About the Conservatory

Challenging musical theatre training in a professional, engaging and rewarding atmosphere for aspiring young performers ages 10 - 18!

The Paper Mill Playhouse Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory will take place from June 28 – July 31, 2010. The Senior and Junior Plus companies will be held on the campus of Montclair State University School of the Arts, and the younger Junior company’s classes will take place at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. See below for more information on Conservatory companies.

Paper Mill's Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory offers the unique opportunity for gifted and talented young performers to challenge themselves to achieve new goals and learn new skills. Core classes include musical theatre, acting and dance and rehearsals for the end of year concert performance. Key to the curriculum is the development of self-discipline, respect, and a commitment to excellence that will serve these young artists throughout their lives. The goal of this training is to allow students to enhance their individual performance potential while also developing a broad base of theatre experience and knowledge. Students participate in demanding singing, acting, dance and improvisation classes and attend guest artist workshops led by professional actors, directors and casting agents. The end of the month is devoted to rehearsals for the New Voices Concert, performed annually on the Paper Mill Stage.

Former Conservatory students include: Laura Benanti (2008 Tony Award winner for GYPSY), Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada and Disney's The PrincessDiaries), Matthew Scott (Broadway's JERSEY BOYS and A CATERED AFFAIR), Robert McClure (Broadway's AVENUE Q), Veronica J. Kuehn (Broadway's MAMMA MIA!),Eric Schneider (Broadway's JERSEY BOYS), Frank Dolce (Broadway's BILLY ELLIOT), Daniel Marconi (Broadway's MARY POPPINS), Elizabeth Egan Gillies (Broadway's 13!), Jared Gertner (Broadway's THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and Paper Mill's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS), Constantine Rousouli (Broadway's HAIRSPRAY), Leah Greenhaus (Broadway's SHREK THE MUSICAL), Julia Knitel (Broadway’s BYE, BYE BIRDIE) and Paul Iacono (2009 MGM Films' remake of "FAME".)

CONSERVATORY COMPANIES & TUITION:

The Conservatory is divided into three companies, allowing each student to develop at their own pace and work on material that is appropriate for their age and skill level. Although age is used as a guideline, the talent, ability and maturity demonstrated by the student at the auditions also plays a part in determining placement.

The Senior Company (approx. ages 14 to 18) meets Monday through Friday from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm on the campus of Montclair State University in UpperMontclair. Tuition is $2000.

The Junior Plus Company (approx. ages 12 to 14) meets Monday through Friday from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm on the campus of Montclair State University in Upper Montclair. Tuition is $1800.

The Junior Company (approx. ages 10 to 12) meets Monday through Friday from 9:45 am to 4 pm at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. Tuition is $1500.

PLEASE NOTE: On-campus housing at Montclair State University is NOT available. All students must commute to campus daily.

Entry into one of the companies is through an audition process and students are placed into the program according to their ability, demonstrated training and performance experience and mostly, the quality of their audition. All spots are open and everyone must audition - regardless of prior enrollment in Paper Mill classes or previous summer acceptance.

Paper Mill Playhouse Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory is generously supported by Investors Savings Bank Foundation, Wyeth, Ambrose & Ida Fredrickson Foundation, and The Bloomingdale's Fund of the Macy's Foundation. Additional major funding for Paper Mill Playhouse Education Outreach is provided by The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and Shirley Aidekman-Kaye.

Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is grateful for generous contributions from numerous corporations, foundations and individuals.