Musical Theatre is a Big Part of Kalen Robinson's Purpose - Next on Stage

The Next on Stage competition is narrowing down and we got the chance to chat with the contestants still in the race to win the grand prize!

Kalen Robinson, a 2020 graduate of Howard University, keeps stepping up her game week after week!

Why did you apply for Next on Stage?

I applied for this competition because I was sad about no longer being in classes for my major. I just graduated the last day to submit and I felt like I needed to do theatre in any way shape or form, so I submitted on a whim with hopes to move to the next round.

Share a memory from seeing a show.

My dad, brother, and I LOVED the Hamilton soundtrack. We knew every word. My mom surprised us with season tickets to the FOX theatre in Atlanta and last on the list was Hamilton! I remember being in the theatre trying so hard not to sing and rap along. It was amazing!

What does musical theatre mean to you?

Musical theatre is a big part of my purpose. I could not see myself doing anything else in life. It means I can tell stories of other people and impact audiences to leave a little better, a little lighter, or a little wiser than they came.

Want to see Kalen in the top 5? Vote for her HERE!

Inspired by your favorite network TV singing contests, the site invited high school and college aged students to submit videos of themselves performing a song from the musical theatre canon to enter the competition.

Voting for the top 5 is now open! The nominees have submitted all new songs for you to listen to before casting your vote!

Voting for High School will close at 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, June 17th. Voting for College will close on 11:59 PM ET on Thursday June 18th.

Then tune in for the results LIVE as the judges watch the performances and pick someone from the bottom three to be saved to compete for the top 10! Live shows will air Thursday at 8 PM (high school) and Friday at 8PM (college.)