VSA arts and Williamstown Theatre Festival to Select Apprentice

January 26, 2006

Theatre Students with Disabilities Offered Chance of a Lifetime

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 26, 2006 - VSA arts is partnering with the Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program to offer a student with a disability, age 19-24, who is an aspiring theatre artist, the opportunity to be an apprentice at the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts, June 14-August 21, 2006. The selected student will learn theatre skills from seasoned professionals while working with other students from around the country.

VSA arts is dedicated to creating a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. One of the goals of VSA arts is to provide aspiring artists with disabilities the opportunity to develop skills in pursuit of a career in the arts.

The Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program is an intense training program taught by professional theatre artists that integrates all student actors, regardless of experience. Apprentices study acting, voice, and movement, and learn about the acting business. The students learn about the many facets of operating a professional theatre by participating in crews that build sets, hang lights, work in the box office, and assist the publicity department. Apprentices also have an opportunity to audition for Williamstown Theatre Festival productions. Former students of the program include Christopher Reeve and Gwyneth Paltrow.

“The Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program provides some of the best hands-on learning experiences for those interested in pursuing a theatre career,” said Soula Antoniou, President of VSA arts. “We are thrilled to offer this apprenticeship to a student with a disability so they may have the opportunity to pursue their passion in the art of theatre.”

“Our summer-long theatre festival brings together emerging theatre talents and accomplished mentors in a vital and supportive educational atmosphere,” said Roger Rees, Artistic Director, Williamstown Theatre Festival. “We believe the arts are for everyone and are very happy to partner with VSA arts to expand our program and build career opportunities for all artists.”

The selected VSA arts apprentice will have all expenses paid including the application fee, tuition, room and board, and airfare to and from Massachusetts (including ground transportation). College credits may be arranged through some academic institutions. Reasonable accommodation for the apprentice’s disability will be made and the apprentice must attend the full session.

Deadline for applications: February 21, 2006

Download an application and requirements or call 800-933-8721.

About VSA arts

VSA arts, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world.

Media Contact

Marcia Rhodes,VSA arts, (202) 628-2800 ext. 3883, marciar@vsarts.org
Lawrence Klein, Williamstown Theatre Festival, (413) 458-3200

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