Original article at www.mlive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI – Pioneer Theatre Guild’s FutureStars competition will showcase students from Ann Arbor’s public high schools as they compete for the 2026 title at Pioneer High School on Jan. 17.

The citywide talent search, now in its 24th year, features students performing popular songs while working with professional coaches. The show takes place at 7 p.m. at Schreiber Auditorium, 601 W. Stadium Blvd. in Ann Arbor.

Students will compete for the FutureStar 2026 title with guidance from music director Ken Pesick and vocal coaches Allison Gaines, Athena Johnson, and Elle Michaels. Jayme Kelmigian serves as director and producer.

The evening includes performances by the RisingStars, a show choir group featuring underclassmen. Student hosts will write the script and emcee the show.

A panel of judges will select the top five performances, and the audience will determine the winner based on crowd noise. The judges for FutureStars 2026 have not been announced.

Reserved seating tickets go on sale Dec. 17 at www.cur8.com/projects/ptg. Pioneer Theatre Guild advises advance purchase, as tickets have historically sold out. If available, tickets can be purchased with cash or check at the box office one hour before the performance.

Last year’s winners were Jacqueline Boynton and Lily Wright, who performed “Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga.

The technical team includes set designer and technical director Mysti Plummer, lighting designer Ian Hyatt, and sound designer Patrick Schrock. More information is available at https://a2ptguild.org.

Generative AI was used to structure and draft this story, based on information provided by Pioneer Theatre Guild. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff.

*From left to right:
2024-2025 University of Michigan Football Team Defensive End, TJ Guy
2024-2025 University of Michigan Football Team Running Back, Ben Hall
2024-2025 University of Michigan Football Team Quarterback, Jadyn Davis
Radio Host of 107one’s Tree Town Sound, Matthew Altruda
Broadway actress (WICKED, BEAUTIFUL) and University of Michigan Professor of Musical Theatre, Chelsea Packard
Broadway actress (THE NOTEBOOK, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA), Anna Zavelson
Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor, Christopher Taylor
Pioneer High School Principal, Desmond Smith
Photo by Jen Geer Photography