Rising Stars

Theatre Under the Stars' Rising Stars Mentorship Program provides practical theatrical production experience for individuals looking to pursue a career in the theatre industry. It is an intensive multi-week placement designed to engage aspiring and new professionals to give them access to hands-on experience and career development in a variety of areas, working under the mentorship of industry professionals. Interns participate in a high-level capacity to put on our shows every season in stage management, lighting, properties, wardrobe and other duties.

Our program is headed by Inga McLaughlin (bio below), and applications are now being accepted for all areas of the Rising Stars program. To make your mark on the 2011 productions, please submit a cover letter and resume to volunteers@tuts.ca. The deadline for applications for assistant stage managers is May 1st, 2012. All other applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, through June 1st, 2012.

ABOUT RISING STARS

The Rising Stars Program can provide participants with practical training in various areas of musical theatre production, depending on their interest: direction, choreography, music direction, stage management, production, design (lighting, sets, costume, sound), and construction, as well as performance for singers, dancers, actors and musicians. Interns can also expect to receive one-on-one mentorship with production team members in their chosen field, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

The admission process will consist of an application followed by an interview and/or audition. Placements will be assessed based on the individual’s specific interests and the program will be tailored to their career aspirations. These are VOLUNTEER positions, however sometimes small honorariums may be available.

Theatre Under the Stars will work collaboratively with Unions and Associations (IATSE, Equity, AFM), regional and private school boards, and post-secondary institutions to recruit participants. TUTS hires professionals in key roles who will mentor the participants through all relevant processes of musical theatre production. In part, the program will be intended to complement studies and may be recognized as a credited option at post-secondary institutions.

Upon completion of their internship, participants will receive a record of their hours completed; an official transcript of their participation, skills acquired, and roles completed; an evaluation from their supervisor; and a certificate of recognition.

Non-internship positions are also available for backstage running crew and props assistants. These volunteers will be required to attend the tech week and preview nights as well as a minimum of 50% of their assigned show’s performances.

RISING STARS COORDINATOR

Inga McLaughlin has a vast amount of experience in the entertainment industry. Her first professional stage management job found her spending 4 years working for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. Since then she has stage managed all over the world. Broadway and Tours include: (Fame on 42^nd St., Beauty and the Beast, Some Like it Hot, Radio City Rockettes, Flying by Foy, Macy’s Day Parade, Forever Plaid and Blue Man Group.) Inga was a Senior Production Consultant for the 2010 Olympic Opening, Closing and Victory Ceremonies and she is presently a Senior Production Consultant for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Inga was a faculty member at AMDA in NYC as well as an advisor to young people for Camp Broadway and the Father Fame Internship Foundation. She is a proud member of Canadian, American and British Equity and is thrilled to be training young stage managers for Canada’s future through the TUTs Rising Star Internship Program.

For information on becoming a Rising Stars Intern please contact info@tuts.ca or call 604-734-1917.