Signature Theatre’s Musical Theater Institute

Signature Theatre, recipient of the 2009 Tony Award®, is nationally recognized for its definitive Sondheim productions, inventive re-imaging of classic or lesser-known works, and investment in new musicals through the American Musical Voices Project.

Overtures is dedicated to the nurturing and training of emerging musical theatre performers. The Musical Theatre Institute is held at Signature’s state-of-the-art, two-theatre facility just minutes from downtown Washington, DC. A unique experience for a select number of young artists, this two-week intensive, professional training program provides rigorous and comprehensive instruction in vocal and performance technique, dance, acting, and audition skills.

Instructor Karma Camp works on music

Faculty

Overtures is under the direction of Eric Schaeffer, Signature’s Artistic Director, and director of the 2010 Tony® nominated Million Dollar Quartet and of the 2011 revival of Follies starring Bernadette Peters at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The faculty also includes award-winning professional choreographer and Signature Theatre Artistic Associate Karma Camp; professional actress Tracy Lynn Olivera, vocal instructor at The Catholic University of America’s Rome School of Music; 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 theatre professionals and associated Signature artists.

Guest instructors have included:

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

Schedule

Overtures 2012 meets six days per week, June 18th through June 30th, from 10:00am to 9:00pm. The curriculum includes daily classes in dance, acting, and vocal performance, as well as individual one-on-one sessions. Master Classes with notable professionals are scheduled regularly. The final Master Class provides students with an opportunity to audition for professional casting directors and receive personal feedback on their audition.
Evening rehearsals are held to prepare for the end-of-session showcase presented in Signature’s MAX Theatre. Subsequent performances of the showcase are scheduled at Signature’s annual Open House.

Tuition & Housing

Tuition for 2012 Overtures Musical Theatre Institute will be $1,750.

Housing is located adjacent to Signature. Housing availability is limited.*

Fellowships

Fellowships are available for applicants with special circumstances. A limited number of full and partial tuition fellowships are made possible by organizations such as the Weissberg Foundation and by individual donors. Fellowship funds can also be awarded for travel, housing, and per diem expenses. Applications for Fellowship assistance can be submitted beginning March 1, 2012. All fellowship applications must be received by the April 2, 2012 deadline.

Click here for an Overtures Fellowship Application.

Fellowship awards will be made on or before May 16, 2012.

To Apply for Overtures

Auditions will be held March 24, 2012 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Those interested in auditioning prepare 32 bars of two contrasting pieces. Additionally, they should be prepared to learn a brief dance routine.

For information about the audition, contact Signature’s Education Department at 521 527 1857. Audition appointments must be scheduled by phone.

DVD & Electronic Application

If you cannot attend an on-site audition, you may apply by submitting a DVD or electronic video that includes:

• At least 32 bars of two contrasting songs, performed with an accompanist, and
• A dance routine or a movement exercise that demonstrates your ability to move with music.

Audition DVDs & videos 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.

Mail DVDs with accompanying materials to:
Education Department, Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
For electronic submission: Email your letter, headshot, résumé, and a link to your uploaded YouTube video to overtures@signature-theatre.org.

Acceptance

Notification of acceptance will be mailed no later than April 23, 2012. To insure your place on the roster, a non-refundable deposit of $300 is required no later than May 2, 2012. The tuition balance of $1,450 is due by June 6, 2012. Any additional cost for housing must be paid on or before the first day of Overtures. Any student under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian authorize the student’s participation in the program. Every participant is required to submit proof of health and accident insurance on or before the first day of Overtures.

For Further Information

Contact Signature Theatre’s Education Department
571 527 1857
overtures@signature-theatre.org

*Housing accommodations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A request does not guarantee housing availability