CHICAGO AUDITIONS – OPEN CALL MASTER CLASSES
THE SCHOOL AT JACOB’S PILLOW,
WORLD RENOWNED DANCE TRAINING CENTER
AUDITIONS HELD FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 1
What: The School at Jacob’s Pillow, one of the most prestigious dance training centers in the country, will hold auditions in Chicago, IL for three of four of its 2015 Professional Advancement Programs:Contemporary, Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop, and Musical Theatre Dance. Dancers will audition for the opportunity to work closely with renowned artists such as The Ailey School and Juilliard School faculty member Milton Myers, New York Dance and Performance (“Bessie”) Award-winner Camille A. Brown with artist and scholar E. Moncell Durden, and Broadway director and choreographer Chet Walker. Led by internationally-acclaimed dance artists in a master class format, no cuts are made during the audition. This provides an excellent opportunity for dancers to take a full professional class, gain audition experience, and learn more about The School at Jacob’s Pillow.
On February 28, dancer and choreographer Jonathan Fredrickson of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago will lead the master class audition for the Contemporary Program. In 2011, Fredrickson was featured in Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” for his choreography and has created works for Hubbard Street 2 and Limon Dance Company. Fredrickson is an alumnus of The School at Jacob’s Pillow.
Columbia College of Chicago Lecturer and freestyle dancer Kelsa Robinson will lead the audition master class for Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop, also on February 28. Robinson is a member of the all-female, all-styles ensemble Venus Fly Trap, opened for renowned rapper Common as a member of L.I.F.E. dance company, and was awarded First Place in the Upstyles Battle at City vs. City/International Breakdance Event in Chicago (2006). Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop, is a special professional advancement program directed by Camille A. Brown and E. Moncell Durden and only offered in 2015. The program is for dancers who are interested in learning and practicing the African American social dances that influence jazz and hip-hop dance and is geared toward those with experience in one or more of the following genres: African, Brazilian, hip-hop, jazz, modern, musical theatre dance, swing, and other commercial and social dance styles.
On March 1, Tony Award nominated actress Jane Lanier will lead the Musical Theatre Dance master class audition. Lanier has appeared in six Broadway shows including the revivals of Guys and Dolls (2009) andAnything Goes (1989) and worked with legendary choreographers Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse. She is currently on faculty at Roosevelt University.
The School at Jacob’s Pillow offers an incomparable experience in its immersive Festival environment. Program participants train six days a week with world renowned artists, attend Festival performances and master classes, study in the internationally regarded Archives, and live on the historically significant grounds of Jacob’s Pillow. Alumni of The School appear in Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” on Broadway, and in major companies worldwide. Last year, 43 alumni of The School returned as Festival artistic directors, choreographers, and performers.
Auditions are open to advanced dancers, ages 15 and up. No pre-registration is required. A $15 cash fee is required for all audition participants.
If applicants are unable to attend in person auditions, video auditions are highly encouraged as they are given the same consideration as in person auditions. Video auditions must accompany a complete program application. Details can be found by visiting http://www.jacobspillow.org/education/school/audition-apply/audition-apply.php#Vid.
For specific audition guidelines, a full audition schedule, 2015 Program details, and complete application guidelines, visit www.jacobspillow.org/education/school.
When: Contemporary Audition:
Saturday, February 28
Registration: 10-10:45am
Audition Class: 11am-1pm
Lou Conte Dance Studio at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop Audition:
Saturday, February 28
Registration: 2-2:45pm
Audition Class: 3-5pm
Lou Conte Dance Studio at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Musical Theatre Dance Audition:
Sunday, March 1
Registration: 1-1:45pm
Audition Class: 2-5pm
Lou Conte Dance Studio at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Where: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Lou Conte Dance Studio
1147 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60607
Scholarship Opportunities: Applicants auditioning by video for the Ballet, Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop, Contemporary, or Musical Theatre Dance Programs are eligible for consideration of the Lorna Strassler Award for Student Excellence, which provides a full scholarship and $2,500 cash award. Jacob’s Pillow Scholarships are also available for any dancer needing financial assistance with the program fee.
For more information about scholarships, visit www.jacobspillow.org/education/school/scholarships.