Audition for BAM’s Nationally Recognized, Award-Winning
Musical Theatre Training & Competition Team
The BAM Conservatory Ensemble (BCE) offers a professional level training program for students who want to excel in musical theater performance. Selected through an audition process, an ensemble of students will take part in a rich curriculum that involves classes, exclusive productions, and participation in the internationally celebrated Junior Theatre Festival. This is the ultimate opportunity for young performers to level up their theatrical training, collaborate with peers who share the same passion for musical theater, and network with industry professionals on both a local and national level. This renowned program aims to instill self confidence, vast knowledge, and exceptional skills in its participants, while offering them invaluable experience to blossom into leaders within their communities in school, professionally, and beyond.
BCE 2025/26 PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Students selected for this program will be invited to a full season of musical theater training and performance opportunities. The curriculum encompasses classes, specialized workshops, competitive performance opportunities, and exclusive productions. Read more about each facet of the program below:
CORE CLASSES:
Students will attend the following classes during the BCE season, which will be held on most Sundays throughout the curriculum:
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Ensemble Building: Every Sunday will incorporate a 30-minute ensemble building session to strengthen and unify the ensemble. This time includes a variety of acting exercises and team-building activities. Occasionally, it may also be used for costume fittings, meetings, and other activities.
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Dance Tech: Students will engage in a 30-minute dance techniques class on Sundays. This class focuses on grounding dance techniques to elevate students' dance skills.
THE LAB:
In the first term, a series of 8 rotating labs will be offered, each featuring a unique workshop or master class. These workshops may cover topics like Auditioning, Viewpoints, Circus, and more. In the past, we've had esteemed guest clinicians such as Bob Mason (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Jim Corti (Paramount Theater), Barbara Robertson (a Jeff Award Winning Actress), Natalie Weiss, and others. The full 2025/26 LAB Session Schedule will be announced later this summer.
ACTING COHORTS:
In addition to regular BCE events, students will be divided into smaller Acting Cohorts that meet weekly at a different time throughout the fall term. Participation in these cohorts is optional but highly encouraged.
In the Fall Term, cohorts meet as small-group acting classes, focusing on personalized training and ensemble development. During the Spring Term, these cohorts transition into select call rehearsals for the Spring Production. Rehearsal content is customized for each group, though students may occasionally be invited to participate in other cohort rehearsals based on production needs.
Juniors & Seniors in the high school program can elect to be placed in the College Audition Track Cohort, which will focus on college audition preparation.
More information about cohorts, as well as the various cohort schedules can be found here.
BOOTCAMP DAY: "DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CHICAGO ACTOR"
Actors will come together for an exciting bootcamp day in the fall term. Details for this adventure are pending and will be shared soon!
FALL PRODUCTION:
During the first term, students will also participate in the rehearsal process for the “Double Feature.” BCE and JrBCE will each prepare a musical to be performed in repertory. Both shows will be staged using competition standards, utilizing only the actors' bodies, faces, and minds to create the world of the play and tell the story!
JUNIOR THEATER FESTIVAL (JTF):
The Junior Theater Festival (JTF) is an incredible event that brings thousands of aspiring performers from all over the world together to share their passion for musical theater. Each group performs a 15-minute section from a Broadway Junior®️ show, which is adjudicated by a panel of musical theater experts. The festival also includes workshops for students and parents, professional development for teachers, and a showcase of new musical adaptations. The festival culminates with a fantastic concert featuring top Broadway performers! Participating in this festival is a life-changing experience; students often consider it the best part of the program. This year BCE will travel to Atlanta, GA to participate in JTF!
Post Double Feature, we will turn our attention to preparation for JTF. The adjudication cut will be a 15 minute excerpt from the Fall Production, and we will re-work the show to JTF standards.
Festival and travel expenses are additional costs not included in the base tuition for BCE. We require one parent chaperone for every 4 students. While participation in JTF is highly encouraged, students who are unable to attend the trip may still participate in JTF rehearsals and perform in the Local Showcase.
Additional JTF information is available here.
SPRING PRODUCTION:
Upon returning from the Junior Theater Festival, the ensemble will reunite back home to work on the spring production. BCE students will portray all principal, supporting, and primary ensemble roles in the production. The rehearsal schedule for this portion of the program may offer a broken down call schedule on some dates, meaning the full group may not be called to every rehearsal or for the full duration of each rehearsal. Some roles also may be called earlier than 5pm on select days, pending actor availability. Additionally, during the Spring Term, Acting Cohorts transition into select call rehearsals for the Spring Production.
Members of the Junior Company will also have the option to participate in a smaller youth ensemble, rehearsing independently from BCE, and performing in select segments of the show.
BCE PERKS:
In addition to participating in the above, BCE students also have the opportunity to get involved in the following:
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Winter Cabaret: standard student ticket included in tuition.
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Participation in the BCE performance number
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A solo/small group performance of their own choosing
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Discounts on additional BAM Classes & Drop-In Dance Passes
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Voice Lessons: 10% discount on voice lessons/private coachings while BCE is in season
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BAM Merch: 10% discount all year long!
Announcing the BCE 2025/26 Season Productions:
Spring Production:
INTO THE WOODS
March 13 - 15, 2026
AUDITION INFORMATION
Vocal & Acting Auditions- Sunday, August 24
Dance Auditions - Tuesday, August 26
Students will sign up for a thirty minute time slot for their vocal & acting audition. Students may choose to prepare either two contrasting musical theater song selections, or one song and one spoken monologue. Each audition selection should be one minute in length. For songs, please bring sheet music accompanist ready (double sided, three hole punched, in a binder). All should plan on attending the dance call on the evening of 8/26. We will email you an assigned dance call time approximately one week prior to auditions.
Prior to auditions, we will also send you an audition form to complete. Please bring your completed form, along with a headshot (any recent picture) and resume, to your audition.
TUITION FOR THE 2025/26 BCE SEASON:
Tuition is $285/month, payable September through March.
Payments can be made in full ($1,995) after acceptance, or divided into seven monthly installments of $285.
Travel & Festival Participation fees are additional costs collected throughout the program. View comprehensive program overview, schedule, and breakdown of tuition & estimated additional expenses here.
View BAMtheatre's Tuition Policy.
BAMtheatre is dedicated to making our programs accessible to all students. Fundraising and scholarship opportunities are available—please contact us at info@bamtheatre.com to learn more.
Beginning this year, the BCE Booster Parent Organization is offering formal scholarship opportunities for students who require financial aid to participate. Applications must be submitted by August 1 in order to be considered. More information on how to apply is available here.