09/11/2026
Hi all, I’d like to share some personal thoughts on our recent announcement. I understand this has caused a lot of concern, anxiety, debate, misinformation and general unrest. For that I want to apologize. That was not our intent. I’m sorry.
So let me go back to the announcement in January sharing our intent. The IML class size has been steadily growing which presents several challenges.
1. The experience. It’s important that every single contestant has an experience that is personal, meaningful and special. That has always been part of our DNA. However, there is a point at which that collective size of those experiences devolves into that of an assembly line - next! We don’t ever want that to be the experience any contestant takes home.
2. The venue: It is increasingly difficult to find a suitable venue for a cast larger than Les Mis. There simply isn’t enough physical space and I am not a fan of dressing rooms in storage containers in the back alley. We can look at concert venues that hold several thousand people, but that kills the celebration and joyful validation of being on stage. I’ll never forget those moments of feeling truly, authentically seen.
3. The contest: As class size grows so does the length of the contest. I’ve watched and heard people leave the theatre early because they don’t want to sit through a four hour show. Contestants deserve a packed, attentive audience.
With that in mind we announced the need to cut the class back to 50 ish and keep it manageable and meaningful. And the most objective way to look at that is through measurable data - but we knew that would give us facts, not the intangible nuances of a vibrant, diverse and evolving community. So we add in some open spots to make room for exceptions, new contests, unexpected surprises and fairness.
So we start there, with 50 ish titles throughout several regions that don’t disadvantage our international siblings. And contrary to some perceptions, we made a concerted effort to keep the distribution geographically balanced.
Is it perfect? No. Is it an honest start at keeping IMLBB personal, meaningful and engaging while valuing every contestant, volunteer and attendee? Yes.
So here’s my ask. First, please remember that our hearts and intentions are solidly in the right place. Second, please know that we actually listen and respond. I hope we have made that abundantly clear in the past couple years. We have a lot of voices sitting at the leadership table now, and we all listen. And we grow - and IMLBB grows.
Keep the feedback coming. Yes we are reading it all and there actually are a lot of very valid points being made. Thank you.
I’ll end with this final thought I shared on another post. If you are a title holder with a foundation built on courage, authenticity, integrity, empathy, kindness and service - we will always find a place for you at IMLBB. Always.
Yours in leather and service,
Tigger
