Theatre Aspen Launches Second Season of Apprentice Program

Following a successful inaugural season, Theatre Aspen is thrilled to welcome ten new talented participants to the Theatre Aspen Apprentice Program (TAAP).

Coming from top tier training programs all over the United States, applicants undergo a rigorous audition and interview process. The apprenticeship is designed to bridge the gap between the academic and professional theatre worlds, with specific concentrations in the areas of: Performance, Design/Production, Stage Management, and Arts Administration. Apprentices practice their craft alongside the season's professional actors, designers, directors and staff, participate in Workshops and Master Classes, assist with Theatre Aspen School programs, and learn about the inner workings of a professional non-profit arts organization. Since Theatre Aspen participates in the Actors' Equity Association Membership Candidate Program, actors and stage managers will receive credits toward membership in the union.

Generously funded by Theatre Aspen supporters and Aspen residents Jessica and John Fullerton, the program is offered at no cost to the participants. John Fullerton is also a member of Theatre Aspen's Board of Trustees.

Taking on principal roles in the first two productions of the season are John Caliendo of Montclair University (John Brooke in Little Women & Marty/Ensemble in The Full Monty), Texas State graduate Jessica de Jong (Meg in Little Women), CAP21 graduate Rodney Ingram (Laurie in Little Women), Sydney Patrick, recent graduate of Syracuse University (Amy in Little Women), and Kyra Wharton, a junior at the University of Oklahoma (as Joanie in The Full Monty).

Working behind-the-scenes are: Solveig Bloomquist (Lighting Design/University of Minnesota - Duluth), Jack Fransen (Sound Design/Purdue), Megan Harris (Stage Management/Emerson), Lauren Jaenecke (Costume & Wardrobe/Susquehanna), Tess Weinberg (Arts Administration/Butler).

"Last year exceeded our expectations. We were thrilled with the overwhelming positive response we received about the TAAP program from both the participants and the community. It is a testimony to the level of candidates and our commitment to nurturing the emerging artist that three of our 2013 Apprentices are returning in a professional capacity this season," said TA Executive Artistic Director Paige Price.

Apprentice Coordinator/Associate Artistic Director David Gram returns for his second season with Theatre Aspen. A theatre and opera director, actor, and teacher who currently resides in the D.C. area, Gram received an MFA in Directing with a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Boston University, where he was an adjunct faculty member for six years.

For further information about our upcoming season, please contact Theatre Aspen at 970-925-9313 or visit us at www.theatreaspen.org.

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