Innovative program designed for students pursuing a career in theatre
Calling all teens 14-18 who might have a passion for the stage! There’s a unique, innovative program designed just for students wanting to pursue a career in theatre.
MJ Waddell and Don Farrell, Actors Theatre of Indiana, tell us how it works:
- Students will follow an ATI Mainstage production form its first rehearsal through to opening night. They will have the opportunity to observe and interact with the actors, director, design and technical teams. Everything from staging and musical rehearsals, technical rehearsals, shadowing the backstage crew, final dress, and opening night. In short, they are going to see the collaborative effort that it takes to bring a show to life. THEN, taking all they have observed and learned the students will receive 40 hours of customized instruction taught by theatre professionals to help identify, improve, and develop their talents. Together they will write, direct, choreograph, design and star in their very own showcase onstage at the Studio Theater for an audience of college theatre representatives as well as family and friends. The real goal of this experience is to equip these future stars with a broad range of skills and tools needed to succeed in whatever creative field they choose.
- Because of the close interaction and job shadowing, each Immersion program is limited to 12 students. Applications are being accepted now.
- Cost is 600.00
- We have secured a minimum of three full-ride scholarships for each Immersion that are available for students in need.
For students interested in behind the scenes technical career we have THE BUSINESS OF BACKSTAGE which will be a one-day intensive in June. This will be a day of hands-on workshops in stage management, set design, lighting design, costume design, and run crew.
- We are also presenting A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, not only for the public but for elementary students.This production is appropriate for grades K-3 and includes a corresponding full color curriculum for use in your classrooms. The study guide is connected to the national standards in curriculum for Science, Technology, Health, Social Studies/Geography, and Mathematics Measurements, all while introducing young audiences to the magic of live theatre. Public performances November 25 & 26th. School performances November 28- December 1.
- Currently running: RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING running now through November 19th
- Coming up: COMPLETELY CHRISTMAS, MEMORIES, MISTLETOE AND MANGER INCLUDED December 7-10
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s mission is to celebrate the power of theatre and contribute to life in Central Indiana by offering high quality professional theatre performances and programs that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. One of only four Equity Theatre companies in central Indiana, Actors Theatre of Indiana is the resident professional theatre company of The Studio Theater at The Center for the Professional Arts in Carmel, IN. ATI has provided thirteen seasons of high-powered musical theater productions, world premieres and innovative community works.
Actors Theatre of Indiana was co-founded in 2005 by Cynthia Collins, Don Farrell and Judy Fitzgerald who have 82 collective years of professional experience as actors, directors and choreographers in
such venues as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Off-Broadway, National Tours, Las Vegas, International Tours, Regional Theatres and prestigious universities (e.g. Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, New York University, Pennsylvania State University, AMDA and Collaborative Arts Project 21). These connections mean that Actors Theatre of Indiana patrons are exposed to national talent who regularly join their productions and projects, and increase the professional quality Broadway experience which sets them apart from the other equity companies in central Indiana.
Some of the many career highlights of MJ Waddell include starring in the North American Tour of Mamma Mia! as DonnaSheridan, the Broadway and National Tour of Les Misérables where she covered the role of Fantine and the Factory Girl, TheSondheim Celebration at the Kennedy Center in 2002 in the extraordinary casts of Merrily We Roll Along where she was co-choreographer and dance captain, and Sunday in the Park with George which she was also dance captain. Four seasons were spent singing and dancing alongside the Radio City Rockettes as a New Yorker in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Her newest title, Director of Education for Actors Theatre of Indiana, promises to be one of her best credits to date. Combining decades of experience in all aspects of theatre, plus recognizing the importance of creativity and expression through the arts is an exciting opportunity to broaden, deepen, and develop the future stars of tomorrow.
Don Farrell is a Co-founder of Actors Theatre of Indiana and serves as Artistic Director of the professional Equity theatre company. Working together with his co-founders, he has overseen the creation & implementation of all programming and, since its inception in 2005, has grown ATI from a small professional theatre company to an award-winning and vital member of the central Indiana arts scene. Don has been a member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1992, is a veteran of the concert/ theatrical stage, and has worked steadily in practically every capacity of the business. He has spent over 30 years working as a professional singer, dancer, actor, director, choreographer, and producer with a career that includes Off-Broadway, International Tour, National Tour, Las Vegas, Regional, Symphony concerts and Educational productions.
To learn more, visit:
www.atistage.org (click the education tab)https://www.facebook.com/ATITheatreImmersionExperience/