Signature Theatre, recipient of the 2009 Tony Award®, is nationally recognized for its definitive Sondheim productions, inventive re-imagining 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. Founded by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and choreographer Karma Camp, 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.
Faculty: Overtures is under the direction of Matthew Gardiner, Signature’s Associate Artistic Director and choreographer Karma Camp. The faculty has included 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; Joshua Morgan, Co-Artistic Director of No Rules Theatre Company; 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, Heidi Blickenstaff, 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: This year, Overtures will take place over two weeks: June 16 - June 21 and June 23 - June 29. Overtures meets six days per week from 10:00am to 9:00pm with the final showcase performed at 11:00 AM on June 29. 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, June 29 at 11:00 AM. Subsequent performances of the showcase are scheduled at Signature’s annual Open House.
Tuition & Housing:
Tuition for 2013 Overtures Musical Theatre Institute will be $1,750.
If housing is needed, please contact overtures@signature-theatre.org to discuss options.
Fellowships: Fellowships are available for applicants with special circumstances. A limited number of full and partial tuition fellowships are made possible by individual donors and organizations such as the Weissberg Foundation. Fellowship funds can also be awarded for travel, housing, and per diem expenses. Applications for Fellowship assistance can be submitted beginning March 1, 2013. All fellowship applications must be received by the April 1, 2013 deadline.
Visit www.signature-theatre.org/overtures?camefrom=EMCL_53161_3623829 for the application form.
Fellowship awards will be made by May 15, 2013
To Apply for Overtures: Auditions will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Signature Theatre,4200 Campbell Avenue,Arlington,VA22206. Additional on-site auditions may be scheduled on Saturday, April 6, if openings are still available.
Audition appointments can be scheduled beginning Monday, February 25, 2013. To schedule an appointment, or for more information about the audition, contact Education Director, David Zobell at 571 527 1854. Audition appointments must be made in advance
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.
Audition material deadline: Monday, April 8, 2013.
Acceptance: Notification of acceptance will be mailed no later than April 15, 2012. To insure your place on the roster, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required no later than May 6, 2012. The tuition balance of $1,500 is due by June 3, 2013. Any additional cost for housing must be paid on or before June 16, 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 16, 2012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact David Zobell, Education Director, at 571 527 1854 or zobelld@signature-theatre.org.
