Hangar Theatre's Lab Company Seeks Applications; Runs 6/1-7/27

The Hangar Theatre is accepting applications for its nationally recognized theatre-training program, the Lab Company, which runs from June 1 through July 27, 2014. The Lab Company, which welcomes advanced undergraduates and recent college graduates, provides classroom training and performance opportunities for young professionals in acting, directing, choreography, design, and play writing. The program's focus is on professional experience, gearing up new artists for careers in the theatre. The Hangar will welcome approximately 25 artists to participate in the Lab Company this summer.

Applications for the 2014 Lab Company are now being accepted online; Click here to apply. In-person auditions will be held at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) in Mobile, Alabama from March 5-9, 2014. Click here to request an audition appointment.

In 2014, the Hangar is celebrating its 40th season of presenting Mainstage productions as a leading regional theatre in upstate New York. The Lab Company has been launching theatre careers since 1989.

"I have been continually inspired by the work produced by the Lab Company over the years. It proves to be a program that challenges its participants to find their own individual artistry, while also forging indelible, career-long bonds between its ensemble members." -Jesse Bush, Associate Artistic Director and Head of Education

Lab Company actors work in several performance series; collaborate with directors from the Drama League Directors Project; and take master classes and workshops in acting, collaboration, voice and speech, dance, movement, and professional skills. They have the opportunity to perform in the Hangar's experimental theatre series, known as The Wedge, as well as our Theatre for Young Audiences KIDDSTUFF series. In addition, actors develop their skills as artistic collaborators on new pieces. Distinct from other summer training programs that "get your feet wet" in many different disciplines, the Lab Company encourages acting all day, every day. Former Lab actors have described it as "acting boot camp"!

Lab Company assistant directors, choreographers, dramaturgs, and playwrights participate in all master classes with the acting company. Lab directors and choreographers each assist on one show in the KIDDSTUFF season and serve as an apprentice on one Hangar Mainstage show. Dramaturgs and playwrights each serve as a dramaturg apprentice on one Mainstage show and one show in The Wedge series. In addition, these artists are mentored by Hangar staff and work with Lab Company actors on special projects. They are encouraged to play, experiment, work, and take risks all summer long.

The Hangar's Artistic Director, Jen Waldman, says, "The Hangar Lab Company has a national reputation for turning out the next generation of great theatre artists. Our Lab Company alums have gone on to celebrated careers on Broadway and on stages across the country. In addition to the tremendous training and performance opportunities we offer, there is simply no greater place to spend a summer than Ithaca. Ithaca is gorges."

Tuition for the Lab Company is $2,400, not including the cost of housing. Lab members may elect to find their own housing, or they may pay an additional fee for housing on the Cornell or Ithaca College campus. Transportation is provided, although cars are encouraged.

The Hangar Theatre's 40th anniversary Mainstage season will feature productions of Red, Around the World in 80 Days, Little Shop of Horrors, and Other Desert Cities. The Hangar is proud to celebrate 40 years of providing exceptional theatre experiences to enrich, enlighten, educate, and entertain the diverse audience in the Finger Lakes region and beyond. All year, the Hangar will celebrate with special events, an alumni reunion, and stories taking a look back at the theatre's humble beginnings and rich history. Visit the website at www.HangarTheatre.org for more information.

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