Vermont Stage Youth Company at Main Street Landing
Vermont Stage Youth Company inspires, challenges, and amplifies the authentic expression of young people through the performance and production of theater. The Youth Company features a well-rounded theater curriculum for middle and high school students focusing on performance training, design, and arts leadership. As members of the Youth Company, participants attend weekly rehearsals, ongoing acting and movement workshops, and classes. Our training programs culminate in an All-Company showcase and a workshop production. In addition to engaging in intensive performance and skill-building work, the Youth Company is closely tied to our Main Stage productions by providing master classes with visiting professionals, mentorships and internships with professional artists and administrators, and hands-on learning opportunities.
What makes our program unique?
Vermont Stage Youth Company at Main Street Landing is designed to provide a diverse education in distinct aspects of theater. It is not a one-size fits all program.
Our program stands out in the following ways:
* Training in a variety of techniques to learn the many facets of performance.
* Customized assignments for each student to meet them where they are.
* Advisory meetings each week with an assigned mentor to track success.
* Special workshops and talkbacks with professional actors and designers.
* Aligned curriculum to current Vermont Stage plays to see their training in action.
Our program stands out in the following ways:
* Training in a variety of techniques to learn the many facets of performance.
* Customized assignments for each student to meet them where they are.
* Advisory meetings each week with an assigned mentor to track success.
* Special workshops and talkbacks with professional actors and designers.
* Aligned curriculum to current Vermont Stage plays to see their training in action.
Learning Opportunities
Summer Youth Company
Fall and Spring Semester Opportunities
Vertical Divider
|
IMPORTANT INFO
Financial Assistance & Scholarships Please fill out this application and email it to [email protected] to be considered. Questions? We've got answers to your FAQs. Educators |
Frequently Asked Questions
Vermont Stage
Youth Company
at Main Street Landing
Youth Company
at Main Street Landing
Vermont Stage Youth Company at Main Street Landing inspires, challenges, and amplifies the authentic expression of young people through the performance and production of theater. The Youth Company features a well-rounded theater curriculum for middle and high school students focusing on performance training, design, and arts leadership. As members of the Youth Company, participants attend weekly rehearsals, ongoing acting and movement workshops, and classes. Our training programs culminate in an All-Company showcase and a workshop production. In addition to engaging in intensive performance and skill-building work, the Youth Company is closely tied to our Main Stage productions by providing master classes with visiting professionals, mentorships and internships with professional artists and administrators, and hands-on learning opportunities.
What makes our program Unique?
Vermont Stage Youth Company at Main Street Landing is designed to provide a diverse education in distinct aspects of theater. It is not a one-size fits all program.
Our program stands out in the following ways:
* Training in a variety of techniques to learn the many facets of performance.
* Customized assignments for each student to meet them where they are.
* Advisory meetings each week with an assigned mentor to track success.
* Special workshops and talkbacks with professional actors and designers.
* Aligned curriculum to current Vermont Stage plays to see their training in action.
Our program stands out in the following ways:
* Training in a variety of techniques to learn the many facets of performance.
* Customized assignments for each student to meet them where they are.
* Advisory meetings each week with an assigned mentor to track success.
* Special workshops and talkbacks with professional actors and designers.
* Aligned curriculum to current Vermont Stage plays to see their training in action.
Summer Youth Company
The Vermont Stage Youth Company’s summer program is composed of three productions. The Youth Company's full productions aim to merge intensive acting training with professional theatrical design to create powerful, vivid, and nuanced storytelling for a live audience. This work deepens students' appreciation and respect for the work of theatrical designers while reinforcing the concept of theatre as a collaborative art form. Audition material and information below. To reserve an audition spot call: 802.862.1497 OR click the Register link below. $100 deposit due when you register.
