By Anne Levin
At McCarter Theatre, programs geared to teenagers with a passion for dramatic arts are nothing new. But the Teen Conservatory, an initiative for ages 13-17 being launched with a master class next month, takes the concept to another level.
“The biggest difference from what we had before is that the conservatory has more structure and more intention,” said Brooke Boertzel, McCarter’s director of education. “It’s designed to be intensive, more like a conservatory than a camp. They will train every day in acting, voice, and movement. The culminating experience is more of a showcase reflecting the work they have done rather than a show.”
Leading the February 9 class from 5-7 p.m., billed as a musical intensive, is Broadway performer Michael Schimmele, currently in the cast of Aladdin. The session on April 12 from 1-3 p.m., “Industry Insights: Casting Workshop,” will be taught by casting director Daryl Eisenberg.
“We did some calling and connected with some amazing performers and other professionals, who are excited about the idea,” said Boertzel.
A release from McCarter indicates that daily training will follow a conservatory-style schedule led by the organization’s teaching artists. “Students develop skills in acting techniques, character development, script analysis, vocal clarity and expressive confidence, movement and physical storytelling, ensemble collaboration, and rehearsal discipline,” it reads.
The teenage years are a key time to focus on such skills. “This is an age where we found that students were looking for more challenging work,” said Boertzel. “With the programs for younger kids, we lean into play-building, play-making, and that kind of thing. But in the [previous] teen program, we found there was a request from parents to focus on leadership skills and confidence as well as things like acting — all of these elements that can help as they grow and prepare for college applications and job interviews. Learning how to work as an ensemble is just one of the skills that will help support them, even if they don’t end up going into acting.”
The Teen Conservatory is open by application rather than audition, and it is for all skill levels. A pilot session was held successfully last year. Support comes from the Burke Foundation, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Olivia and Leslie Foundation, BlackRock, NJM Insurance Group, the Mary Owen Borden Foundation, and Church & Dwight.
“This summer is our entry point,” said Boertzel. “We hope the students who are passionate about acting and storytelling will have an interest in learning, and a dedication to the work in an ensemble-based learning environment.”