The Dorset Theatre Festival Conservatory Program

This summer marks Dorset Theatre Festival’s 35th Year Anniversary- and we are thrilled to announce the return of the DTF Conservatory Program.

This program has been made possible by Ernst & Young LLP

1. CONSERVATORY TRAINING PROGRAM

   Acting, Technical and Administrative Intern Program designed for college age or early career candidates looking for a start.

2. Email jyoung@dorsettheatrefestival.org for more information.

3. DORSET FESTIVAL CORPS

   Designed for selected regional youth atleast highschool age, who are looking to "learn by doing" working alongside our professional team of actors, directors, playwrights and technical staff.

Our Vision- to create the next generation of theatre artists and serve as a gateway to a professional theatre career.

Practical experience is a must in the theatre industry. Academic experience is insufficient for students to make a successful transition into the theatre profession. That's why since the early days of the Caravan Theatre and The Dorset Theatre Festival, under the tutelage of Fred and Pat Carmichael, Jill Charles and others-DTF has provided professional training through an aggressive, hands-on internship program. Interns are not only immersed in their chosen field, they are given the tools they'll need to become future leaders in the industry.

It All Starts Here

At Dorset Theatre Festival every one works together as a team in order to provide our audience with the best possible performance. Our program is a several tier program.

1. Acting Apprentice Company (cast through our season auditions)- we will be hiring a company of 6 non-equity actors to perform the Family Matinees of The Fantastic Mr. Fox from July 10-August 14. They will also be eligible for consideration for the Agatha Christie production and will be cast regularly in the New Play Series programming. Weekly salary of $200 plus housing provided
2. Technical Staff Interns Tech interns will assist in various areas of production: set construction, props, stage management, costumes, scenic painting, lighting and sound. Weekly stipend of $150 plus housing
3. Administrative Staff Interns Administrative interns will assist our Business Manager in all season production related business, work with our Box Office Manager in staffing the box office, and will assist our House Manager in all front of the house responsibilities. Weekly stipend of $150 plus housing.
4. Dorset Festival Corps This summer we will be recruiting local youth who can commit to 15-20 hours per week to work in various divisions of production or administration. Students may be invited to participate in the New Play Series programming if appropriate. Students interested will need to submit an application that includes 2 letters of recommendation. The Festival Corps kids will be a part of producing the season, learn hands on by doing, and will also be included in the training program designed for the paid Acting/Technical and Staff Interns. Housing is not provided, and there is no weekly stipend. Students interested must be willing to commit to a minimum of 6- 12 weeks.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

What we offer is a "learning by doing" approach. For this reason- the Festival has chosen its Production and Administrative Staff with a special emphasis on hiring people who are also excellent teachers and have long experience working with young developing talent in all areas. In addition we will be offering weekly classes for all of our Apprentices, Interns and Festival Corps members taught by visiting guest artists and covering a variety of topics. This will allow for a sense of ensemble and community for our young apprentices.

Teachers we have hired for this season include the following;

Janis Young - Dorset Theatre Festival Conservatory Program Director- Janis comes to the festival from a lifetime as a professional actress, and teacher. Past credits including Bennington College, Williams College and Dartmouth. She will be coordinating all the educational programming and will also teach Voice, Shakespeare, and Performance Critique classes.

John Hadden - Director of this year's Apprentice Company production, Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. John is a founding member of Shakespeare and Company in the Berkshires where he worked as an actor, director and educational programmer for many years.

Dina Janis - Artistic Director of the festival. Dina will conduct weekly Master Scene Class Performance Critique classes and also conduct a series of seminars for all apprentices, interns and Festival Corps members on the Art of Collaboration.

Jenny Rohn - professional actress and teacher. A member of the Bennington College Faculty, Jenny will lead workshops in Physical Theatre training- including Viewpoints.

Michael Gianitti - Director of Production and Resident Lighting Designer for the Festival. Michael will be coordinating a series of talks given by visiting designers during the season.

Chris Edwards - Associate Director of Hudson Shakespeare Festival. Chris will be doing some special workshops on Shakespeare and Stage Combat.

Sherry Kramer - Resident Festival Playwright. A renowned playwright and teacher- Sherry will conduct a workshop on Developing New Plays.