The TADA! Resident Youth Ensemble
At the heart of TADA! is the Ensemble, a unique, award-winning, completely free, pre-professional theater training and youth development program for more than 65 children aged 8-18 who come from across the NY metro area. Membership in the Ensemble is by audition only, and members perform in mainstage productions and at special events throughout NYC. However, the program doesn't end there! Youth development activities range from transportation subsidies to small group mentoring with TADA! staff, to college preparation and tours to free snacks during rehearsals. In addition to theater skills, Ensemble Members improve their abilities in teamwork, time management, public speaking, positive communication, and conflict resolution.
Over 1,000 kids have been part of the TADA! productions and Ensemble program since 1984.
Resident Youth Ensemble FAQS
How do I become an Ensemble Member?
TADA! Resident Youth Ensemble open auditions are held in the Fall. Please see our Audition Page for more information. Once accepted into the Ensemble, an Ensemble Member may stay in the program until he/she graduates from high school.
What benefits do Ensemble Members receive?
Ensemble Training Classes: These classes are designed to help Ensemble members meet the challenges of performing in a musical and improving their theater skills. The curriculum includes: Acting, Music Theory, Voice and Diction, Dance Technique and Playwriting. Classes are free of charge and taught by professionals. They are closed to the general public.
Performance Opportunities: In addition to the Mainstage Productions, Ensemble Members also have the opportunity to appear in numerous special event performances throughout the year.
Audition Preparation: Assistance with preparing for Middle School, High School, College, or Professional Auditions
Tickets: Free or reduced tickets to Broadway, Off-Broadway, and other New York Shows
Industry Panels and Guest Artists: In past years, we've hosted panels of playwrights, directors, actors, and other theater professionals who have shared their experience and answered questions in a relaxed, informal setting.
Mentoring: Ensemble Members are matched with a staff member, providing a more personal connection.
Transportation Subsidies: Ensemble Members who demonstrate financial need are provided with financial support for the cost of traveling to and from TADA!.
Snacks: Ensemble Members are provided with healthy snacks during each class or rehearsal.
Education Classes: Once Ensemble Members reach a certain level in the program, they are eligible to take TADA! Education classes free of charge.
College Prep: Older Ensemble Members receive individual assistance with the college search, applications, essay-writing, and scholarships. Trips are also planned to visit colleges and universities of interest.
Do Ensemble Members receive any personalized training assistance?
Once a student has surpassed the skill level of the current classes offered at TADA!, he/she is advised to take individual lessons in voice, and/or adult level dance classes at Broadway Dance Center. TADA! provides financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. TADA! also offers private voice lessons with our professional music directors/vocal coaches.
What is required of the Ensemble Members?
Among the many responsibilities that each Ensemble Member must fulfill, one of the most important is the community service requirement. Members may assist TADA! as production interns, design interns, administrative interns or ushers. Members also have the opportunity to assist a director or choreographer on a production, student teach in TADA!'s Education classes, or help tutor other Ensemble members academically.
For detailed information, please contact Angie McCormack, Stage Manager, at amccormack@tadatheater.com or by calling 212.252.1619 x131.
TADA!'s Resident Youth Ensemble Program is supported in part by the Heart & Soul Foundation, The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust.