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Signature Theatre’s Musical Theater Institute
June 20 – July 2, 2010

"This program affords the opportunity to work with some of the best in the business' and I definitely think I was given the tools to succeed."
Sara Brophy, BFA student Dance Performance, University of the Arts, 2008 Overtures Graduate

"I enjoyed myself and met some amazing people and feel I have improved so much as an actor and person"
Amanda Roberts, Music major, Rome School of Music, The Catholic University of America, 2008 Overtures Graduate

Signature Theatre, recipient of the 2009 Regional Theater 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 theater performers. The Musical Theatre Institute is held at Signature's state-of-the-art, two-theater facility just minutes from downtown Washington, DC. A unique experience for young artists, this two-week intensive, professional training program provides rigorous and comprehensive instruction in vocal and performance technique, dance, movement, and acting skills for a select number of participants.

FACULTY
Overtures is under the direction of Eric Schaeffer, Signature's Artistic Director and director of the Helen Hayes Award-winning production of Les Misérables as well as the acclaimed Chicago production of Million Dollar Quartet scheduled to open on Broadway, March 2010. The faculty includes award-winning professional choreographer and Signature Theatre Artistic Associate Karma Camp; Jane Pesci-Townsend, professional actress and Chair of the Rome School of Music at Catholic University; 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 and associated Signature artists.
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 Matt Conner, Richard Maltby, and Ricky Ian Gordon
• New York Casting Directors Stuart Howard and Tara Rubin

SCHEDULE
Students meet six days a week 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 a professional casting agent 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 on the Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center and at Signature's annual Open House.

TUITION & HOUSING
Tuition for the Overtures: Musical Theater Institute is $1,500.

Housing is available and located adjacent to the Theatre. The individual, fully furnished apartments include a kitchen, washer/dryer, and are convenient to a grocery store and a variety of restaurants. The cost is $475 per week. Housing is limited, and reservations must be made at the time of your tuition deposit.*

FELLOWSHIPS
A limited number of fellowships are available for applicants with special circumstances. Some full and partial tuition fellowships are made possible by organizations such as the Weissberg Foundation. Support can include funds for travel, housing, and per diem expenses if needed. Applications for assistance can be submitted beginning March 8, 2010. Deadline for receiving fellowship applications is April 6, 2010. Fellowship awards will be made no later than May 10, 2010.

Click here for an Overtures Fellowship Application.

TO APPLY FOR OVERTURES
On-site auditions will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206. Additional on-site auditions may be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010, if openings are still available.

Audition appointments can be scheduled beginning Monday, March 1, 2010. For information about the audition and to schedule an appointment, contact Education Director Marcia Gardner at 571-527-1854.

DVD APPLICATION
If you cannot attend an on-site audition at Signature, you may apply by submitting a DVD 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 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.

DVD application deadline is Tuesday, April 6, 2010.

ACCEPTANCE
Notification of acceptance will be mailed no later than April 20, 2010. To insure your place on the roster, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required no later than May 3, 2010. The tuition balance of $1,250 is due by June 1, 2010. Any additional cost for housing must be paid on or before July 5, 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 June 1, 2010.

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

*Housing accommodations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you require housing, you must make the request at the time you are accepted into the program.