BAM Conservatory Ensemble
Audition for BAM’s Award-Winning and Nationally Recognized
musical theater training program!
The BAM Conservatory Ensemble (BCE) provides advanced training for high school students aspiring to excel in musical theater. Selected through auditions, students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes classes, exclusive productions, and participation in the prestigious Junior Theatre Festival. This program offers performers the chance to elevate their skills, collaborate with passionate peers, and connect with industry professionals locally and nationally. BCE aims to build confidence, deepen knowledge, and develop exceptional skills, preparing participants to become leaders in their schools, professional settings, and beyond.
BCE 2024/25 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:
WEEKLY 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 begins with 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.
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Acting Cohorts: In addition to regular BCE events, students will be divided into smaller Acting Cohorts that meet weekly at a different time. Participation in these cohorts is optional but highly encouraged.
BCE 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 24/25 LAB Session Schedule will be announced later this summer.
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!
In December, 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.
Participating in the festival and covering travel expenses are additional costs not included in the base tuition for BCE. We ask for one parent chaperone for every 4 students. Additional JTF information is available here. Students who opt out of JTF are still invited to participate in JTF rehearsals and perform in the Local Showcase.
SPRING PRODUCTION:
Upon returning from the prestigious Junior Theater Festival, the ensemble will reunite back home to create a spectacular 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 will be a broken down call schedule: the full group may not be called to every rehearsal or for the full duration of each rehearsal. Members of the Junior company will also be invited 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: Base 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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BAM Classes: 50% discount on weekday evening classes
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Voice Lessons: 10% discount on voice lessons/private coachings
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BAM Merch: 10% discount all year long!
Announcing the BCE 24/25 Season Productions:
Spring Production:
Hunchback of Notre Dame
March 14 - 16, 2025
AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions for the 2024/25 Season have concluded. We will be announcing this year's ensemble members soon! Audition information for the 2025/26 Season will be available Summer 2025.
Tuition for the 2024/25 BCE program is $1,800.00.
Payment is due after acceptance into the program, and may be paid in monthly installments or in full.
Travel & Festival Participation are additional costs. Part of BAM's mission is to ensure every student has access to our programs. Fundraising and scholarship opportunities are available. Email info@bamtheatre.com for more information.
View BAMtheatre's Tuition Policy.