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College & post-grad
Semester in Residence
From this unique program, 99% of our participants have gone on to work professionally – at the Commonweal and at theatres across the country.
Details
This 13-week undergraduate residency program, in partnership with your school, offers you the opportunity to intern in your chosen area of focus while taking a broad range of structured classes. This is an immersive theatre experience – you will work with and be taught by the professional artists and administrators that make up the Commonweal. The program culminates in a final project. Designed to meet the needs of both the student and the Commonweal, internships may include stage management, administration, design/technical theatre, on-stage roles and understudy assignments.
Coursework
Classes are taught in Lanesboro by members of the Commonweal company, who possess either an M.F.A. or commensurate professional experience. Offerings include advanced courses in acting, directing and design. Students are also encouraged to take part in master classes taught by guest artists. Previous instructors include UCSD faculty member Charlie Oates and former Theatre de la Jeune Lune company member Luverne Seifert.
Housing
Three blocks fom the theatre, a fully-equipped Artists Residence houses students and company members as well as a design studio and classroom/rehearsal space.
Cost & Registration
Participants register through their school, paying registration and fees for a full credit semester. At institutions where housing is part of the tuition, the room cost for the semester will be included. Where housing is not included, the Commonweal will bill the student directly for a $1,000 housing fee. Meals are the responsibility of the student. There are three 13-week sessions annually: Spring (Feb.- May), Summer (May-Aug.), and Fall (Sept.-Dec.).
Application
To apply, please submit resume, letter of intent (including your area of interest), letter of recommendation, and application form. Actors will be asked to audition as part of the application process. Application deadlines: November 1 for spring semester, March 1 for summer semester, May 1 for fall semester.
For more information, contact Hal Cropp at (507) 467-2905 x203.
Apprenticeships
This ten month program is designed for those who have either completed undergraduate coursework or have commensurate experience and would benefit from a prolonged relationship with a small professional theatre company. Focused primarily on experiential learning through a traditional mentor/apprentice relationship, the program also affords regular classroom opportunities and participation in a culminating production on the main stage of the new Commonweal.
Details
The typical apprentice will be in the rehearsal process of at least two productions, will work in front of house, box office and other administrative capacities, and will have technical theatre assignments to fulfill. Acting and directing apprentices will find their major focus to be shadowing professional company members through the rehearsal process. Administrative apprentices will find themselves with more involved administrative projects and assignments. All apprentices have “a place at the table” for staff and company meetings to observe and participate in programming, finance, and organizational development discussions.
Housing & Stipend
Three blocks from the theatre, a fully-equipped Artists Residence houses apprentices and company members as well as a costume design studio and classroom/rehearsal space. We also offer apprentices a weekly stipend.
Why Commonweal?
Our Resident Company is composed of artist/administrators who work and live in Lanesboro (pop. 780) year-round. The box office worker a patron sees on one night might be someone that patron sees on stage the next night. We are an integral part of this unique rural community, made up of an intriguing mix of agricultural and tourism industries. The Commonweal experience is unlike any other - we look forward to sharing it with you.
For more information, contact Artistic Director Hal Cropp at (507) 467-2905 x203.