Resident Ensemble
Dream Arts Co. Resident Ensemble
Dates: Tuesday evenings.
Session One: September 2024-early December 2024
Session Two: Late January 2025-April 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Birmingham
Fee: $300.00 per session
Instructor: Amelia Hefferon
WHAT IS A THEATRE ENSEMBLE?
DACO’s Resident Theatre Ensemble is designed for creative and focused students committed to learning, sharing, and working together to create and perform. Participants hone their creative skills for an entire season through close, hands-on interaction with artists and staff. They work collectively to fulfill our mission of using the arts to positively impact the world.
The ensemble is a season-long immersive (September -April) and enriching experience for young theatre makers. The ensemble will work weekly on various performance-based projects and productions. Each session culminates with a final performance for the community.
We welcome students who are new to theatre, as well as seasoned performers, to audition. Interested students should be known for their professionalism and enthusiasm for anything theatre-related. They should be dedicated to the ensemble as a whole and strive to develop their skills as individuals further.
Students ages 11-14 are eligible to apply.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Amelia Hefferon will serve as the director of our ensemble. Amelia is a theatre artist and educator committed to using theatre as a tool for education, social justice, and collective creativity. Amelia has worked as an actor, teaching artist, and facilitator with many arts and community organizations, including Lookingglass Theatre Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Adventure Stage Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, CAT Youth Theatre, The Story Pirates, and more. In Detroit, Amelia is a teaching artist with Matrix Theatre Company and Mosaic Youth Theatre. Amelia holds a BA in theatre from Northwestern University and a MA in Applied Theatre from the City University of New York. She works with people of all ages and loves creating original theatre with professional and non-professional artists. Amelia began working for DACO in 2022. She is excited and honored to be a part of the Dream Arts Co team!
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Players rehearse an average of 2.5 hours per week.
WHERE ARE REAHEARSALS HELD?
DACO Studio in Downtown Birmingham.
HOW MANY REHEARSALS CAN THEY MISS?
Rehearsals for ensemble members are mandatory. WHY? Each week, we add new elements to the project/show. If one student misses a rehearsal, the whole Ensemble is behind because we have to re-teach everything at the next rehearsal. We need every student at every rehearsal to properly build the performance project/show and form a bond among the cast.
There are always exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you are in another show, have a special family celebration, etc., we will try to work around your schedule.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK?
Of course, if your child is sick, they are excused from rehearsal.
CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN OTHER PRODUCTIONS?
Yes – we understand there may be opportunities to participate in other shows during your tenure. If you are auditioning for another show after the season has begun, we ask that you make attendance at our rehearsals and events your priority. Please list our rehearsals on your new show’s conflict schedule and try to stay 100% committed to the ensemble.
WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT?
There is a participation fee of $300.00 per session.
Financial hardship should not deter any interested student from auditioning. Payment plans are available.
Note: Our 2024/2025 school year semester starts September 2024.
WHAT DOES THIS FEE PAY FOR?
The participation fee helps to cover approximately ten to twelve weeks of instruction from the artistic team.
WHEN IS THE PARTICIPATION FEE DUE?
The participation fee is due in full (per semester/session) when you accept it into the ensemble (unless a payment plan is desired).
ADDITIONAL FEES?
Other than the participation fee, ensemble expenses include educational books/materials and resources, scripts, field trips, retreats, costumes, dance gear, and accessories. In addition, the students may need to spend money on extracurricular activities and be asked to purchase ensemble merchandise.
WHAT ARE THE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?
We hope to plan a few events throughout the season for the students. Events may include Bowling, MiniGolf, an overnight retreat, pizza parties, performance field trips, etc. These events are designed to bond the members and further solidify the ensemble. Members will also participate in various acts of community service.
DO PARTICIPANTS AUDITION EVERY SEMESTER TO PARTICIPATE?
Yes – The casting process for shows and projects begins at auditions. The performance projects/shows will change every semester. We need to see each student audition, regardless of whether they have been in our ensemble.
PARENTAL COMMITMENT?
We ask that you support your child throughout their tenure by ensuring they arrive at rehearsal on time. Parents may be asked for additional support for the final performance.
WHY WOULD MY CHILD WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
We are looking for members who eat, sleep, and breathe theatre and cannot wait until the next rehearsal. The creative work pays off in terms of lifelong camaraderie and incredible bonds among members.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We fully intend for our performance ensembles to serve as an incredible journey you and your child will enjoy for a lifetime. There are endless possibilities for this new DACO project. We foresee a bright & creative future and invite you for the ride.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions are scheduled throughout January via Zoom.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
MONOLOGUE: Prepare one (1-2) minute monologue from a modern or classical play (comedy or dramatic) by a character fairly close to your age. The material may either be in prose or verse.
Please do not present a monologue from a musical. Don’t try to ‘act’; tell us the story. It’s more interesting being natural.
Bring an 8x10 headshot/recent photo. You DO NOT need a professional headshot. A simple pic of yourself is fine. Please make sure you are the only one in the picture.
Remember, we were once where you are now and understand your feelings. Believe in yourself, prepare, and give it a go. DACO is a wonderful place, and we would love to see you here!
Additional requirements:
1. Please email a current performing and theatrical experience resume and an 8x10 picture before your audition.
If this is your first performance experience, please create a resume detailing your hobbies, sports, family activities, etc.
2. A one-page essay discussing why you want to join our Resident Ensemble
and how you think the experience will help you meet your academic and performance goals.
READY TO AUDITION?!
Send an email to DACODETROIT@HOTMAIL.COM
(Subject: RESIDENT ENSEMBLE) with the following details:
NAME:
PRONOUNS:
AGE:
SCHOOL:
GRADE (24/25 SchoolYear):
Parent Name & Contact Information:
Please confirm you’ve read all the details about our ENSEMBLE, including the participation fee and the schedule.
You will receive a confirmation email with your exact time, date, and Zoom link.
Please allow a few days for a response. Our office hours are not traditional full or part-time hours.