“This program is absolutely amazing. I don’t quite understand how they do it all, combining outstanding talent, hard work, learning, confidence, humility, community, kindness AND SO MUCH FUN!”
– Parent, Musical Theatre Institute
Offered in two sessions at The Theatre Lab:
(Please note: Students can audition to take part in both sessions!)
Session I: Hadestown (Teen Edition)
Directed by Deb Gottesman and Lucia LaNave
Sarah Frances Williams, Choreographer
June 16-July 12,* Mondays-Fridays
12pm-6pm (Note: first week meets 4pm-8pm to accommodate DC school schedules)
Evening rehearsals and performances July 7-12 and matinee July 12
*No class on June 19 or July 4
Dive into the depths of myth and music with Hadestown, a Tony Award-winning phenomenon that brings ancient legends to electrifying life! Nominated for 14 Tony Awards and winner of 8—including Best Musical—Hadestown is a sweeping, genre-bending journey to the underworld and back, filled with heart, heat, and unforgettable songs. With a soul-stirring score by Anaïs Mitchell that blends folk, blues, and New Orleans jazz, this is more than just a retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth—it’s a moving story of love, power, and the choices we make when faced with fear and doubt.
This is a show where bold voices and unique interpretations shine—Hadestown welcomes a cast that reflects the world we live in, and its roles offer rich opportunities for performers of all identities and types. It’s also a true ensemble piece: from the workers of Hadestown to the ever-watchful Fates, nearly everyone on stage plays a vital role in building this thrilling theatrical world
Students participating in Hadestown will receive training in acting, singing and dancing as part of the rehearsal process. In addition, students cast in ensemble roles will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform a solo in a student cabaret, open to the public, during the third week of the program.
Session II: The SpongeBob Musical!
Directed by Tracy Lynn Olivera and Lucia LaNave
Maya Nellum, Choreographer
Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book by Kyle Jarrow
Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau
Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic!, At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I.
And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley
Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton, Additional Music by Tom Kitt
July 14-August 9, Mondays-Fridays
12pm-5pm
Evening rehearsals and performances Aug 5-9 and Matinee Aug 9.
Dive into the world of Bikini Bottom and be part of a critically acclaimed musical adventure under the sea! Nominated for an impressive 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and winner of Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, The SpongeBob Musical! is more than just iconic cartoon characters come to life– it’s also a hilarious and heartfelt story about community, resilience, and being your best self. Featuring a dynamic score by music legends including Panic! John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, and David Bowie, this is a musical where any role can be played by an actor of any gender and type. And it’s a great ensemble piece, too–all of the many inhabitants of Bikini Bottom are involved in the action most of the time–with fun break-out roles of all kinds.
Students participating in SpongeBob will receive training in acting, singing and dancing as part of the rehearsal process. In addition, students cast in ensemble roles will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform a solo in a student cabaret, open to the public, during the third week of the program.
About The Musical Theatre Institute for Teens
The Musical Theatre Institute for Teens is an intensive four-week training program in which participants rehearse and perform a full musical production under the guidance of the area’s most esteemed directors. The idea behind the institute is to enable young artists to explore challenging, socially relevant material from the contemporary musical theatre world as they receive the intensive voice, movement and acting training essential for professional-level performance. Past productions, including performances of Titanic, Footloose, The Prom, Urinetown, Jesus Christ Superstar, Parade, and Rent, have played to critical raves and sold-out houses
The Musical Theatre Institute is designed to challenge young performers—both artistically and personally—while providing a supportive, caring environment in which to develop. Roles are open to experienced performers as well as those looking to build musical theatre skills. While the emphasis is on performance, students will also receive training in a wide variety of musical theatre disciplines during the rehearsal process, including: vocal production, acting a song, proper breathing technique, movement, building a character, ensemble acting, and more.
Classes and rehearsals will be held at our new satellite location at 10th and G Streets (First UCC DC). Performances will take place at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE. See schedules above. Note: On the second night of performance (Friday) there will be no classes; students will be expected to arrive at the theatre at 5pm for rehearsal and stay through performance time.
ADMISSION
Admission to the Musical Theatre Institute for Teens is by application and audition. Applicants will be accepted on the basis of their commitment to exploring the musical theatre craft, their willingness to collaborate in a group process of discovery with other young artists, and their ability to handle the demands of the play and the musical score.
All applicants must complete a written essay expressing their interest in the program. Applicants must also prepare a musical theatre song for auditions that will be scheduled upon receipt of completed application.
Application Deadline: March 1
Due to the limited nature of our enrollment, admission is competitive. You will be contacted shortly after the application deadline to schedule an audition. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered only if space becomes available.
TUITION
Tuition for each session of the Musical Theatre Institute is $1,450. Please note: If you audition and are accepted into both Musical Theatre Sessions, you will receive a 15% discount on tuition for enrolling in both programs (total tuition: $2,465).
Partial financial aid is available through our Work Study program. In addition, a limited number of full scholarships will be awarded annually through the Dena Kohn Memorial Scholarship Fund. (Criteria: exceptional community involvement and financial need.)
For more information or to apply, please visit our website at www.theatrelab.org.
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Apply for Financial Aid here.