Auditions planned for “In the Heights” as part of 2026 Hispanic Music Festival

Organizers of the annual Hispanic Music Festival, founded at Pittsburg State University in 2024, are adding something new to this year's lineup: They're partnering with the local theater company Triple Threat Theatrics, owned by a Pitt State graduate, to produce the hit musical, "In the Heights."

Auditions will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 10 at Pittsburg High School, 1978 E. Fourth Street, and will be accepted virtually until May 10 for those unable to attend.

Those planning to audition in person must register for an audition slot, complete the audition form, and prepare an audition cut.

Complete details: pittstate.edu/musicalaudition

It will be directed by Breana Clark, who earned her bachelor's in music education from Pitt State in 2015, her master's in teaching from Pitt State in 2022, and is now director of theater at Pittsburg High School.

Musical direction will be by Ramiro Miranda, who earned his bachelor's in music performance from Pitt State in 2011 and is a member of the Music Department faculty.

"In the Heights," a Tony-winning musical by Lin Manuel-Miranda, celebrates the community and culture of Hispanic and Latino heritage. It portrays life in the vibrant Dominican-American community of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York, and has never been performed in this area.

"'In the Heights' will also be a celebration of local talent," said Clark. "It's a high-energy story about chasing dreams and the bonds that keep us together."

It will be performed Oct. 15-17 at Memorial Auditorium with a live pit orchestra.

Other events

The Hispanic Music Festival is directed by festival founders Isaac Hernandez, who earned his master's in music from Pitt State in 2023 and is now an adjunct lecturer and piano accompanist for Pitt State, and his wife, Frida Hererra, who works on campus and will earn her master's in May.

Soon, Hernandez and Herrera plan to announce other key dates and performances for the festival, which for the third year will run from Sept. 15 through Oct. 17 to coincide with National Hispanic Heritage Month.

They are collaborating with the Pittsburg State University Foundation on sponsorships to help bring noted musicians to Pittsburg from the U.S. and abroad for several of those performances.

"This festival gives us the opportunity to share our traditions and honor our roots through music," said Hernandez.

Businesses and individuals who wish to donate in support of the festival may contact Mary Jo Dancer, director of development, at 620-235-6127.