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Signature in the Schools

Signature in the Schools - For Students

Interested in participating in Signature in the Schools? You’ve come to the right place. Signature in the Schools is a theatrical training program unlike any other.  If chosen to participate in the program, here’s what awaits you:

  • The opportunity to work on a world premiere production written, directed and designed by professional theater artists.
  • Working on a professional-level play in Signature Theatre’s state-of-the-art MAX Theatre as an actor, stage manager, prop crew member, costume crew member, lighting board operator, spotlight operator or sound board operator.
  • Creating a production that also features a professional actor in the cast.
  • Creating a piece that creates conversations about issues that matter. Past productions have looked at things like definitions of success and failure; wrestling with classic but problematic literature; institutional abuse of women; and the relationship between social media and mental health. This year’s production will look at contemporary anxiety over success, ambition, gender and violence by examining the figures and plot of Macbeth through a bold new adaptation of the text. 

And it’s all completely free to participate in.

Signature in the Schools needs you. This program aims to reflect the communities of Arlington and Alexandria onstage and backstage, telling stories about people from a wide variety of backgrounds. The play is not written until it’s cast, and it is all tailored to what you bring to the table. We cannot wait for you to experience this program.

Eligibility

To participate in Signature in the Schools in an acting or technical positions, applicants must be high school age students who are currently enrolled in a Arlington or Alexandria County Public School.

Signature wants to meet student actors and technicians of all experience levels and of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, and students living with disabilities.

Content

This year’s world premiere production, This Ends in Blood, is a contemporary adaptation of The Tragedy of Macbeth. While This Ends in Blood will reset Shakespeare’s timeless tale of ambition gone awry in a contemporary high school, it will stay true in spirit to Shakespeare’s original play, which includes murder, suicide, violence and stress-induced trauma. Note that this is an original play, not a new production of Shakespeare’s text.  

Please note that while Signature in the Schools plays are strictly PG-level when it comes to profanity, sexuality or violence, the themes and subject matter themselves are frequently mature. Signature in the Schools plays deal frankly with history and literature studied in area high schools and are committed to doing so in responsible and truthful ways. Participating students will be given educational tools to navigate these subjects with sophistication but should also be upfront with leadership at auditions so that we can ensure each participating student is taken care of.

Time Commitment

When you sign up to audition, you’ll get a chance to tell us about any scheduling conflicts you may have. We will honor all submitted conflicts that do not land on mandatory dates. Any conflicts that come up after the audition will have to be approved by the director (and they might not be approved). Students who are hoping to participate in Signature in the Schools while also working on school productions should make clear that they intend to work on both; Signature Education will work with those students on crafting a schedule that allows them to do so.

View the Student Calendar

The general breakdown of how the program works is listed below:

  • Part I - Boot Camp and Table Work
    • Designed to create a true theater ensemble, these sessions are devoted to theatrical skill building and hands-on lessons about the year’s given subject matter. Additionally, there are regular opportunities for the cast and crew to gather to read through the script and to discuss it with the writer as it goes through revisions.
  • Part II - Rehearsals and Crew Calls
    • Once Boot Camp has concluded, the cast and stage management meet for two weeks in November, three weeks in December, and one week in January to stage and rehearse the show. During this same time, costume crew and prop crew meet one to two times a week to build the show.
  • Part III - Tech and Preview Performances
    • Mandatory for all participants in the production. This is the week where the cast, crew, designers, stage managers and directors all bring their work together to create a fully produced play. They also perform it for a preview audience before they make their final revisions and open the production.
  • Part IV - Performances
    • Following tech and previews, there are four performances for area field trips and up to two performances for the public. Field trip performances are on weekday mornings and public performances are in the evening. We will help you and your parents get you excused from the classes you need to miss. After tech is over, there are no more rehearsals – you just show up and do the show! After the final public performance, the show is closed, and the program is over for the year.

Auditions and Interviews

Auditions and submissions are now closed for the 2025-2026 production.

Have questions about Signature in the Schools? Send your questions to sigschools@sigtheatre.org.

Signature is committed to becoming a more equitable, anti-racist organization. In this company, we condemn all acts of racism, discrimination and hatred. Signature Theatre celebrates diversity and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics. Signature Theatre is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Signature in the Schools is sponsored by