Stage One
July 24 – August 4, 2023
Monday – Friday, 10AM – 6PM
Ages 14 to 17
“Stage One is truly the most all-encompassing well-rounded program there is. It does a very good job at approaching each of the three skills (acting, singing, dancing) in ways that are very individualized to each students own needs.”
— Marcus, Stage One Student (2021, 2022)
“I feel that Stage One has made me a more well-rounded artist. I would recommend this program to any serious, musical theatre performer.”
— Clare, Stage One Student (2020)
The Workshop
Stage One is not your typical musical theatre program. It is a two-week musical theatre workshop for the young, aspiring musical theatre student with an emphasis on reaching the individuals where they are. Stage One’s emphasis is on personalized, intimate training that helps each individual student reach their level best and helps them overcome their personal weaknesses.
This popular program provides in-depth experience in the world of professional musical theater. Throughout the two weeks, students hone their vocal, dance and acting skills under personalized, supportive instruction from a group of core faculty members, each a theatrical professional. Each year’s curriculum is completely new; customized after the core faculty has seen their auditions.
In addition to daily training in acting, music and dance, Stage One also incorporates several masterclasses from different DC theater professionals, local university faculty and members of Signature’s Artistic Department. Stage One is an incredible opportunity for high school students to work with award-winning actors, directors, choreographers, musicians, casting directors and university faculty.
At the end of the two weeks, students are given the opportunity to share their experiences in an informal class demonstration for family and friends. There is no formal showcase. Every moment of Stage One is focused on pure training, enabling the students to give stronger performances long after the program has ended.
The Daily Schedule
A day at Stage One may look something like this:
10AM – 12PM: Dance
12PM – 12:30PM: LUNCH
12:30PM – 2:30PM: Voice
2:30 – 2:45PM: BREAK
2:45PM – 4:45PM: Acting
4:45PM – 5PM: BREAK
5PM – 6PM: Masterclass
The final day of the program concludes with a one-hour informal class demonstration for friends and family.
The Auditions
Auditions for Stage One 2023 are closed. We encourage you to reach out for information on how to apply for the program next year.
The Tuition
Tuition for Stage One 2023 will be $954. There is currently no fellowship assistance available for Stage One.
Have questions about Stage One?
Want to know if this program is right for you? Email us at education@sigtheatre.org or call 571 527 1854 to learn more.
For more information
Email education@sigtheatre.org
Teachers
Instructors have included:
Acclaimed performers: Evan Casey, Susan Derry, Erin Driscoll, Joshua Morgan, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Nova Payton and Bobby Smith
Signature staff: Kelly Crandall d’Amboise, Matthew Gardiner, Eric Schaeffer, Matt Strote and David Zobell
Choreographers, Directors and Fight Choreographers: Kathleen Akerley, Joe Calarco, Pauline Grossman, Maurice Johnson, Casey Kaleba, Matt Reckeweg and Mallory Shear
Local music directors: Warren Freeman, Elisa Rosman and Bill Yanesh
University faculty: Melissa Flaim, Brian MacDonald and Jim Van Slyke