of the Big Apple. I created SMASH CABARET in order to share the same excitement I felt back then with the people in Japan.

The Celebration

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “celebrate” as “to express admiration and approval for something or someone”.

The core concept of SMASH CABARET is the “celebration” of the existence of the performers, the audience, the musical theatre composers, and the songs themselves in the moment.

I choose this concept because I believe that, after the celebration, we will be able to see the beauty of life.

5th Anniversary in February 2022!

SMASH CABARET is a monthly musical performance competition started back in February, 2017. Thanks to everyone’s participation, SMASH CABARET will be having its 50th performance and celebrating its 5th Anniversary in February, 2022.

(We had a half-a-year break due to the State of Emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic.)

We also had much support from many amazing guests:

Director, Amon Miyamoto (Video Comments)
Broadway Actor, Telly Leung (Guest Performer)
Broadway Actor, Jarran Muse (Guest Performer)
Actor, Yuko Doi (Guest Performer)
… and many others

For Those Considering Entering the Competition

Thank you for your interest in participating in SMASH CABARET.

SMASH CABARET is not only a musical theatre performance competition where the audience selects the winner, but it is also a cabaret show that celebrates life.

We welcome anyone to participate regardless of their experiences, age, gender, nationalities or motivations of participation.

This is a safe space for anyone to express and challenge themselves.
Just as the lyrics in the well known song ,“Defying Gravity'' from Wicked, “Everyone deserves a chance to fly!”, this is a place for all participants to take the chance and spread their wings.

JOURNEY TO BECOMING THE WINNER

① Audition Video

We will choose eight performances from the video submissions.

② Rehearsal on the Day

Rehearse with the pianist to check timing and pitch/key of the song. (Please contact us if you can’t make it to rehearsal.)

③ Performance (Semifinals, Finals)

Semifinals: The order will be determined by lottery. After all eight performances, the audience will vote for four performers/groups to compete in the finals.

Finals: The order will be determined by lottery. After all four performances, the audience will vote for the winner.

The winner will win a cash prize of 30,000 yen and a spot to compete in the annual SMASH CABARET Grand Prix.

About the Audition Video Submissions

The video performances will be judged based on the singing, musical expression and entertainment value.

For singing, we will be looking at the performer’s ability to deliver a song (not if they can sing what is written verbatim). For musical expression, we are looking at the performer's ability to interpret the song. Finally, for entertainment value, we are looking at the performer’s ability to connect with the audience and provide entertainment and enjoyment through performance. This is SMASH CABARET’s definition of entertainment value.

SMASH CABARET does not choose performers based on social media followings or performance experiences. We look at the videos submitted to us and decide if the performance will entertain our audience when performed on our stage.

In short, when deciding on your performance, please consider how you can best deliver the spirit of SMASH CABARET to the audience!

Entry

Please send us a link of a video of you performing a musical theatre piece using the form at the bottom of the Video Audition page. We will contact you about the results two days after the submission deadline.

Video Audition

[Important]

Please read the rules and the overview of SMASH CABARET prior to entry.
There are certain shows that have a theme. Please check the themes under Schedule & Tickets prior to entry.
Phone cameras are okay as long as we can see and hear you clearly.
The video can be acapella, with instrumental tracks, or with live accompaniment.
The song choice does not have to be the same as what you are planning to sing at the competition.
(For past participants) Please avoid using videos taken at previous SMASH CABARET performances.
Please record your voice and the instrumentals in one track. Do not edit or remix your singing.

Prizes

Each month, the monthly winner will win a cash prize of 30,000 yen and a spot to compete in the annual SMASH CABARET Grand Prix (participation is optional).

The prize for the winner of the SMASH CABARET Grand Prix will be a round-trip ticket to New York (subject to change, please check with the team again when the grand prix is announced).