Imagination Stage
Training & Performance
As students mature and gain greater facility in their craft, Imagination Stage takes them from technique to production. Conservatories and other intensive courses offer advanced training for upper middle and high school students that culminates in a final performance. Ensembles provide high-quality performance opportunities in the Christopher and Dana Reeve Studio Theatre or The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre.
Performance Ensembles
Ensembles jump straight into the rehearsal process with a focus on performance and production.
Key Details
- Programs span one or two semesters in length and meet two to three times a week for rehearsals.
- Previous acting/musical theatre course work and/or summer production experience is recommended.
- For more information, please contact Nikki Kaplan, conservatories and ensembles liaison.
PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES
IStage Performance Ensemble
IStage Performance Ensemble gives teen performers with intermediate to advanced level performance skills the opportunity to apply their technique toward a performance. Plays and musicals are staged in Imagination Stage’s Lerner Family Theatre and are supported with professional costumes, lights, scenery, and props.
Auditions for Much Ado About Nothing are January 4 or 5.
Screen Actors' Project
Actors interested in the medium of film learn the unique techniques of working in front of the camera by rehearsing for and performing a fully-fledged original movie. Screen Actors Project is a Winter/Spring semester program.
Auditions now being scheduled for are January 11 and 12!
Speak Out On Stage Ensemble
IStage Dance Theatre
An intensive, performance-based ensemble for dancers who demonstrate a strong foundation in dance
technique. The ensemble culminates in a dance performance showcase in the Spring semester.
Freedom Choir *NEW*
Serious singers are invited to audition for the newly formed Freedom Choir–an Imagination Stage collaboration with Artist-in-Residence Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. and The Urban Nation H-I-P-H-O-P Choir. Freed Choir will focus on a repertoire of songs from a variety of cultures, nations, religions, and styles.
Freedom Choir members have opportunities to tour locally as representatives of Imagination Stage/Urban Nation and perform in a spring concert in May at Imagination Stage and at Imagination Stage’s Arts for All festival on May 20.
Auditions for winter spring semester are January 26 at 6:30.
Teen Improv Troupe
The Troupe provides the opportunity for training as well as performance opportunities in short- and long-form improvisation.
No audition necessary!
Advanced Training Programs
Intensive, Pre-professional Training In Acting, Musical Theatre, And Dance.
Key Details
- Students are selected through an audition process.
- Previous area-specific coursework and/or summer production experience is recommended.
- Due to the intensive and ensemble nature of the programs, actors must have consistent and dependable attendance, and participate with focus and dedication.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Acting Conservatory
An intensive technique training opportunity for students entering grades 7-10 (completing the program as 8-11 graders). Their final semester is spent applying their acquired skills toward performing a fully supported non-musical production with a guest team of directors and designers from the Washington, DC, professional theatre community.
Musical Theatre Conservatory
Musical Theatre Conservatory is an intensive musical theatre technique training opportunity for students entering grades 7-10 (completing the program as 8-11 graders). Their final semester is spent applying their acquired skills towards rehearsing and performing a fully supported musical production with a guest team of directors and designers from the professional theatre community of Washington, DC.
Auditions Closed
Dance Academy
Technique and Flexibility
This program focuses on essential dance technique and skills such as flexibility, strength, and improvisation. Students study styles such as ballet, jazz and modern technique, as well as focus on improving overall strength and flexibility. This program is a two semester commitment Prior dance experience is preferred, but dancers of all levels are welcomed.
No audition necessary!
Pegasus
Pegasus Ensemble is a two-year conservatory program designed solely for students with disabilities, providing one year of acting training to develop performance and ensemble skills and a second year to perform in a fully realized production.
Auditions for this program are closed. Auditions for the next incoming class will be held in Summer 2023.
