Next Generation is a program designed to cultivate a professional interest in the theatrical art form. The program identifies students (as early as their 9th grade spring term) who might have an interest pursuing theatre after graduation. Students who participate in Next Generation have participated in at least two programs from each category.
Category A
(At Perseverance Theatre)
Summer Theatre Arts Rendezvous (Training)
Young Company
Second Stage (Performance or Crew)
Main Stage (Performance or Crew)
University Theatre Classes
Company Training
Prologue
Category B
(At Juneau Douglas High School)
Spring Musical (Performance or Crew)
Fall Play (Performance or Crew)
Beginning Acting Class
Intermediate Acting Class
Scripted Theatre Class
Technical Theatre Class
Prologue
Once identified, students enter a sixteen phase process of exploration and college preparation:
Exploration – The first step is an exploratory stage, students are set up with mentors who share their craft, work on small theatre projects (monologues, theatre designs, tech theatre projects, etc…), attend and discuss local theatre productions, visit art galleries, attend cultural events & festivals, among other activities. This endeavor is designed to provide real world perspectives and support prior to choosing a career in the theatre. Regular check-ins with teachers and student’s grades are a requirement of this first phase.
College Preparation – Once students have reached the spring semester of their junior year, they enter the college preparation stage of the program. In this stage, mentorships continue however students now begin to meet with a theatre liaison to discuss their theatrical ambitions after high school. Assuming the student still wants to work in the theatre, they begin a process of choosing a career path that includes some sort of professional/university training. Interviews are conducted with the student, the parents and teachers to help guide the student in choosing a course of action. Once these paths are chosen, a theatre liaison helps the student apply to a program by providing audition preparation and organizing letters of recommendation from the theatre. Finally, once the student has been accepted to a chosen school, the liaison provides transition assistance and advice as the student prepares to move in to the college environment.
For more information contact Shona Strauser, at 907-364-2421 ext 232.
