Participants will have opportunity to become Equity Membership Candidates

Young thespians will have the opportunity to perform on the Depot Theatre main stage alongside professionals through the organization’s new education and outreach program, the Depot Theatre Academy.

The Depot Theatre Academy will encompass the existing junior program for young artists ages 8-12, and an enhanced senior program for participants ages 13 and older who are enrolled in school, home school, or college.

The junior program, held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall July 6-26, will include workshops led by Equity professionals in acting, voice, and dance, culminating in three performances of this year’s production, INTO THE WOODS, JR.

The senior Academy program will be held July 27-August 23 at the Depot Theatre, and will consist of professional instruction on the main stage, culminating in performances of a customized showcase featuring dance, music, scene work, and more. The seniors can also audition for a role in a Depot main stage musical.

“We are thrilled to announce that in addition to the workshops and cabaret, all of the senior participants will be able to audition for one of four parts in the Depot’s main stage production of BARNUM: THE MUSICAL, performing alongside the professional artists,” said Kenney Green, the Depot’s Producing Artistic Director.

As a benefit of the Depot’s status as an Equity theatre, senior Academy participants who perform in Depot main stage shows will also have the opportunity to join the Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMC). The national EMC program permits actors and stage managers in training to credit theatrical work in certain Equity theatres toward eventual membership in Actors’ Equity.

“Our intention is to provide a robust educational experience for all of our area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage,” said Green.

“We began the transition to this education model when we welcomed the former Boquet River Theatre Festival program in 2018; first by incorporating workshops in dance, voice, and acting, then by adding live musical direction and accompaniment in 2019,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director. “This year, we’re pleased that our participants will benefit from our Equity theatre status with this intensive intern program, and we’re very excited to infuse our main stage with their energy and talent!”

Auditions to determine parts for both the junior and senior Depot Theatre Academy programs will be held at the Depot Theatre on May 16, 2020. Depot Theatre Executive Director Kim Rielly will be happy to answer questions regarding the Academy via email at krielly@depottheatre.org or by calling 518.962.4449.

More information about the program, including registration, sponsorship opportunities, playbill advertisements, and downloadable participant guidelines is now available at www.depottheatre.org.

The Depot Theatre Academy is underwritten by The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation. The junior Academy program is sponsored by the Rogers-Carroll Foundation.