A program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in underserved middle schools that currently have none.
This is the sixth in a series of monthly updates about the JumpStart Theatre pilot program launched this year in Cincinnati, Ohio. To view previous updates, click here.
Now accepting applications for Class II! Thanks to the generous contributions of our supporters, we are excited to be able to add a second class of schools to the JumpStart Theatre program. The application is open now through February 1, 2016. All Cincinnati-area middle schools that do not have a theatre program are welcome to apply.
Insider Application Tips:
- Prospective schools need to have a team of three teachers willing to fill the rolls of Director, Music Director, and Choreographer.
- Experience in these areas is not necessary, just a demonstrated commitment to student success and some extra time.
- A supportive administrator is essential.
- An "official" performance space is not required, cafeterias and gyms work too!
Class I Update: Holmes Middle School and James N. Gamble Montessori have held their first auditions! Holmes auditioned students for the cast of Annie, JR and Gamble auditioned for Once On This Island, JR. Mentor, Dee Anne Bryll, was in attendance for guidance and support. She shared that the teachers and students seemed well-prepared and enthusiastic. Auditions were flexible in order to gently introduce the students to their first theatre experience. A few workshops were held in advance to help students learn the music and practice reading the scripts. Attendance at the workshops was not mandatory, if a student wasn't familiar with the music, they were encouraged to sing a song they knew, such as "Let it Go" from Frozen. Finneytown will be hosting their auditions for Honk! JR in the near future.
End of Year Giving: Please consider a donation to JumpStart Theatre so that we can provide this opportunity for more students and teachers.
Thanks to all of our partners and supporters on JumpStart Theatre:
Coming up in the next issue...
Information about Bootcamp 2 and the first rehearsals!
Please feel free to share this link with anyone interested in learning more about the JumpStart Theatre program, we’d love to keep them up-to-date on our exciting progress! If you'd like to receive updates by email, contact Ginny Butsch at gbutsch@schooltheatre.org to be added to our mailing list.