The practice of telling a story through song is as old as civilization, from ancient epics told to the beat of a drum, to fully orchestrated Broadway productions.
A newly expanded educational wing at The Music Theatre Company in Highland Park offers programs that teach young artists about the value and importance of storytelling in musical theater, while empowering them to take ownership of the productions they are a part of.
The Young Artists’ Program (YAP), which launched in 2009, is a 5-week pre-professional theater experience that culminates in a fully staged production. Young artists, high school through college age, have the unique opportunity to develop their skills under the direction of New York and Chicago-area professionals.
“I was thrilled by the initial response and excitement of the students,” says Jessica Redish, Founding Artistic Director of The Music Theatre Company. “It made me say, ‘We have to do more!’”
Following the success of the YAP, a year-round educational experience called “The Academy” will launch this fall for students from 2nd grade through college, which will incorporate the former program. In these 3-month sessions, students gain confidence while growing critical thinking skills and learning the ins and outs of writing, directing and performing a musical. The Academy also offers 3 full-length Youth Productions that the students can audition for, including famous shows such as “Anne of Green Gables” and “Charlotte’s Web.”
“We are giving students the power and tools to create, while teaching them how to use them effectively and strategically,” says Jacob Watson, Program Director for The Academy. “It’s great because students can learn new skills, apply what they already know, and collaborate to create something completely original.”
What sets these programs apart from other programs like them is the sense of empowerment that the students feel from creating and producing their own work.
“The YAP experience will make you grow, both as a performer and a human being. It is extremely professional, yet you’ll still have the time of your life,” writes one student in an anonymous survey given by The Music Theatre Company.
“As an educator, you have to look at a child as a whole artist—a co-imaginer who can add real insight to established, mature works,” Watson says. “We make it exciting to the kids by giving them ownership of a show, allowing them to create an authentic investment in their performance. These students are the ones becoming professionals in our industry.”
While Redish and Watson explain that they are trying to start off small with their youth programs, they are confident that there is great potential for expansion, in terms of the number of classes offered and the number of students that enroll.
Until that point, the show must go on.
Help your child explore their artistic potential by signing them up for classes at The Music Theatre Company, or show your support by attending The Academy’s Youth Productions.
The Music Theatre Company By The Numbers
- In just 5 years, the Young Artists’ Program has expanded to include students from all over the Northern suburbs of Chicago as well as Wisconsin, Michigan and Texas.
- The average approval rating of the program is a 9.5 out of 10, according to anonymous student surveys given from the 2012 Young Artists’ Program.
- It costs $395 to participate and an audition tape that’s required for consideration. The Young Artists’ Program has rolling admission for its five-week session.
- Fall 2013 classes will run from September 17 to November 5 and cost $250-325. Classes at The Academy have open enrollment for its 3-month sessions held year round.
- The Academy Youth Productions cast roughly 25 kids for each show.
Upcoming Events
The Academy Launch Party: July 13; 1850 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park. This event celebrates the inauguration of The Academy at The Music Theatre Company, and features the Young Artists’ Program production of “Met by Moonlight’” After the show, attendees will enjoy food and more musical performances, participate in a silent auction and raffle, and preview classes and productions from The Academy. All proceeds benefit The Academy and their programs. To purchase tickets, contact The Music Theatre Company’s Box Office.
Photo: Maisie Rose of Highland Park, Zach Walsh of Deerfield and the cast of the 2011 Young Artists’ Program
