Barrington Stage Now Acceping Applications for Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory

Barrington Stage Company, the award-winning theatre in Downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, launches a new Musical Theatre Conservatory (MTC) program for Summer 2015 from June 1-August 8. BSC is offering a select number of musical theatre students (in the areas of performance, direction and choreography) the opportunity to work and train with top-level New York directors, choreographers, and composers while spending the summer in residence as a part of an award-winning professional theatre company in the cultural capital of the Berkshires, just a few hours outside of Boston and New York.

The BSC Musical Theatre Conservatory (MTC) is an intensive 10-week pre-professional training program of master classes, rehearsals, and performances led by some of the most successful Broadway performers, directors, and writers working in New York theatre today. The program is limited to 20 outstanding pre-professionals, comprised of 16 Musical Theater Performance Apprentices (MTAs), 3 Directing Apprentices, and 1 Choreography Apprentice. The small intimate class size guarantees that each conservatory member will receive individualized attention under the mentorship of the program's top-notch professional staff.

The MTC program will include intensive training in singing, acting, movement, and auditioning as well as regular master classes led by some of the top leaders in the entertainment industry. Previous master class teachers have included Debra Jo Rupp (That 70's Show), Tony nominee Marin Mazzie(Ragtime, Next to Normal), Jason Danieley (Candide, Curtains), Annie Golden (Hair, Orange is the New Black), Tony Yazbeck (On the Town, Gypsy),Pat McCorkle (Broadway Casting Director), and Mark H. Dold (Freud's Last Session), among others. In addition to the many training and performance opportunities, conservatory members will also collaborate on independent directing projects including a special final showcase performance on BSC's Stage 2.

Musical Theatre Apprentices (MTAs) will have the opportunity to receive EMC points while understudying a significant role in one of BSC's Mainstage or Stage 2 productions. MTAs will also have a number of performance opportunities including the chance to headline cabarets overseen by BSC Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist William Finn (Falsettos, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). One of the highlights of the MTA program will include performing in an evening of original musical theatre shorts, written by some of today's most promising composers and lyricists.

The Directing Apprentices and the Choreography Apprentice will have the opportunity to assist on BSC's professional season including Mainstage, Stage 2 and cabaret productions. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their talents collaborating with the MTA performers in their own independent projects under the mentorship of professional New York directors. At the conclusion of the program, the Directing and Choreography Apprentices will have the chance to mount a special final performance on BSC's Stage 2.

The 2015 Musical Theatre Conservatory program runs from June 1 - August 8, 2015 (program start dates may vary for Directing and Choreography Apprentices). The MTC program cost is $3500, including housing ($2500 without housing). Additional program benefits include free tickets to BSC shows, ticket exchange offers from other popular Berkshire Cultural Institutions, complimentary gym membership, and invitations to company parties and special events.

To apply, please email a resume, headshot and completed application form (found on BSC's website under Education) to Corinne Miller, Director of Education at cmiller@barringtonstageco.org. Musical Theatre Apprentice (MTA) applicants should also include a headshot and a YouTube link with the following: a contemporary comedic monologue and two musical selections (a ballad and an up-tempo) from the contemporary musical theatre canon. Directing and Choreography applicants should send 3 references who know their work and a one-page statement on what they hope to learn from the MTC program. Choreography applicants should also send a YouTube link with a 3 minute selection of his/her work.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting January 2015 until positions are filled. Priority consideration deadline is February 15 (for notification by March 2, 2015). Participants are selected through a highly competitive application process and are encouraged to apply early. However, applications will continue to be accepted through April 1 or until all openings are filled. Candidates must demonstrate strong musical theatre skills, be at least 19 years old, and have completed at least two years of college/university-level training. Directing and Choreography applicants must have completed their undergraduate education.

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