From Screen to Stage: In-Person Open Mic Masterclass
For LAMT Musical, the monthly Open Mic has always been more than a class. Held online, it provides students with a consistent space to share their progress, practise performing regularly, and grow comfortable with being seen and heard. The sessions are also open to non-members, allowing participants from different backgrounds to observe one another, exchange feedback, and learn through shared experience.
From Monthly Online Sessions to a Live Upgrade
At the end of 2025, we brought this long-running online Open Mic into a live, in-person masterclass for the first time, hosting sessions in Taichung and Taipei. It also marked LAMT Musical’s first in-person event in Asia this year. Moving from screen to stage was more than a change in format; it felt like a genuine meeting point, where voices and performances could finally exist together in the same physical space.
Taichung and Taipei: Different Atmospheres, Shared Focus
Each city carried its own character. In Taichung, many participants came with a strong curiosity about musical theatre and the performing arts industry, leading to open discussions and generous sharing. In Taipei, the sessions attracted a larger number of young performers focused on professional development, creating a more concentrated and studious atmosphere, with notebooks open from the very beginning. Despite these differences, both sessions were grounded in warmth, mutual respect, and a shared desire to grow together.
When the Music Starts, Performance Happens
Several participants admitted that they felt shy before stepping on stage, some even doubting their singing ability or whether they belonged there at all. Yet when the music began, something shifted. Focus deepened, hesitation faded, and performances emerged that were honest, present, and deeply engaging. These moments reminded us that performance is rarely about perfection, but about the willingness to step forward.
Why We Continue to Run Open Mic Sessions
In performance training, being seen and being heard are essential parts of the learning process. An Open Mic is neither an audition nor a showcase; it more closely reflects real performance environments, filled with uncertainty and unpredictability. Learning to stand steady within that space is a vital skill, and having a place to practise this regularly helps performers build confidence and resilience over time.
Thank you to everyone who stepped onto the stage, and to those who listened attentively, offered feedback, and supported one another from the audience. This move from online to in-person is only the beginning. LAMT Musical will continue creating spaces where performance is not just a result, but a journey that can be sustained and supported over time.
