I love how Lookingglass Theatre brings out the best in people and it brings out the best in me. I feel like I can have fun and be myself.
– Young Ensemble Student
About
Heading into it’s 26th year, The Lookingglass Young Ensemble (YE) is a group of Chicago-area young adults, ages 13-18, committed to building their theater skills, lifting their voices, and developing their creativity through collaborative creation.
Meeting weekly from Fall through Spring, a typical year could include skill-building workshops, rehearsals, and an annual production that weaves together language, visual spectacle, music, and the unique talents and contributions of the ensemble. Inclusive, rigorous, playful, and endlessly creative, the Young Ensemble builds not only better artists, but better collaborators, thinkers, and leaders.
Tuition is $300. Scholarships available.
Are you a Young Ensemble alum? Fill out our survey here, we’d love to hear where life has taken you!
Rehearsals
Young Ensemble does not currently have rehearsals scheduled. Check back later for 24-25 audition information!
Auditions
2024-25 YE Auditions will be announced soon.
During YE auditions, we typically offer 45-minute slots, during which we’ll work with a group of 6-8 people. Each person will present their individual piece (described below) and then we’ll work with the whole group together for about 15 minutes.
- A short monologue, between 1 & 2 minutes in length — it can be serious, comedic, or anything in between, whatever gives you an opportunity to share your skills.
- Thirty-seconds to one minute of something else — play or sing a song? juggling? a tap routine? mime-work? Whatever else you want us to know you can do.
My son has been in the Lookingglass Young Ensemble for five years. He is not the same person who first auditioned for the ensemble (fyi parents – he did not make it the first time!). The way that his passion and understanding of theatre and of performance have blossomed through devising theatre, studying acting and movement with real Lookingglass ensemble members as coaches and even directors. What an incredible opportunity to perform TONY award winning plays directed by original cast members.
– Young Ensemble Parent
Want more info about Lookingglass Young Ensemble or interested in auditions? Email us!
