Young Ensemble

ABOUT YOUNG ENSEMBLE

In an effort to better nurture and support talented and focused young artists from throughout the Chicago community, Lookingglass formed its Young Ensemble program in the spring of 2006. The Lookingglass Young Ensemble is an audition-based program designed to develop new work in a process that mirrors the artistic process of the Lookingglass Ensemble, including skill building, material generation, rehearsal, and performance. The Young Ensemble program is for students in grades 5-12.

Auditions are held at the start of the school year, and during the fall quarter, the Young Ensemble meets from 5–8PM on Monday evenings as members work collaboratively on skill building. During the winter and spring quarters, the group works as two smaller ensembles; each cast creates a fully-produced performance in Lookingglass’ Chase Studio Theatre. Weekend rehearsals are assigned as needed during the winter and spring quarters.

The Young Ensemble program is highly subsidized by Lookingglass and its supporters; each Young Ensemble family is responsible for a $300 program fee (fee waivers and payment plans are available), as well as participating in marketing and selling tickets for the Young Ensemble shows each spring.

AUDITION INFORMATION

2019-2020 Program Information

Fall rehearsals are scheduled to begin September 16 and wrap up on December 9. Typically we follow the CPS calendar; Oct 14 (Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day) and Nov 11 (Veteran’s Day) will be determined in September, based on ensemble availability.
Spring productions will take place in March (the weekends of March 14-15, 21-22, 28-29), with some additional programming occurring in May.
All students are expected to fully participate in the whole year of programming, including performing in the spring productions.
this program is highly competitive; typically we accept between 5-10 new students each year.

2019-2020 Audition Information

Auditions will be held from 4-7PM on September 10 & 11, at Lookingglass theatre (821 N. Michigan Ave, entrance on Pearson), and will be facilitated by Lizzie Perkins (Director of Education) and Andy White (Director of Community Engagement, Ensemble Member)
Auditions will take place in 30 minute slots, and will include an individual piece and a group audition
For the individual piece, please prepare a one minute monologue, story or poem. It can be from an existing play or it can be original work. It should be rehearsed and memorized.
The group audition will include ensemble activities (theatre exercises, etc.) to see how different students work together
Potential new students will audition alongside current/returning Young Ensemble members. Returning seniors may also be present in the audition room
please be prepared to move and wear comfortable clothes
you are not required to bring a headshot and resume, but we encourage you to bring a recent picture!
To schedule your audition
This year, all students are required to fill out a pre-audition form (the form includes your specific availability for auditions). Once we have received your form, we will contact you to confirm receipt and to schedule your audition.Additionally, new students are strongly encouraged to submit a recommendation form from someone who knows you well – a teacher, coach, director, etc. This will help us get to know you a little better! Please send this link to your recommender, and ask them to submit their recommendation by September 9.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at education@lookingglasstheatre.org or 773.477.9257 X193