Senior Company Play:
Speaking Their Silence
A devised play created in collaboration with Human Rights Watch
In partnership with Human Rights Watch (HRW), we will tell the stories of young people who have recently been or currently are imprisoned within our own country’s borders as a result of this administration’s aggressive immigration policies. The transcripts from HRW interviews with the children and teens in Texas and other border areas who are separated from their families and unjustly incarcerated in encampments. The interviews were conducted by HRW Children’s Rights Division Senior Counsel, Michael Bochenek. The transcripts are made available to the Vermont Stage Youth Company in an allied effort to bring other young people’s stories and voices to light in a devised theatrical work. As advocates for the young people who are victims of an antagonistic, unjust, and unethical political situation in our own country, the Senior Company members are entrusted to share these stories with discipline, artistry, sensitivity, and respect. Mr. Bochenek will be a resource for the Company as the words and stories are brought to light.
Rehearsals and performances: June 22-July 12, 2020.
For ages 15-20. $650 Tuition Fee.
Rehearsals and performances: June 22-July 12, 2020.
For ages 15-20. $650 Tuition Fee.
Senior Company Musical:
Amélie
Lyrics by Daniel Messé and Nathan Tysen;
Book by Craig Lucas
Amélie
Lyrics by Daniel Messé and Nathan Tysen;
Book by Craig Lucas
Amélie is a musical about an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. This inspired story celebrates imagination, the power of connection and possibilities that lie around every corner.
During this 3-week program, participants will work with professional educators and designers in mounting a full-scale musical production. This production will combine intensive collaboration and rehearsals culminating in a weekend of shows at Main Street Landing.
Rehearsals and performances: July 13-August 2, 2020.
For ages 15-20. $650 Tuition Fee.
During this 3-week program, participants will work with professional educators and designers in mounting a full-scale musical production. This production will combine intensive collaboration and rehearsals culminating in a weekend of shows at Main Street Landing.
Rehearsals and performances: July 13-August 2, 2020.
For ages 15-20. $650 Tuition Fee.
Emergent Company Play with Music:
Peter and the Starcatcher
play by Rick Elise
Music by Wayne Barker
Peter and the Starcatcher is a Tony-winning play with music, provides a backstory for the beloved characters of Peter Pan, Mrs Darling, Tinker Bell and Hook, and serves as a prequel to J. M. Barrie's Peter and Wendy. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair... and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love.
During this two-week program, participants will explore and deepen their skills and capabilities as performers while staging a full-scale theatre production. Rehearsals will culminate in a weekend of shows at Main Street Landing.
Rehearsals and performances: August 3-16, 2020.
For ages 11-14. $595 Tuition Fee.
During this two-week program, participants will explore and deepen their skills and capabilities as performers while staging a full-scale theatre production. Rehearsals will culminate in a weekend of shows at Main Street Landing.
Rehearsals and performances: August 3-16, 2020.
For ages 11-14. $595 Tuition Fee.
|
Senior Company
Year-Round Performances | Weekly Classes | Workshops Plays | Musicals | Original Works | Showcase Our Senior Company takes a deep dive into a variety of approaches to performance through weekly classes and workshops. Subjects may include: character study, improvisation, voice production/health, fight choreography, and ensemble collaboration, among others. Our weekly classes culminate in an All-Company Showcase in addition to productions in the fall, spring, and summer.
For ages 15-19. $450 tuition fee. Registration for the Spring program is open. Learn More
Our Senior Company will continue to explore and enrich acquired skills in acting, movement, voice and storytelling. Classes aim to deepen their understanding of theatre and performance through character study, improvisation, physical and vocal work and ensemble collaboration. Our classes are designed to hone skills and create a space to take great risks. The work of the Senior Company culminates in an All-Company Showcase, featuring the great variety of performance pieces created by our young artists all semester in the Black Box Theater at Main Street Landing. The All-Company Showcase will include monologues, solo and small group scenes, songs, and dance pieces, in addition to full company musical production numbers. In addition to the All-Company Showcase, the Senior Company will mount a play in the fall. Plays will be selected from the existing canon of theatre literature, expanded productions from the Vermont Young Playwrights Festival, and original work by collaborating playwrights. The production will be performed in the Black Box Theater at Main Street Landing for a weekend at the end of the fall semester. |
Emergent Company
Year-Round Performances | Weekly Classes | Workshops Our Emergent Company explores self-expression while expanding their understanding of theatre performance through weekly classes and workshops. These classes culminate in an All-Company Showcase each semester in addition to a full-scale summer production. Performances are held in the Blackbox Theatre at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center.
