2024:
We are now accepting applications for Acting and Tech Apprenticeships!
STEP 1 - ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION
We want to make sure you know what to expect and what will be expected of you…giving you everything you (and your parents) need to know. You’ll have a chance to discuss the program, ask questions, and learn whether this is the program for you.
All potential Scholars and a parent/guardian are required to attend one of the sessions.
Please email Registration@ElmShakespeare.org which session you will be attending.
Where:
Southern Connecticut State University
Lyman Center Drama Lab
Lyman Center, 501 Crescent St, New Haven, CT 06515
When:
Saturday, March 23rd 11:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, March 30th 11:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, April 13th 11:30am - 12:30pm
STEP 2 - SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Download application packet below:
Email Submissions:
Registration@ElmShakespeare.org
Hard Copy:
Elm Shakespeare Company
P.O. Box 206029
New Haven, CT 06515
STEP 3 - AUDITION/INTERVIEW
Saturday, April 27th 9:00AM-12:00PM
Email Registration@elmshakespeare.org to schedule your hour long time slot
STEP 4 - ACCEPTANCE
We will notify you whether or not you have been accepted by mid May.
Scholar: A person dedicated to advanced study in a specialized field resulting in mastery and a distinguished reputation
The Elm Scholars High School Internship is a pre-professional training program for the serious student of theatre, considering making it their profession.
An essential part of our summer company, Scholars work alongside actors, directors, designers, and production personnel during our Free Shakespeare in the Park summer production, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and making life-long friendships.
Scholars work HARD, but it’s the hardest summer that you will ever love. Scholars are paid a $500 stipend to help with travel and food expenses.
Choose Your Path… Hone Your Skills
Chooses a track: Technical or Performance.
Tech Scholars are essential parts of our production team, and work daily to make the production a reality. Their mentors are the designers, electricians, and technical director, their work includes set construction, lighting and sound load-in, and running crew.
Acting Scholars perform as full company members in the production in a small role, as well as create their own final showcase. Acting Scholars may also elect to earn credit towards joining the professional union of actors, by joining the Actor's Equity Association Equity Candidate Membership Program.
Hands-on Real World Experience
Scholars not only work alongside the professionals, they get one-on-one mentorship by artists and craftsmen at the top of their game. These connections can lead to professional work down the road.
Our scholars go on to successful careers in Theatre departments at universities around the country.
Our scholars go on to work in the professional theatre, being paid for the skills and professionalism they learn in the park.
Our scholars take the confidence they gain from the responsibility they are given to be successful in whatever comes next in their lives.
Professional Level Training
In the first week of this program Scholars participate in master classes taught by members of the professional company. Workshops in set design, lights, sound, costumes, props, and stage management, as well as voice, Shakespearean text, stage combat, dance, and movement help prepare scholars for the their work on the summer production. The skillset they develop over the summer goes beyond what they may learn in a purely academic environment, setting them up for success as they return to high school or embark on their college journey..
“When I found out I was Caesar, I said, ‘You’re kidding.’ Now, I’m at home every night rehearsing my lines. I finally get to find out what I can really do, I can reach out and grab the part.”
Mentorship
Acting Scholars have a unique opportunity to shadow a member of our professional acting company. Each will be assigned a mentor to observe and learn from. Their mentor will be available to answer questions and give advice about the world of professional theatre. In some cases, if their mentor's time is divided, Acting Scholars stand in as rehearsal understudies.
Tech Scholars will assist professional technicians in specific areas that coincide with their responsibilities for the show (e.g. lights, sound, props, etc.). They will also be assigned one of the professional team members as their mentor.
Acting Scholars
Acting Scholars perform while leaning about almost every facet of theatre. They get to have the experience of performing for our summer audiences; nearly 30,000 people each year! Scholars may also have an understudy assignment for the production in addition to their own role. Our Acting Scholars may also work on monologues and scenes, coached by members of the company, which they can use as audition pieces throughout their career. And, of course, everyone helps with the construction and strike of the set.
Technical Scholars
While our actors are in rehearsals, our Tech Scholars will be hard at work in the scene shop, building the set! They will learn valuable skills such as carpentry, scenic painting, and construction. Once we move into the park, their attention will shift to more focused responsibilities, such as operating light and sound boards, running the spotlight, or organizing props back stage. They will be fully integrated into the running of the production, and as much a part of the show as our actors. Many of our Tech Scholars have gone on to become fully paid technicians for our company.
