Happening at SteppingStone

Theatre Ambassadors

Program Mission

To ignite, excite, and inspire young artists as they develop into bold theatre-makers and leaders through shared learning experiences with professional mentors and explorations of diverse stories and viewpoints.


A collage of teens doing various theatre activities - participating in workshops, etc. They are smiling and active.

The 2021-2022 cohort of Theatre Ambassadors.


Applications for the 2022-2023 cohort are now open!
See below for application details.

Open to teens going into grades 10 – 12 in the fall of 2022


What to Expect

Participants will learn and grow together in a cohort of peers who are committed to theatre as a form of exploration and challenging our preconceived notions. Your cohort will converge monthly to watch, critique, and discuss performances, participate in on-your-feet theatre workshops led by professional artists, and share experiences designed to develop leadership skills.

TYPICAL MONTHLY GATHERING

The complete schedule will be provided upon acceptance into the program

12:00-2:00pm: Pre-show Workshop/Discussion- A closer look at the script or discussion of a specific moment in the upcoming show.

2:00-4:30pm: See a Production!  Attend a free performance of a mainstage production from Park Square or SteppingStone Theatre

4:30-5:15pm: Dinner and Conversation with Artistic Staff — Eat in community and discuss the production with a member of the artistic staff (director or PST Artistic Leadership team) to hear about the process from show selection to opening night!

5:15-6:30pm: Theatre workshop with a guest artist focusing on everything from acting and stage combat to directing and technical theatre. 

Special Ambassador Events

Bring a Friend Day: Invite friends to learn more about the Theatre Ambassador program. You will be the hosts of this event to share your experiences throughout the year with new recruits.

Theatre Expedition Field Trip: Journey out into the Twin Cities’ theatre community to see a production. Ambassadors bring ideas and decide as a cohort which production to see during the year.

Devising Day!: You and your Ambassador cohort will write, direct, and perform a new work in a single day! Guided by a teaching artist, the cohort will collaborate on an original work while trying out production roles to bring the vision to life!

What commitments are required of you?

  • Show up! As a member of the cohort, you are expected to attend whenever possible
  • Communication! Communication is critical to planning. Please respond to emails and other communications completely and promptly. When you know of conflicts, please let us know right away.
  • Reflect, read, and occasionally write! Some outside work may be required in this program. To grow as a cohort, you’ll read scripts, write reviews, and talk together about your goals.
  • Share your experience! Invite 3-5 friends to join the group for bring-a-friend day to share your learnings and get the cohort excited for next year.

Highlights of the 2021-2022 cohort

  • Improv Workshop with Taj Ruler
  • Musical Theatre Workshop with Emily Villano
  • Artist Manifesto Workshop with Ansa Akyea
  • Stage Combat Workshop with Aaron Preusse
  • Directing Workshop with Ellen Fenster

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2022-2023 cohort are now open!

In addition to an online application, you are required to submit a letter of support from an adult who knows you and your goals (teacher, director, coach, leader, etc.)

If you are selected for an interview, you will chat by Zoom or phone with Park Square Education staff in a 30 minute interview. It will be our chance to get to know you better and you’ll get to ask questions about the program.

 


Program Fees

The Theatre Ambassadors program is Pay-As-You’re-Able. The full registration fee ($700) represents the amount that it costs us to bring this program to you and we ask that you pay what your family can afford.

For your family, Pay-As-You’re-Able may mean covering your fees and someone else’s. It could also mean paying half or some of the fee. The program fee includes workshop artist fees, tickets, and food for each participant throughout a school year.

Please direct any questions to Amanda Hestwood, School and Community Program Manager for Park Square Theatre at education@parksquaretheatre.org.

Application Overview

Eligibility: Open to teens entering grades 10 – 12

Fee: Pay-As-You’re-Able upon acceptance

Application Process: Online application, letter of support, and 30-Minute Zoom or phone interview with Education Staff


This Program is Pay-As-You’re-Able.

The Theatre Ambassadors program is Pay-As-You’re-Able. The full registration fee ($700) represents the amount that it costs us to bring this program to you and we ask that you pay what your family can afford.

For your family, Pay-As-You’re-Able may mean covering your fees and someone else’s. It could also mean paying half or some of the fee. The program fee includes workshop artist fees, tickets, and food for each participant throughout a school year. 


Equity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to access and inclusion for all people. Our programs stand firmly in opposition to racism and we challenge our young artists, staff, and Board of Directors to foster inclusion and to seek equity for all, including Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQAI+, economically disadvantaged, all religions, veterans, active military, and those with accessibility needs. We work with families to meet students’ needs be it social, academic, developmental, or physical. SteppingStone and Park Square respect students’ gender expression and provides access to gender-neutral facilities.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

At SteppingStone, we are committed to access and inclusion for all people. We stand firmly in opposition to racism, and our programs challenge our young artists, staff, and Board of Directors to foster inclusion and seek equity for all, including Black people, Indigenous peoples, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all economic backgrounds, people of all religions, and people with disabilities. SteppingStone collaborates with families to meet students’ needs, whether they are social, academic, developmental, or physical.

We Believe

Young people are artists, makers, and doers. They need to belong and to contribute to their world. When young people make art together, they change themselves and the world around them for the better.

We Do

SteppingStone ignites belonging, generosity, mastery, self-advocacy, and inspiration by creating art with young people to share with the world.