BAM Conservatory Ensemble
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 2026/27 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:
FALL TERM (August 30 - November 7, 2026):
The Fall Term begins with an eight-week intensive with extended hours that provides students with a concentrated burst of training and education, including extended Sunday rehearsal days that allow for deeper skill development and ensemble work. During this period, students participate in a comprehensive, education-focused curriculum centered on acting, vocal performance, movement, ensemble collaboration, and storytelling techniques.
The term culminates in the Double Feature Tech & Performance Week, where students apply their training in performance. The Fall Term will incorporate the following:
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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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Vocal Foundations: A dedicated weekly hour focused on strengthening ensemble vocal technique through applied work within the production material. These sessions emphasize musical accuracy, blend, and rehearsal efficiency in a performance context. While the full company will be called for most sessions, select rehearsals may involve only specific groups or individuals as needed.
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LAB: 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), visits from Chicago Talent Agencies, and others. The full 2026/27 LAB Session Schedule will be announced later this summer.
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BCE Bootcamp: BCE actors will come together for an exciting Bootcamp day during the fall term. This full-day experience is typically hosted at a regional theatre in the Chicagoland area and includes onsite rehearsals and workshops, a dinner outing, and attendance at a live performance. Full details for this experience are still being finalized and will be shared soon.
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Double Feature Rehearsal & Production: During the fall term, students will 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! The Double Feature performances will take place November 5 - 7, 2026. There will be three scheduled performances for each ensemble production.
COMPETITION TERM (November 15, 2026 - February 8, 2027):
Following the Double Feature, the program will transition into an intensive JTF preparation period. Students will refine and adapt a 15-minute adjudication cut from the Fall Production to meet JTF standards, with an emphasis on precision, storytelling, and ensemble performance. This phase of the program will continue to emphasize high-level, conservatory-style training throughout the rehearsal process and competition preparation, while also fostering student leadership opportunities in the following areas:
Student Leadership: The first 15 - 30 minutes of rehearsals in this term of the program will involve an ensemble based warm-up and team building activities, facilitated by student elected Dance, Music, and Ensemble Captains under the supervision of the creative team.
Junior Theater Festival: 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 Sacramento, CA to participate in JTF West (February, 2027)!
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 but are still interested in participating in BCE are encouraged to reach out to discuss available options. Additional JTF information is available here.
DANCE SUPPLEMENT (September, 2026 - May, 2027):
One dance class of the student’s choosing (based on appropriate placement and level) is included in BCE tuition. Class recommendations will be provided following admission into the program to help guide each student toward the best fit for their training goals and experience level. Note that all dance classes are available to both BCE students and the broader BAMtheatre community.
BCE ELECTIVES (September, 2026 - May, 2027):
Students are encouraged to further expand their training through additional elective classes in dance, acting, or music. These electives are available to both BCE students and the broader BAMtheatre community. BCE students may enroll in additional elective classes at a reduced rate from standard class pricing.
SPRING TERM - PRODUCTION (March 7 - May 16, 2027):
Following a short break after JTF, members of BCE will have the option to participate in the Spring Production. BCE students will perform all principal, supporting, and primary ensemble roles within the show. For 2027, Junior Company members will also have the opportunity to participate in a youth ensemble, appearing in select portions of the production. Rehearsals for this extension will follow a staggered call schedule, meaning the full company will not be required at every rehearsal, nor for the full duration of each session.
The Spring Term Extension offerings may vary year to year. While this season includes participation in a fully produced musical, future iterations may shift to other performance or training-based experiences.
Announcing the BCE 2026/27 Season Productions:
Spring Production:
HADESTOWN
May 14 - 16, 2027
AUDITION INFORMATION
Vocal & Acting Auditions- August 15 & 16
Dance Auditions - August 16
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 - you must be under 60 seconds per selection. For songs, please bring sheet music accompanist ready (double sided, three hole punched, in a binder). All should plan on attending the dance call. 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 2026/27 BCE SEASON:
Tuition is $285/month, due September through April.
Payments can be made in full ($2,280) after acceptance, or divided into eight 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.
The BCE Booster Parent Organization offers formal scholarship opportunities for students who require financial aid to participate. Applications must be submitted by July 15, 2026 in order to be considered. More information is available here.