The Confidential Musical Theatre Project (CMTP) is an experimental format created by Marion Abbott, showcasing and celebrating the immediacy and spontaneity of live theatre. First performed in Toronto in 2014, it has since been mounted numerous times in cities around the world—but never before here in London.

Here's how it works:

• A musical is selected and cast, entirely in secret.

• There are no group rehearsals; actors rehearse independently, and they keep their role in the show secret from everyone—including their castmates.

• The cast meets, for the first and only time, at the performance, where they put the show together on the fly, in front of a live audience.

• The show is revealed to the audience as it begins.

• Once the show starts, it does not stop.

By its very nature, a CMTP show is a one-night-only event that cannot be replicated. Don't miss out on seeing this utterly unique theatre experience!

Performer applications for the Confidential Musical Theatre Project are now closed; thank you to all who applied!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Is the show an established musical?

Yes. It is a complete, established, full-length musical by well-known authors that has been professionally produced and is available to license from one of the major theatre licensing companies.

Q: Is this an improv show?

No, not really. While there is an improvisation element to the exact execution by the individual performers when putting the show on its feet, they are still working from a fixed script and score, which they have had time to prepare in advance.

Q: What exactly is kept secret?

The identity of the show being performed is kept secret from the public and the audience, right until the moment the performance begins.

Performers may disclose that they are involved in the show (after all, we want to give their family and friends a chance to come see them). However, performers may not divulge their role/character in the show to ANYONE – not to the public, and not to their castmates. Performers will only learn which roles their castmates are playing on the night of the performance.

Q: If I don't know what the show is, how do I know what song/monologue I should apply with?

Don't worry about it! We're well aware that an audition for Sound Of Music is a lot different than an audition for Rent, for example, and that concealing the show keeps applicants from being able to make targeted selections. But please be aware that no performer will be “disqualified” if they happen to pick a song that doesn’t stylistically match the show.

Instead, please focus on showing us who YOU are as a performer – your personality, your sensibilities, your energy, your range.

(It is also built into the concept and ethos of the Confidential Musical Theatre Project to explore options for non-traditional casting, so just go for it – you may be surprised how it turns out!)

Q: If there are no group rehearsals, how does the show get “rehearsed”?

Each performer receives a copy of the full show script and vocal book. All parts will be assigned, so each performer will know exactly what they will be saying and singing. Reference tracks (whether from cast recordings or original creations) will also be made available.

Direction and guidance will be periodically provided via email, and performers may reach out to the creative team for assistance, but otherwise it will be up to each individual to prepare their part on their own, in whatever manner suits them best.

Q: Are there individual rehearsals?

There are no in-person rehearsals planned, and you can prepare entirely on your own. However, when available, the creative team may be able to offer in-person rehearsal assistance on an individual basis.

Q: Is there blocking?

Except possibly for key story moments, there will not be a precise blocking plan, as it's too difficult to coordinate via email, and too constricting to focus on in the moment. The director’s role is primarily to clarify, and to guide and assist the performers’ individual preparations.

Q: Is there choreography?

No. Any dancing that does occur will be entirely up to the performer.

Q: Does it have to be memorized?

No, memorization is not required, and you may have materials in hand during some or all of the performance. However, we encourage actors to make the choice for themselves, in whatever manner allows them to be the most confident, present, and open on stage, while keeping the show going.

Q: Is there a band/orchestra?

No, only a single piano. This is to allow the music director full freedom to adjust to what happens on stage, since we really have no idea what could happen!

Q: Are the performers mic’d?

No – the cast will be unamplified, and the piano will be acoustic.

Q: Are there costumes/props?

Performers will be providing their own outfits, which can be drawn largely from their existing wardrobes. In the event that the show’s setting calls for more unusual costumes, we are open to a wide variety of personal interpretations – from simple abstractions, all the way up to full-on cosplay (for those so inclined). Again, we encourage creativity and personal expression here from each performer.

Major props significant to the story will be provided. Performers may supply additional props if they feel it enhances their performance.

Performers may also coordinate with the creative team if they have specific costume or prop needs that they would like help with.

Q: When will the cast meet?

The cast meets for the first time approximately 90 minutes before the start of the performance – just enough time for a quick meet and greet, a brief vocal warmup, and to sing about 16 bars of a group number. Any time remaining after that is to sort out any quick logistical details before the show begins.

As an exception to the above, some of the cast may meet earlier in the day, in cases where personal safety (eg. fight scenes) or intimacy/consent/boundary issues are involved.

CMTP LONDON, ON - Artistic Team

Producer: Christine Gruenbauer
Director: Henry Truong
Music Director: Ben Leibovitz
Stage Manager: Lisa Cardinal