What is this program built to teach me?
By delving deeply into quality storytelling as a company, you will have opportunities to learn and practice many different kinds of theatre performance. There are a core set of skills that will be offered that are foundational for any performer (use of body, voice, collaboration, and improvisation). The emphasis of this program will be on intensive training, through the use of thoughtful acting choices and scene study, so that you become a stronger and more confident performer from this experience. Technical, design, and theatre production will also be rooted in collaboration, hands-on training, and scene study.
Beyond that, each semester will have one or two “pursuits” which will be driven in part by looking for opportunities to intersect with a current Vermont Stage production, opportunities with visiting artists, and by interest expressed by company members. For example, some pursuits could be stage combat, dialects, Shakespeare, stage makeup, choreography for the storyteller, and audition techniques, among other aspects of theatre creation.
Beyond that, each semester will have one or two “pursuits” which will be driven in part by looking for opportunities to intersect with a current Vermont Stage production, opportunities with visiting artists, and by interest expressed by company members. For example, some pursuits could be stage combat, dialects, Shakespeare, stage makeup, choreography for the storyteller, and audition techniques, among other aspects of theatre creation.
What will I get to do as a technical apprentice?
Industry professionals will guide our Technical Apprentices with an overview of technical theatre work, and deeper dives into specific avenues of study. The small number of students will allow for an individualized semester plan. Apprentices will have opportunities to work hands-on with the technical elements of the Company Showcase, plays, and musicals, and advanced students may be asked to work on a Vermont Stage production in their area of interest.
What is expected of me as a member of Vermont Stage Youth Company?
Every Company Member is expected to try each new concept and technique with enthusiasm and an open mind, always aiming for excellence. A strong work ethic is integral to this kind of work, which includes arriving on time, being accountable to other members of the company, and being a positive force in the rehearsal room and beyond, and engaging in all activities in a supportive and collaborative way.
How will you know what I’m interested in?
Each Company Member and Apprentice will be assigned an Adviser who will meet with you each semester to get to know your learning goals. On an ongoing basis, your adviser will be a resource to you as you navigate opportunities and challenges throughout the program. Yes, mentors can be changed along the way if a different educator can help you with a specific pursuit. Yes, you can request a specific mentor but placement will be dependent on the number of students already paired up with each teacher.
What will auditions be like?
Auditions will consist of either a monologue OR a song AND a scene. Here is more information about the audition, which is on January 25 at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center. Returning Emergent students do not need to audition again. You can also come prepared with a monologue (1 minute max) or song of your choice (16 bars).
At the audition, we would like to see you present your best authentic and creative self. We are also looking to see how you work and attack challenges, rather than skills already acquired. If this will be your first audition, we want to congratulate you on your courage! Just do the best you can.
At the audition, we would like to see you present your best authentic and creative self. We are also looking to see how you work and attack challenges, rather than skills already acquired. If this will be your first audition, we want to congratulate you on your courage! Just do the best you can.
What about musicals?
No matter what the material the company is working on, it is rooted in putting into practice strong performance technique and thoughtful collaboration. The musicals we do will be no different. This year, the Senior Company will do a chamber style musical in the spring and a larger-scale musical production in the summer. The Emergent Company’s summer production may be a play or musical depending on the learning goals of that season.
What is your policy on conflicts and absences?
The hope is that Company Members will want to be in class and rehearsals. As this is an experiential program, it is often not something one can “make up”. It will be up to each company member to look ahead and then communicate conflicts at auditions, as much as possible.
A few things to keep in mind:
A few things to keep in mind:
- The rehearsal and performance schedule is already structured around school musicals and concerts.
- On a week where much of the Company might be absent (for All-State Music Festival, etc.) perhaps that would be a conference week, or an open studio coaching time.
- If you are sick or an unavoidable conflict comes up and you miss class, it is your responsibility to check with the instructor about the missed class.
- Participation in the Showcase performance will reflect your attendance and participation in the process.
- Production rehearsal absences impact the whole project. During rehearsal it is likely another actor will step in when necessary. If attendance is an ongoing issue, decisions about recasting will be based on what is best for the whole company.
What is the difference between a “Showcase” and a “Production”?
At the end of each semester a Showcase performance run for both the Emergent and Senior Company will take place. The Showcase will open and close with a group number (both Companies) and the interior of the piece will be created in the Saturday morning technique workshops.
In addition, the Senior Company will be rehearsing a Production each semester. The Production will be a play or a musical or a devised piece that will rehearse Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. The Production and the Showcase are two different shows.
In the summer, there are three productions (two Senior, one Emergent).
In addition, the Senior Company will be rehearsing a Production each semester. The Production will be a play or a musical or a devised piece that will rehearse Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. The Production and the Showcase are two different shows.
In the summer, there are three productions (two Senior, one Emergent).
If I am not in the Company, can I audition for the Summer Productions?
Yes. More information about these auditions will be available on this website early in the New Year.
Can I be in the Senior Company and just be in the Showcase and not in the Production?
The workshops and intensives are the Company’s primary work. Senior company students will show their learning in a culminating performance. This could be the either the Showcase or the Production, or both. Regardless of performance in which that actor is cast/participating in, all Company members are expected to attend the Saturday workshop classes. The technique study and practice is the heart of the work.
Can I be in the Company as well as the Technical Apprentice Program and/or the Arts Alliance?
Yes. You will need to register for each program to participate.
Is there a cap? Will you “cut”? How many students can be in the Company?
Presently, the Emergent Company has a cap of 20 students and the Senior Company has a cap of 25. The Arts Alliance is limited to 15 and The Apprentices are limited to 8. The small ratio for each program area enables us to focus on individualized planning and respond to Company members' interests.
If we are unable to offer you a place in the Youth Company in one semester, we encourage you to try again and also look at the other programs we offer to become a part of our Vermont Stage community!
If we are unable to offer you a place in the Youth Company in one semester, we encourage you to try again and also look at the other programs we offer to become a part of our Vermont Stage community!
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
We are committed to reserving space for students with a financial need. If you would like to apply to be considered for one of these spaces, please fill out this application and email it to Amy Riley, Director of Education, at amy@vtstage.org.
Can I sponsor a student to be a part of the program?
Yes, you can! If you would like to sponsor a specific student to join one of our program areas, please email Amy Riley, Director of Education, at education@vtstage.org to express your interest and she can share instructions on how to do so.
If you would like to donate to our Youth Company Scholarship fund, please email Cristina Alicea, Producing Artistic Director, at cristina@vtstage.org to express your interest. Your donation is tax-deductible.
If you would like to donate to our Youth Company Scholarship fund, please email Cristina Alicea, Producing Artistic Director, at cristina@vtstage.org to express your interest. Your donation is tax-deductible.
Special Thanks to our Education Program Partner:
