TEEN PROGRAMS
Guiding youth drawn to careers in the theatre arts
Providing comprehensive, youth-powered, theatrical experiences exclusively for high school students in Grades 9-12.
Teen programs are designed to provide arts access for all teens - fostering passion for those interested in theatrical careers, and high-quality arts engagement for those who are curious to try something new.
Here's what we offer!
TEEN APPRENTICESHIP
Stages Theatre Company (STC) is looking for three to four young people (ages 15 - 18) to take part in our new Theatre for the Very Young apprenticeship program, an initiative created to foster the next generation of Theatre For The Very Young artists. Selected apprentices will be fully immersed in the creation process, and eventual performance of STC’s upcoming world premiere, Tell Me Your Dreams.
Seasonal Opportunity:
Internships for Summer Theatre Workshops
In order to support Stages Theatre Company’s robust theatre education program, Stages will be hiring student interns, rising high school juniors up through seniors in college (or age equivalent) to serve as model students and administrative and classroom support for Summer Theatre Workshops running from mid-June through mid-August.
APPRENTICESHIPFOR TEENS AGES 15-18
Theatre For The Very Young Apprenticeship
for Tell Me Your Dreams
Stages Theatre Company (STC) is looking for three to four young people (ages 15 - 18) to take part in our new Theatre for the Very Young apprenticeship program, an initiative created to foster the next generation of Theatre For The Very Young artists. Selected apprentices will be fully immersed in the creation process, and eventual performance of STC’s upcoming world premiere, Tell Me Your Dreams.
Those looking to apply should have an interest in working in both new play development, and early childhood theatre education.
Apprentices will be working with the Manager of New Play Development, Anna Crace, TFTVY Director, Melanie Salmon Peterson and Education Director, Megan Collins throughout the process.
Tell Me Your Dreams is an original musical designed for audience members ages 0-5 in a world-class theatrical performance. This world premier production, based on the book Tell Me Your Dreams by Amanda Kloots, will feature a cast of young actors (ages 10-17) and professional actors as adult mentors who will perform for an audience of children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. The language and structure of this production is curated for the developmental stages and engagement level of this age group . The audience is invited to take part in the story, creating an interactive, multi-sensory theatre experience.
Apprenticeship Outline
Script Development
Draft Meetings
Apprentices will be part of the ongoing script development which will involve reading and giving feedback on new drafts. They will be expected to attend meetings and engage with the Manager of New Play Development with their questions and notes.
Workshops
STC’s new work development team, including the apprentices, will engage in workshops at pre-schools and pre-k service providers across the Twin Cities metro area. The team will observe how these audiences interact with elements of the production including the music and the activities created for the production. They will also be part of performing and interacting with the young people at these locations. As an apprentice you will be trained in engaging with the very young before interacting with this age group.
Workshop at STC - February 8
Outreach Workshops - April 7 - 11
Performance
As part of the development process Apprentices will be integral to the creation of the piece and will also serve as guides in 0-5 audience interaction through performance as learned through the workshop and training process. Apprentices will be part of the performance and will need to be available for the full rehearsal and run.
Rehearsals: June 23 - August 5
42 performances: August 6 - August 25
Compensation: $600-800
This Apprenticeship is generously funded through an NEA grant for the workshop development process of Tell Me Your Dreams.
Application Process
Complete the Online Application Form found HERE.
Please provide answers to the questions below. You may type your answer into the boxes, or send an audio or video recording of your responses to STC Manager of New Play Development, Anna Crace at acrace@stagestheatre.org. Submissions are open until December 20, 2024.
- What interests you in working on New Play Development?
- What draws you to working in Theatre for Young Audiences?
- Describe a time where you engaged with youth aged 0-5 in a way that felt meaningful to you.
- Why are you the right person for this Apprenticeship?
- Submit a Resume
Although not a requirement, it is helpful for us to see your body of work and may enhance your application.
Be interviewed
After applications are reviewed a select number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview and audition with Anna Crace and Melanie Salmon Peterson about your interest in the program. Applicants will be scheduled for a combined interview & audition in the first week of January.
Apprentices chosen
Apprentices will be chosen and all applicants will be contacted regardless of acceptance. The Apprenticeship will begin mid January.
TEEN MENTORSHIPS
Ages 16-19
Stages Theatre Company's Teen Mentorship Program is designed for youth ages 16-19 who are interested in exploring careers in the theatre arts beyond acting, by partnering with mentors who are working theatrical professionals.
The first opportunity in the theatre that most young people get is on stage as an actor – whether they are in a show or see a show. The reality though is that most jobs in the theatre are not on stage, but in the directing, designing, writing, composing, choreographing, fundraising, and marketing of a show. Our Teen Mentorship Program was created to help youth discover and traverse these career paths.
To be considered for a mentorship opportunity students need to apply through our online application process. Each selected participant receives a $400.00 STIPEND at the end of their mentorship.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE WAS MAY 6, 2024.
Thank you to all who applied!
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2024-2025 First Job in the Arts Mentorship Students
In alphabetical order
Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE WAS MAY 6, 2024.
Thank you to all who applied!
