Performance Opportunities

Don't miss your chance to shine on one of A.C.T.'s stages this season!

"Student actors rarely have such a chance to have a world created around them that is so supportive of what they're attempting to achieve in such a complete way."
—B. D. Wong, Tony Award–winning actor, on the Young Conservatory's production of Bright Young People: The Words and Music of Noël Coward

November–May, Garret Room, American Conservatory Theater
YC Cabaret Ensemble and YC Musical Ensemble
Jane Hammett and Craig Slaight, Directors

These two performance ensembles are offered for advanced students (ages 15–19) with previous acting and singing experience. There are a limited number of openings for the 2010–11 season. Placement is determined by audition. These ensembles focus on developing a number of musical pieces in various styles—from well-known composers to standard musical theater selections—for performances in the Garret Room at the American Conservatory Theater on Geary Street. The ensembles present four separate weekend cabarets throughout the season. Additionally, ensemble members serve as musical ambassadors for the Young Conservatory, performing at events sponsored by A.C.T. and other organizations. Involvement in either ensemble is a nine-month commitment. Auditions will be held on September 11; rehearsals begin September 25. Tuition: $800 for each ensemble.

World Premiere

September 13–November 6, Zeum Theater
Wild Kate
A Tale of Revenge at Sea
by Karen Hartman
Directed by W. D. Keith

"Call me Isabel." A brainy teen with a chip on her shoulder enrolls in a high school on the high seas to escape her past, only to be swept up in an extracurricular chase spurred by the boat's leader, Kate, an environmental activist with a secret, deadly plan. At sea in more ways than one, the students and crew wrestle to save the ocean without destroying each other. (If this reminds you of a famous book about a whale, you're in the right boat.) This exciting world premiere of a brand-new play commissioned by the A.C.T. Conservatory is a coproduction of the Young Conservatory (students ages 15–19) and the A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program. The cast will include actors from both programs. Auditions will be held the week of September 6; rehearsals begin September 13. Tuition: $800.

On the A.C.T. Mainstage

November 2–December 24, American Conservatory Theater
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh
Directed by Domenique Lozano

A.C.T.'s annual gift to the Bay Area, this holiday classic is the most extraordinary performance opportunity available to young actors anywhere. Working side by side with experienced M.F.A. Program actors and a company of talented Bay Area professionals, participants will perform onstage at the historic American Conservatory Theater. Rehearsals and performances require a full commitment, with no schedule conflicts. For performers ages 8–13 only. Auditions will be held in September; rehearsals begin November 2.

World Premiere Musical

April 12–June 25, Zeum Theater
Homefront
Book by Craig Slaight
Music and lyrics by Creighton Irons
Directed by Domenique Lozano
Musical direction by Jane Hammett
Choreography by Christine Mattison

This world premiere production of a brand-new, completely original musical launches a new phase in the Young Conservatory's ongoing commitment to the development of theatrical works created especially for young people. The story centers around Emma Kolmeier, a German teenager who in 1917 is sent with her two siblings to the United States to escape the war in Europe. Soon after the family arrives in a small town in southern Illinois, they confront persecution, as America enters the war against Germany. While the furor of nationalism blazes across the country, the town's loyalties are torn between residents with German backgrounds and others waging war on the home front. For performers ages 12–19 only. Auditions will be held in late April; rehearsals begin May 3. Tuition: $800.

Also . . .

Fall, Winter, and Spring—Studio Productions, 30 Grant Avenue
Junior Young Company

As a part of the ongoing curriculum, this performance class is designed for advanced acting students who wish to extend their technique into the performance of a full production. Mirroring the rehearsal process of a professional theater, the ensemble will rehearse and present a one-act play in a full studio production. The workshop is an intensive theater experience and should be taken only by serious young actors. Limited enrollment; by audition only. Check the A.C.T. website for audition and performance dates. For performers ages 11–14 only. Tuition: $615.

Important Notice

These performance opportunities are available by audition only. Auditions are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis; specific requirements, including tuition fees, vary from project to project. Please call the Young Conservatory office at 415.439.2444 for application information and audition appointments.