Read about 2022 program dates.
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION: Admission to our Teen Institutes is by application and audition. Applicants will be accepted on the basis of their commitment to exploring the acting or 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 script or musical score. All applicants must complete a written essay expressing their interest in the program.
Due to the limited nature of our enrollment, admission is competitive. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. You will be contacted shortly after your application is submitted to schedule an audition (prepare a musical theatre song for Musical Theatre programs or a monologue for the Acting Institute).
We offer need-based full and partial scholarships to ensure that our programs are accessible to students and families experiencing financial hardship.
Musical Theatre Institute For Teens
The Theatre Lab’s musical theatre programs for teens are intensive four-week training programs in which participants rehearse and perform a full musical production under the guidance of esteemed professional directors. These programs are designed to challenge young actors 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. 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.
Note: Because we must substantially limit the number of students in each program, we are launching an exciting new Musical Theatre Performance Intensive with Levine Music on their Van Ness Campus during Session I in addition to our usual performance program. Modeled on our Musical Theatre Institute for Teens but featuring even more conservatory-style training, the Musical Theatre Performance Intensive culminates in a full outdoor production. Students accepted into Session I will be placed by Program Directors in either the Musical Theatre Institute OR the Musical Theatre Performance Intensive.
Musical Theatre Institute for Teens Session 1
Big Fish
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa; Book by John August
Directed by Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro
with Choreography by Sarah Frances WilliamsJune 21-June 24, 3pm-8pm; June 25-July 15, 1pm-6pm; Evening Performances July 15-17
Rehearses at The Theatre Lab, 900 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Performs at Whittle Satellite Campus, 3007 Tilden St NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tuition: $1,450
Need-based scholarships available.
Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens Session 1 (Levine Music Campus)
In collaboration with Levine Music Theatre, we are now offering a program with a greater emphasis on skill-building while retaining the performance component. Students will spend four weeks training in voice, music, dance, and acting while rehearsing for an outdoor production.
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Directed by Tracy Lynn Olivera and Walter Bobby McCoyMon-Fri, June 25-July 16, 1pm-7pm + Performances July 15-17Note: This program starts on Friday, June 25 and meets six hours/day instead of five.
Rehearses and Performs at Levine Music Campus, 2801 Upton Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (Van Ness/UDC Metro)
Tuition: $1,450
Need-based scholarships available.
Musical Theatre Institute for Teens Session 2
Spamalot (School Edition)
Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle and Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle
Directed by Aidan Quartana and Walter Bobby McCoy
with Choreography by Sarah Frances Williams
July 19-August 13 (12pm-6pm); Evening Performances August 12-14
Rehearses at The Theatre Lab, 900 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Performs at Whittle Satellite Campus, 3007 Tilden St NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tuition: $1,450
Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and their legendary quest to find the Holy Grail…well, sort of. Based on the comedy film classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” Spamalot takes a few liberties with its medieval source material—including the addition of flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and burlesque showstoppers. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Spamalot features ingenious songs including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Whatever Happened to My Part?” and “I Am Not Dead Yet.” If you’re looking for some wacky fun this summer, Spamalot is just what the doctor ordered.
All roles will be open to students of any gender—creating many more opportunities for female-identifying performers to play principal roles. Spamalot features many memorable characters and a lively ensemble with break-out roles and abundant solo opportunities. As part of their training, students cast in ensemble roles will also have the opportunity to rehearse and perform a solo in a student cabaret during the third week of the program.
The Theatre Lab’s Performance Intensive For Teens!
In-Person Acting, Auditioning and (optional) Musical Theatre Training Culminating in a Public Performance of Scenes, Songs and Monologues For 13-19 year-olds who want to take their skills to the next level! All students receive daily training in improvisation and scene study as well as an extended auditioning workshop, led by professional actors, that will focus on either monologues or musical theatre (students can choose musical or non-musical track). This program is directed by Theatre Lab Founder and Co-Executive Director Buzz Mauro. July 26-Aug 6, M-F 12pm-4pm (4pm performance on Friday, Aug 6) 4000 Connecticut Avenue, NW (Van Ness metro)
Special Note: This program requires an audition. Please do not register unless you have already been accepted into the program.