Catalyst: NWCT’s Youth Company is an advanced training program for performing arts and technical and design theater students ages 12 to 18.
The main goal of Catalyst is to facilitate learning by doing. Through a combination of performance and production opportunities as well as classes and workshops, students develop their craft under the mentorship of professional theater artists.
Students must be at least 12 years old by September 1, 2022 to participate in Catalyst in the 2022-23 season.
Participation in Catalyst is by application and audition, or invitation only. Company members will have access to three types of opportunities:
- Self-selected projects, performances, classes, and workshops based on age and interest
- Catalyst productions cast by the director based on students’ audition submissions and possible callbacks
- Mainstage productions cast by the director based on students’ audition submissions and possible callbacks
Application & Audition Process
Catalyst applications are accepted throughout the year.
All students interested in joining Catalyst must complete an application and submit a photo of themselves (a professional headshot is not required).
Applicants will also be asked about theater-related & performance experience, and will have the option to provide a resume. Click here to view a sample resume.
Students do NOT need to have extensive experience in every area to be considered.
Applicants do NOT need to submit audition materials in all categories. However, if you want to be considered for acting roles, you must submit a monologue. If you want to be considered for musical theater roles, you must submit a song and dance.
Each video submission should be approximately one minute or less.
Students interested in design or technical theater will indicate this in the “material submission” section on the application form. There are no specific audition materials required for design or tech.
Deadlines
Students ages 12 to 18 may submit an application and audition materials any time throughout the year.
NWCT will contact applicants via the email listed on the application form whether or not they have been accepted into Catalyst.
Tuition
Catalyst programs are tuition-based. There is an annual $50 registration fee, paid when artists are accepted into the program. Performance, workshop, and class tuition varies from $75 – $350. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying students.
Mainstage performers of all ages are paid.