Stages Theatre Company’s Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship is specifically developed for young BIPOC who are drawn to a career in theatrical design (costuming, sets, props, sound, lighting, or multimedia design), giving you an opportunity to work in mentorship with a professional designer.
Throughout this program, you will work with your mentor as they develop their design for an actual production, giving you real world experience in the theatrical arts.
This mentorship, along with the other training provided by the program will serve as an early step into a design career for you. Completion of this mentorship will come with a PAID stipend of $400.
Emerging BIPOC Designers Gain Access To:
• One-on-one apprenticeship with a professional designer, collaborating on the design of a show with them.
• Professional training, preparing you to enter the design field of your choice.
• An inside look at a professional production, including designer meetings, tech week, and more.
Emerging BIPOC Designer Responsibilities Are:
• Working with your mentor to complete a series of design tasks that give you an overview of the theatrical design process. A schedule for this work will be developed with you, your mentor, and André Samples (Teen Program Manager). Expect to spend around 30 hours completing this work.
• Attending monthly cohort meetings on the third Saturday of each month September-May from 10:00-11:30.
Who is Eligible?
BIPOC students ages 16-19 in high school or on a gap year who are interested in exploring an area of theatrical design as a potential career. Self-transportation is a plus, but we will work with you to accommodate any transportation needs. No commitment to your chosen area of design beyond this program is required.
How Many Positions are Available?
Between both teen mentorships (Emerging BIPOC Designers and First Job in the Arts) we will award up to 15 mentorships for the 2024-2025 season. Each program will receive at least 6 placements. The mentorships run from July 2024-June 2025.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE WAS MAY 6, 2024.
Thank you to all who applied!
How to Apply?
1. Complete the Online Application Form – DEADLINE MAY 6, 2024. You may type your answer into the boxes, or send an audio or video recording of your responses to STC Teen Program Manager André Samples at asamples@stagestheatre.org
2. Submit a Resume or Portfolio (optional) - Although a resume or portfolio is not required, it can enhance your application. Please upload your supporting documents (as a PDF) within the application below.
3. Be Interviewed – After applications are reviewed a select number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with André Samples (Teen Program Manager) about your interest and candidacy in this program.
4. Mentorships Selected – between 6-9 positions will be awarded for this specific mentorship.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
July 2024 - June 2025
Selection Criteria:
In our selection process we will be considering several factors. The primary criterion for our cohort will be variety. We will need to select participants from different areas of interest (i.e. directors, costume designers, education, etc.) in order to balance the workload for our staff. We will also be looking to create a cohort that is diverse from a racial perspective, a gender perspective, an experience perspective, and comes from across the Twin Cities’ metro area.
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First Job in the Arts
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE WAS MAY 6, 2024.
Thank you to all who applied!
Stages Theatre Company’s First Job in the Arts Mentorship is specifically geared toward emerging artists ages 16-19, (high school juniors and seniors or graduates taking a gap year) who have an interest and desire to explore pathways to careers in professional theater on all sides of the stage.
As a First Job Artist you are paired with a professional theatre artist to receive real-world theatrical experience, tangible on-the-job training, and connections to the professional theatre world outside of high school.
First Job in the Arts staff work to bridge the gap between academic theatre and creating a viable, professional career in a theatre or non-profit setting. Completion of this mentorship will come with a PAID stipend of $400.
FJA Artists Gain Access To:
• Real-world work experience with an individually customized plan geared toward your particular area of interest or desired exploration.
• Professional training, preparing you to enter the theatrical world.
• An inside look at a professional production, including designer meetings, tech week, and more or the administrative side of theater.
FJA Artist Responsibilities Are:
• Working with your mentor to complete a series of tasks related to your area of interest, giving you an overview of the work from a professional perspective. A schedule for this work will be developed with you, your mentor, and André Samples (Teen Program Manager). Expect to spend around 30 hours completing this work.
• Attending monthly cohort meetings on the third Saturday of each month September-May from 10:00-11:30.
Who is Eligible?
Students ages 16-19 in high school or on a gap year who are interested in exploring behind the scenes careers in theater. Self-transportation is a plus, but we will work with you to accommodate any transportation needs. No commitment to your chosen area of theater beyond this program is required.
How Many Positions are Available?
Between both teen mentorships (Emerging BIPOC Designers and First Job in the Arts) we will award up to 15 mentorships for the 2024-2025 season. Each program will receive at least 6 placements. The mentorships run from July 2024-June 2025.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE WAS MAY 6, 2024.
Thank you to all who applied!
How to Apply?
1. Complete the Online Application Form – DEADLINE MAY 6, 2024 - You may type your answer into the boxes, or send an audio or video recording of your responses to STC Teen Program Manager André Samples at asamples@stagestheatre.org
2. Submit a Resume or Portfolio (optional) - Although a resume or portfolio is not required, it can enhance your application. Please upload your supporting documents (as a PDF) within the application below.
3. Be Interviewed – After applications are reviewed a select number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with André Samples (Teen Program Manager) about your interest and candidacy in this program.
4. Mentorships Selected – between 6-9 positions will be awarded for this specific mentorship.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
July, 2024 - June, 2025
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