The
Musical Theatre
Institute
for Teens

Suburban Maryland Program

Offered in partnership with James Blake High School in Silver Spring

Buzz Mauro , Artistic Director

A unique four-week training program for ages 13-18
culminating in a full production of

SWEENEY TODD
music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
book by Hugh Wheeler

The dark and thrilling musical that won nine Tony Awards

Mondays-Fridays, 9am-2pm
(Day begins at 5pm on Friday, August 1)

July 7-August 1

Performances, evenings July 31-August 2

 

ABOUT THE MUSICAL THEATRE INSTITUTE

The Musical Theatre Institute for Teens is an intensive four-week training program in which participants rehearse and perform a full musical production under the guidance of one of the area’s most esteemed directors.  The idea behind the institute is to enable young artists to explore challenging, socially relevant material from the contemporary musical theatre world as they receive the intensive voice, movement and acting training essential for professional-level performance. Past productions, including last summer’s Les Misérables, have played to critical raves and sold-out houses.

The 2008 Musical Theatre Institute will culminate with a full-scale production of Sweeney Todd—one of the great masterpieces of American musical theatre. It's difficult and intense, and promises to be hugely rewarding. It's also a lot less bloody than the movie, and includes many ensemble roles in addition to the principals. Whether you are already an accomplished performer or are simply looking to build skills in musical theatre, this is your chance to be a part of a thrilling ensemble musical. 

All roles are open.

The Musical Theatre Institute is designed to challenge young performers—both artistically and personally—while providing a supportive, caring environment in which to develop.  While the emphasis is on performance, students will also receive training in a wide variety of musical theatre disciplines during the rehearsal process, including: vocal production, acting a song, proper breathing technique, movement, building a character, ensemble acting, and more.

The Musical Theatre Institute is directed by acclaimed musical theatre performer and director Buzz Mauro, Co-Director of The Theatre Lab and a Helen Hayes Award nominee who has appeared frequently at Signature Theatre. Classes and rehearsals will be held Monday-Friday from 9am-2pm, July 7-August 1.  In addition, there will be evening performances July 31-August 2.  On Thursday, July 31, classes will begin at 9am and students will be expected to stay with Program Directors until evening performance time. On Friday, August 1 there will be no classes; students will be expected to arrive at the theatre at 5pm for rehearsal and stay through performance time.

 

Classes, rehearsals and performances take place at James Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD.

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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Buzz Mauro (Musical Director) is Co-Director of The Theatre Lab and a Helen Hayes Award nominee who has performed extensively with Signature Theatre, as well as at Ford's Theatre, Studio Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre, Woolly Mammoth, the Potomac Theatre Project, and with the Washington Shakespeare Company. He received his B.A. from Yale University and has an M.F.A. in Acting from Catholic University. Along with Deb Gottesman he is the founder of Center Stage Communications, a unique consulting firm specializing in the application of acting techniques to the business world. Together they are the authors of three books on applied acting, all published by Berkley Books, a division of Penguin Putnam.

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ADMISSION

Admission to the Musical Theatre Institute for Teens is by application and audition.  Applicants will be accepted on the basis of their commitment to exploring the musical theatre craft, their willingness to collaborate in a group process of discovery with other young artists, and their ability to handle the demands of the musical score.

All applicants must complete a written essay expressing their interest in the program. Applicants must also prepare a musical theatre song for auditions that will be scheduled upon receipt of completed application.

Please note: Due to the limited nature of our enrollment, admission is competitive. After we receive your application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.

 

TUITION

Tuition for the Musical Theatre Institute—Suburban Maryland Program—is $975.  Full and partial financial aid is available through our scholarship and work study programs.

 

Apply Online

or

Download Application to Mail

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COMMENTS FROM THEATRE LAB PARTICIPANTS

"I have learned more in these four weeks than I have learned in a year in other places.”

"It was everything I expected and more. I expected to make lifelong friends and learn new things about the musical theatre craft. What I didn't expect was the catharsis I experienced. I felt I matured not only as a singer but as a person. I would love to do it again next year.”

"Everyone got the special teaching and attention that was needed."

"The atmosphere of everybody was terrific, friendly and determined. I really loved being around people like that."

"I can honestly say that this is the most fun I have had in anything I have done."

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WHAT MAKES THE MUSICAL THEATRE INSTITUTE UNIQUE?

An artistic team on their seventh consecutive production, committed to EXCELLENCE.

A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT in which to take risks and explore your own artistry.

Top-notch TRAINING that prepares you to work in any theatre setting—not just ours.

The FUN of working with peers who love theatre as much as you do.