Apprentice Institute
Lyric's Thelma Gaylord Academy Apprentice Institute
presented by Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Lyric's Thelma Gaylord Academy
"The Institute" is open to any student who is in grade 10, 11 or 12 as of the date of the season's auditions and interviews (March 2012). Tuition is being provided to all participants through scholarships provided by Lyric and the Thelma Gaylord Academy. Enrollment is strictly limited to 20 participants. All students wishing to participate must apply and audition or interview during our Spring Auditions - February 28 at 5:00. Signup will begin at 4:00 at Lyric's Production Center, 1827 NW 16th St, in Oklahoma City. Applicants must have a current resume, headshot (performers only), and letters of recommendation from two (2) teachers, directors or theatre professionals who have worked with them in a theatrical capacity.
The inaugural class of 2012 will consist of 10 participants whose emphasis will be performing, and 10 who will focus on the technical aspects of theatre. Performing participants will be featured in Lyric's summer production of BYE BYE BIRDIE, and will assist with the construction of set and prop pieces for several of Lyric's other summer shows. Technical participants will assist in construction and running of BYE BYE BIRDIE and will work on the sets for SWEET CHARITY and CALL ME MADAM.
Each participant will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to each of Lyric's summer shows during The Institute, as well as tuition waivers for Lyric's Summer Workshops taught by many of the professionals working with Lyric during the summer season. Past teachers have included Dirk Lombard, Barb Schoenhofer, Con O'Shea Creel, Jonathan Beck-Reed and others. Performance participants may enroll in the Equity Membership Candidate program (emc).
The Institute will begin June 4th and will end July 8th. Participation is on a "Full time" basis, per Actors' Equity Association rules, meaning 6 days/week, 8 hours per day, except during tech rehearsals, which will be approximately 12 hours per day.
Unlike other training institutes, Lyric's Institute is not just a 'theoretical' or 'academic' look at the business of musical theatre, but is instead a totally "hands on" experience. Participants will work alongside professional directors, choreographers, technicians and performers learning the business from the inside out.
Besides having the opportunity to perform in a professional musical theatre show, participants will see the work they have done in the shops and studios onstage. Many will assist directors in a number of summer training camps as well as have the opportunity to crew shows.
If you have other questions, please email one of The Institute Coordinators, Stephen Hilton, Director of Education for the Thelma Gaylord Academy (Stephen@lyrictheatreokc.com) or John Fowler, Production Manager, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma (john.fowler@lyrictheatreokc.com), or call Robert Matson, Academy Administrator at 405-524-9310.