For ages 11-14. $350 tuition fee. Registration for the Spring program is open. Learn More
Our Emergent Company explores movement, vocalization, music, character building and ensemble work through weekly classes and workshops. Our classes aim to build self-expression while expanding their understanding of theater education and providing a strong foundation for performance training. The work of the Emergent Company culminates in an All-Company Showcase, featuring the great variety of performance pieces created by our young artists all semester in the Black Box Theater at Main Street Landing. The All-Company Showcase will include monologues, solo and small group scenes, songs, and dance pieces, in addition to full company musical production numbers. |
Technical Apprenticeship
Lighting | Sound | Scenic | Wardrobe | Stage Management This program is designed for young artists looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of theater production. Led by industry professionals, the technical apprentices will complete a weekend intensive designed to deepen their knowledge of design and stage management. In addition, apprentices will work hands-on in their area of interest.
For ages 15-19. Free Tuition. Registration for the Spring program is open. Learn More
This program is designed for students looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of theater production and design. Productions are just as much about what goes on behind the scenes as they are about performance. This program allows practical design and production skills to be developed through real experiences. Led by industry professionals, technical apprentices will complete a weekend intensive designed to deepen their knowledge of lighting, sound, props, sets, and costumes as well as stage management. After completing the intensive, students will be assigned a mentor with a current Vermont Stage Company production and will get to work hands on in their specific area of interest. They will also be provided with an opportunity work in their area of interest on the Emergent and Senior Company productions. The technical apprenticeship is sponsored by: Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center.
|
Arts Alliance
Directors | Writers | Designers | Producers The Alliance is a collective of future leaders in the artistic community that meet monthly to discuss theatre, attend performances, and have input on class programming, among other activities. This spring, membership in the Alliance includes tickets to UVM Theatre's production of Shakespeare In Love and Vermont Stage's production of Relativity, Maria & Rosetta and Pitman Painters.
Fall meeting dates:
For ages 15-19. $75 tuition fee. Registration for the Spring program is open. Learn More
The mission of the Arts Alliance is to bring together a diverse group of teens who are motivated and united by their common interest in theatre. This council of students will think critically and creatively about theatre and the impact of powerful storytelling in our society. These theater artists will explore different departments (performance, design, tech, dramaturgy, playwriting, etc) aiming to break down misconceptions and develop a well-rounded understanding of the artform. The Alliance meets monthly to discuss theater, attend performances, participate in talkbacks, and communicate their hopes and desired opportunities to Youth Company leadership. The Alliance will also have input on class programming, workshops for peers, and fundraising events. |
Vertical Divider
IMPORTANT DATES
Summer Show Auditions
March 16, 2020
6pm
at Fusion 802
1881 Williston Road
South Burlington
Summer Audition information including shows, dates, character descriptions and audition form. Click here.
Summer Audition Material
Peter and the Starcatcher
Song (mm 10-42)
Amélie
Sop/Alto
Tenor/Bass
Fall/Spring Semester Info
Here is more information about the Company audition and what to prepare.
Financial Assistance & Scholarships
Please fill out this application and email it to [email protected] to be considered.
Please fill out this application and email it to [email protected] to be considered.
Educators
Amy Riley
Director of Education
Gina Fearn
Acting
Danielle Sertz
Directing
Ryan Addario
Movement
Director of Education
Gina Fearn
Acting
Danielle Sertz
Directing
Ryan Addario
Movement
Frequently Asked Questions
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to express your interest. Your donation is tax-deductible.