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Signature Theatre’s Musical Theater Institute
at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
June 29 – July 12, 2008

“Anyone looking to hone their skill set for musical theater should seek out the program; anyone wanting to experience excellence in training and enthusiasm for the craft should audition ASAP!”  Hannah Willman, Indiana University, 2007 Overtures Graduate

“I have learned an invaluable amount, and my love for musical theater has been REVIVED.”  Jackie Lamptey, BFA, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2007 Overtures Graduate   

OverturesThis unique, two-week intensive training program provides rigorous and comprehensive instruction in vocal technique, dance, movement, and acting/scene study for a select number of emerging performers.

FACULTY
Overtures is led by Eric Schaeffer, Signature Theatre Artistic Director and acclaimed director of national and regional successes such as The Witches of Eastwick starring Tony® nominees Marc Kudisch and Emily Skinner. The program is also led by Karma Camp, award-winning professional choreographer and Signature Theatre Artistic Associate. Additional on-site faculty includes Jane Pesci-Townsend, professional actress and Chair of the Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America; professional musical director Jay Crowder, Chair of the Music Department at Montgomery College; and award-winning actor Andrew Long, member of The Shakespeare Theatre acting company and teaching staff.

Master Classes are taught by distinguished theater professionals.  Guest instructors have included:

  • Tony® Award winners Harriet Harris, Donna McKechnie, Michael Rupert, and Marsha Norman
  • Broadway performers James Barbour, Matt Bogart, Carolee Carmello, Marc Kudisch, Norm Lewis, Judy McLane, and Emily Skinner
  • Composers Richard Maltby and Ricky Ian Gordon
  • New York Casting Director Tara Rubin

SCHEDULE
Students meet Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm. The curriculum includes daily classes in dance, scene study, and vocal performance, as well as one-on-one sessions offering individual development of musical theater skills.

Master classes with notable professionals are scheduled regularly. Participants audition for a professional casting agent from Tara Rubin Casting in New York City. Evening rehearsals are held to prepare for the end-of-session showcase presented in the Kennedy Center Theatre Lab.

OverturesTUITION & HOUSING
Overtures tuition cost is $1,500.  Housing is available within easy walking distance of The Kennedy Center at George Washington University Residence Halls (shared accommodations).  The cost is approximately $45 per night or $625 for the two weeks.  If you require housing, arrangements must be made upon your acceptance to the program.  To insure that the program is financially accessible to all qualified performers, a limited number of fellowships are available.

FELLOWSHIPS
Fellowship support from organizations such as the Mead Family Foundation and the Weissberg Foundation provide tuition assistance and, in some circumstances, travel, housing, and per diem expenses.  Special consideration is given to applicants from ACTF schools.  Applications will be accepted beginning March 4, 2008.  Deadline for submitting applications is April 2, 2008.  Fellowship awards will be made prior to June 1, 2008. Click here to download an application.

TO APPLY FOR OVERTURES
Auditions will be held Saturday, March 29 from 10am to 2pm at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206.  Audition appointments will be scheduled beginning March 3, 2008.  To schedule an appointment, contact Marcia Gardner at (571) 527-1854.

If you cannot attend on-site auditions at Signature, you may apply by submitting an AUDITION TAPE or DVD.  On the tape/DVD, you must:

  • Sing, with accompanist, at least 16 bars of two contrasting songs, and
  • Present a dance routine or demonstrate your ability to move in some form.

Audition tapes/DVDs must be accompanied by:

  • A letter of intent describing your interest in attending Overtures, and
  • A headshot and résumé with detailed training and performance experience.

TAPE APPLICATION DEADLINE
April 2, 2008

SEND TO
Signature Theatre
Overtures
Attn: Marcia Gardner
4200 Campbell Avenue
Arlington, VA 22206

OverturesACCEPTANCE
Notification of acceptance will be mailed no later than April 14, 2008.  To insure your place on the roster, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required no later than May, 2008.  The tuition balance, $1,250, is due in full by June 1, 2008.  Any student under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian read all materials and authorize the student’s participation in the program.  Every participant is required to submit proof of health and accident insurance on or before June 1, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Marcia Gardner, Education Director
Signature Theatre
(571) 527-1854
gardnerm@signature-theatre.org

Overtures is presented in association with The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

“Thank you for an amazing experience!” 
Merrill Grant, graduate of Butler University, Member of Actors’ Equity Association, 2007 Overtures Graduate